Research at the School of Law
The research culture in our School of Law is incredibly diverse. Our academics are working across around 90 areas of law.
Our academics are tackling many of the most important issues facing law makers and those working in the legal profession from human
rights through to public law. Multidisciplinary research projects also see our academics working alongside experts in other disciplines
to analyse key global issues.
Here is a sample of some of the main projects currently being undertaken in our School.
For more information about the research our staff are involved in see
individual
staff entries or our Research Interests page.
Judicial review under the microscope
Professor Maurice Sunkin is leading a major study in collaboration with the Public Law Project, a national charity concerned with access
to public law, on the effect of judicial review. This research touches on various issues including whether judicial review gives judges
too much power and whether it is a vital tool for holding government to account. The Nuffield Foundation-funded research will provide
independent evidence on how governments respond to judicial decisions and how ordinary claimants fare when public authority decisions that
fundamentally affect their lives are reviewed by the courts.
Details of The Value of Judicial Review project on the
Nuffield Foundation website.
Centre of excellence in European law
Our Essex Centre for Comparative and European Law (EXCCEL) is a 'virtual' centre of excellence in European legal
research. EXCCEL provides an opportunity for knowledge exchange between policymakers engaged in European and comparative law and our
experts at the School of Law.
Transitional Justice Network
The Essex Transitional Justice Network brings together academics from across the University and collaborators
from the UK and abroad. We are exploring issues faced by societies that are undergoing fundamental socio-political change, notably the
transition from a repressive to a democratic or constitutional regime, or from a state of civil war and unrest to peace and prosperity.
Access to justice in an age of austerity
Dr Ellie Palmer, from our Human Rights Centre, and Dr Tom Cornford, from our School of Law, are principal investigators on
Access to
justice in an age of austerity: Time for proportionate responses.
This project, supported by the Economic and Social Research Council, will include a Seminar Series looking at growing concerns surrounding
access to legal services especially for socially disadvantaged individuals and groups.
Corporate and White Collar Crime
This Arts and Humanities Research Council-funded project is led by Professor James Gobert and Dr. Ana-Maria Pascal, and brings together
academics and professionals from three continents.
They are now establishing a Corporate and White Collar Crime Network including academics and professionals
from around the world with an interest in this area. This network will create a repository for relevant information covering new and
proposed legislation, breaking cases and judicial decisions interpreting laws relating to corporate criminality.
Investigating impact of human rights on business
Our academics are working with colleagues in Essex Business School, our Department of Government and external partners on the
Essex Business
and Human Rights Project. The research looks at the
theoretical and practical impact of human rights in business.
Link:
Research on United Nations peacekeeping
With 120,000 troops, police and observers involved in 15 different United Nations peacekeeping missions across the globe, at a cost of
almost $8 billion a year, Scott Sheeran from our School of Law is leading a review of the related legal and human rights issues.
United Nations Peacekeeping Law Reform Project.
Research at the Human Rights Centre
Current research projects at our Human Right Centre include the
Children and Armed Conflict Unit, the Democratic Audit of the United Kingdom, the Impact of judicial decisions on the quality and
delivery of public services and Human Rights and Sustainable Development.
Find a scholarship
Use our scholarship finder to find the right funding for you. Scholarships and
bursaries are available to support talented students, ensuring we remain
accessible to all with the potential to succeed, regardless of your financial circumstances.
Find a PhD
Use our research finder to find the right PhD for you. Studying for your PhD at
Essex gives you a chance to investigate your topic with depth and understanding.
You develop new high-level skills, enhance your professional development and build networks, opening doors to many careers.