Lord Kingarth QC at Glenalmond College

Wednesday, September 29^th 2010

There is a downloadable .pdf file Talk by Lord Kingarth QC, OG

Having a judge of the Supreme Court of Scotland amongst the College's OGs is notable, Lord Kingarth at Glenalmond College, Scotland but to have five is a fine accolade for the school. We were delighted to welcome Lord Kingarth QC, OG (Patchell's) who gave a lecture both to the Lower 6^th, as part of their new studies programme, and to the William Bright Society on "Law and the Role of a Judge in the Justice System". We were introduced to the complex issues involved in a murder case (Criminal Law) and a compensation claim (Civil Law). Lord Kingarth's points were conveyed in terms which could be understood by the layman, which made the lecture extremely accessible for his audience.

Lord Kingarth outlined the problems that judges face in trying to balance justice for both parties involved in a court case and in considering a wide variety of evidence. Issues of confidentiality and of the rights of both parties in court cases so that a fair trial ensues, of the maintenance of order in court made us all realise what demanding work judges face and how society depends so much on their wisdom and integrity. Speaking directly to his audience with little reference to any notes, from his introduction to his considered response to a somewhat perplexing set of questions, Lord Kingarth had his audience in the palm of his hand for a full hour, his wit leading to laughter and amusement on occasions. We are extremely grateful to him for giving of his time on Glenalmond's behalf.

Further topics covered in the talk included:

The differences between Criminal Law and Civil Law
Where these different cases are heard
The role of the Advocate Depute
How they are judged
The obligation on the prosecution to prove a case
The role of the jury
The Appeal system
The independence of the judiciary
Why judges wear robes
Entering the legal profession

Tom Francis, Matheson's Upper 6^th