Socio-Legal Studies

  • Callum Laffey

    Socio-Legal Studies

    PhD Researcher in Socio-Legal Studies (ESRC 1+3)
    University of Exeter, Law School, CSSIS

    Start date: October 2019

    Research topic: How revolutionary new technologies, automating and simplifying the shipping process, will fit into shipping’s ancient legal and regulatory regime?

    I will look at the legal and regulatory hurdles, both nationally and internationally, which must be overcome for autonomous shipping and similar technologies to be incorporated into our legal and regulatory regime.

     

    This research will be, I believe, the first in-depth project which will look at the issue from both a public and private law perspective.

    Research supervisors: Dr Kyriaki Nousia

    Email: cl719@exeter.ac.uk


  • Christopher Gray

    Socio-Legal Studies, Student Rep

    PhD Researcher in Socio-Legal Studies (ESRC 1+3)
    University of Bristol, Law School

    Start date: September 2017

    Research topic: The Privilege against Self-Incrimination in Criminal Justice in the United Kingdom and The Gambia – Human Rights Law and Convergence

    I will be researching the protection offered by the right to fair trial to the privilege against self-incrimination in juvenile criminal justice. By focusing on the United Kingdom and The Gambia as case studies, domestic rules on admission of evidence will be considered in the context of human rights standards both internationally and in their respective regions. As well incorporating empirical research on how these standards are realised, this research will focus on the implications of the findings in light of the ‘convergence thesis’, and focus specifically on the role of human rights law in this.

    Research supervisors: Professor Rachel Murray, Dr Jennifer Collins

    Professional memberships/Positions held:

    SWDTP Student Rep;

    Human Rights Implementation Centre at the University of Bristol

    Email: cg15586@bristol.ac.uk

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfgray/

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/cf_gray


  • Conor Francis Macis

    Socio-Legal Studies

    PhD Researcher in Socio-Legal Studies (ESRC 1+3)
    University of Bristol, Law School

    Start date: October 2020

    Research topic: A Gramscian Analysis of Global Health Law to Ensure Justice in Responding to Antimicrobial Resistance

    My research is principally centred around Marxist legal philosophy, global health law, and the conceptualisation and achievement of global health justice. Law is not neutral; global health law is certain to adopt a particular philosophical framing, which means law can be harmful and/or beneficial for justice. By way of the development and subsequent deployment of a Gramscian critical lens, my research will analyse the capitalistic legal structures and legal responses to the profound global health crisis of antimicrobial resistance considering, at its forefront, the pursuit of global health justice.

    Research supervisors: Professor Keith Syrett, Professor Terrell Carver, Dr Jacopo Martire

    Email: conor.f.macis@bristol.ac.uk’

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conor-francis-macis-81b80014b

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/Conor_F_Macis


  • Donna Crowe-Urbaniak

    Socio-Legal Studies

    PhD Researcher in Socio-Legal Studies (ESRC +3)
    University of Exeter, Law School

    Start date: September 2017

    Research topic: Vulnerability, autonomy, power, and resilience: a socio-legal examination of the issues faced by military wives post-LASPO.

    My research aims to explore the experiences of women previously married to serving members of the Armed Forces by exploring issues of vulnerability, resilience, power, and autonomy, and examine ways in which current family law practices adequately meets the needs of this group.

     

     

    Research supervisors: Professor Liz Trinder, Professor Anne Barlow

    Email: dlc218@exeter.ac.uk

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/DonnaCroweUrb


  • Hannah Ahmed

    Socio-Legal Studies

    PhD Researcher in Socio-Legal Studies (ESRC 1+3)
    University of Bristol, Law School

    Start date: September 2016

    Research topic: The role of faith in procedural justice: offending and desistance

    Research supervisors: Professor Julian Rivers, Professor Antonia Layard

    Email: ha13737@my.bristol.ac.uk


  • Hannah Perry

    Socio-Legal Studies

    PhD Researcher in Socio-Legal Studies (ESRC +3)
    University of Bristol, Law School

    Start date: September 2017

    Research topic: Emotional readiness to negotiate in family law proceedings

    Emotional readiness to negotiate has been recognised as an important factor in parties’ ability to settle without using contested litigation. I am researching the emotional support given by solicitors to their clients to find out what non-legal support is currently available, and also what sorts of emotional support clients find helpful.

    Research supervisors: Dr Emma Hitchings, Professor Morag McDermont

    Professional memberships/Positions held:

    Practising family solicitor

    Email: hp15566@bristol.ac.uk

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahperry/

    Website/Blog: https://www.harbourfamilylaw.co.uk/our-team/hannah-perry-ba-msc/


  • Helen Thomas

    Socio-Legal Studies

    PhD Researcher in Socio-Legal Studies (ESRC +3)
    University of Bristol, Law School

    Start date: September 2014

    Research topic: Mobilising Marginalised Women’s Dissenting Voices:  Co-Producing New Possibilities

    Research supervisors: Professor Morag McDermont , Dr Therese O'Toole

    Email: h.thomas@bristol.ac.uk


  • Lara Farrell

    Socio-Legal Studies

    PhD Researcher in Socio-Legal Studies (ESRC 1+3)
    University of Bristol, Law School

    Start date: September 2017

    Research topic: Modern Slavery; A Community Research Perspective

    I am currently undertaking the MSc Socio-Legal Studies and will be commencing PhD research in September 2018. My research will focus on modern slavery in the UK and the current difficulties in defining and measuring it, and will consider the merits of community research as a means of addressing this issue.

    Research supervisors: Devyani Prabhat

    Email: lf17685@bristol.ac.uk

    LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/lara-farrell-978452a1


  • Maggie Fannon

    Socio-Legal Studies

    Socio-Legal Research +3
    University of Bristol, University of Bristol Law School

    Start date: September 2021

    Research topic: Sex work, Decent Work, and Marxist-feminist theory

    My research aims to explore sex work as potentially decent work and, through the lens of Marxist-feminist theory, to consider the possibilities and limitations of using labour law to achieve this. I place sex workers’ calls for labour rights in the context of a so-called ‘crisis’ of labour law, as an increasing body of non-standard workers labour outside the scope of the law’s protection. I suggest that the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda may offer an alternative to traditional labour law that has the power to improve sex workers’ material conditions. By learning from sex workers and activists through empirical research, I hope to consider the extent to which a Decent Sex Work framework could affect the changes that workers in the UK sex industry want to see, whilst engaging with the limitations imposed upon the legal form by the social context of gendered and racialised capitalism.

    Research supervisors: Dr Katie Cruz, Dr Joanne Conaghan

    Email: ov21431@bristol.ac.uk

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-fannon-b90024170

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/maggiefannon


  • Maria Wright

    Socio-Legal Studies

    PhD Researcher in Socio-Legal Studies (ESRC 1+3)
    University of Bristol, Law School

    Start date: September 2016

    Research topic: International child protection cases in practice

    Courts and Local Authorities in England and Wales are increasingly dealing with child protection cases with an international element. Issues will come in to play about the assessment of potential carers abroad, international co-operation between Local Authorities and the appropriate legal outcome for children. Tensions have arisen particularly in circumstances where children with international familial connections have been adopted in this country. My research seeks to examine how Courts and Local Authorities are working with children in international child protection cases, what challenges they face and how their practices could be modified to work more effectively in an international context.

    Research supervisors: Professor Judith Masson, Dr Emma Hitchings

    Email: mw3140@my.bristol.ac.uk

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-wright-08184422/

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/mw_sofia


  • Mollie Gascoigne

    Socio-Legal Studies

    PhD Researcher in Socio-Legal Studies (ESRC 1+3)
    University of Exeter, College of Social Sciences and International Studies

    Start date: October 2018

    Research topic: The Gender Recognition & Reform Project

    My research project is an empirical, mixed methods study into the Gender Recognition Act 2004 and possible options for reform. My research is undertaken in the context of increasing gender diversity and is particularly interested in examining how non-binary people perceive and experience the world with regard to the current legal provisions. As a result of the recent public consultation on the GRA 2004, my research has a reform agenda and intends to produce policy-orientated answers to the current questions surrounding reform of legal gender recognition.

    Research supervisors: Dr Stephen Skinner, Dr Charlotte Bishop

    Email: mg440@exeter.ac.uk


  • Natalie Olszowy

    Socio-Legal Studies

    PhD Researcher in Socio-Legal Studies (ESRC 1+3)
    University of Exeter, College of Social Sciences and International Studies

    Start date: October 2019

    Research topic: Reassessment of the Illegal Movement of Antiquities: Exposing Regulatory Gaps Posed by the Development of Social Media and Blockchain

    My research explores how technological advancements influence the illegal movement of cultural artefacts on the market for antiquities. It concentrates on the chain of sale as altered by the development of social media supported by blockchain technology. The research will identify regulatory gaps and shortcomings within international and domestic legislation preventing transnational cooperation of enforcement bodies and other parties involved.

    Research supervisors: Dr Agnieszka Jachec - Neale, Professor Sarah Green, Professor Gabriella Giannachi

    Email: no257@exeter.ac.uk

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/NatalieOlszowy


  • Patricia Blardony Miranda

    Socio-Legal Studies

    ESRC 1+3
    University of Bristol, Law School

    Start date: October 2022

    Research topic: Critically exploring tensions between CRPD Article 25 and the NHS entitlements framework on migrant mental health in England: embedding perspectives and lived experiences of Filipino migrant women

    Adopting a human rights lens, my PhD project explores doctrinal tensions between Article 25 (right to health) of the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), and the National Health Service (NHS) entitlements framework on migrant mental health in England. I plan to investigate the practical and ethical implications of these tensions through a case study of the lived experiences of Filipino migrant women. My PhD thesis adopts a transformative-emancipatory approach and incorporates a collaborative reform agenda with the goal of informing improvements to the NHS entitlements framework on migrant mental health, which may assist future migrant health-related policy and legislation.

    Research supervisors: Prof. Judy Laing, Prof. John Coggon, Prof. Rachel Murray

    Professional memberships/Positions held:

    1. Practicing attorney in the Philippines 2. Bristol Institute for Learning and Teaching Student Fellow for Embedding Wellbeing and Belonging in the Curriculum (2022/2023)

    Email: patricia.miranda.2021@bristol.ac.uk

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciabmiranda/

    Twitter: @pa3ciamiranda

    Website/Blog: https://linktr.ee/pattymiranda


  • Richard Costidell

    Socio-Legal Studies

    PhD Researcher in Socio-Legal Studies (ESRC 1+3)
    University of Bristol, Law School

    Start date: September 2014

    Research topic: The Prosecution of Crimes of Torture in the African Charter System as a Human Right: Towards obligation?

    In this research I will be conducting an investigation into the importance of realising the obligation to prosecute crimes of torture through the African Charter System. I will show that, although certain elements of the obligation to prosecute crimes of torture are currently found within Africa, the obligation to prosecute is not as clearly grounded as it should be. In doing so I will aim to show the significance of further developing the obligation to prosecute crimes of torture regionally as a human right and its importance for ensuring the prosecution of such crimes throughout the region.

    Research supervisors: Professor Rachel Murray, Professor Sir Malcolm Evans

    Email: rc12423@my.bristol.ac.uk


  • Robert Lloyd

    Socio-Legal Studies

    PhD Researcher in Socio-Legal Studies (ESRC 1+3)
    University of Bristol, Law School

    Start date: October 2019

    Research topic: An analysis of charity service provision for Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children in care of the British state

    A socio-legal analysis of cross-sector provision of societal care for Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children which investigates the methods of association between public and charity sector actors.

    The aim of my research is to understand how care provision for UASC is performed in the UK with regard to charity provision of projects and service which aid a child’s developmental needs, as well as their individual understanding of their asylum process.

    Research supervisors: Professor Morag McDermont, Dr Katie Bales

    Email: mz19418@bristol.ac.uk


  • Saskia Hardcastle

    Socio-Legal Studies

    Socio-Legal Studies 1+3
    University of Exeter, College of Social Sciences and International Studies

    Start date: September 2021

    Research topic: Human dignity and migrants' human rights protection

    My research explores the value that the legal concept of human dignity contributes to migrants’ human rights protection. This research uses comparative and empirical research methods to examine how
    beneficial human dignity can be in a migration context and how dignity can be used by legal practitioners in the UK.

    Research supervisors: Dr Catherine Dupré, Dr Helena Wray

    Email: s.hardcastle2@exeter.ac.uk

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/saskiahardcastle


  • Siân Pearce

    Socio-Legal Studies

    ESRC +3
    University of Exeter, HASS

    Start date: September 2022

    Research topic: Considering the lawyer/client relationship between children claimin asylum in their own right and those who represent them.

    Taking a legal anthropology approach, I will be considering how the relationship between children who  are claiming asylum in their own right and those who represent them. This relationship will be viewed through the lens of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The position of children in the asylum system will also be compared to children in other legal proceedings in England and Wales, such as Family or Criminal proceedings.

    Research supervisors: Helena Wray, Nick Gill

    Email: sp920@exeter.ac.uk

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sian-pearce-21224723/

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegallyShort

    Website/Blog: MxSianP@mstdn.social


  • Sophie Chester-Glyn

    Socio-Legal Studies

    PhD Researcher in Socio-Legal Studies (ESRC 1+3)
    University of Bristol, Law School

    Start date: September 2018

    Research topic: Facilitating UNCRPD compliance through person-centred care planning and improved regulation

    Research supervisors: Prof John Coggon, Dr Judy Laing

    Email: tf18081@bristol.ac.uk


  • Suzi Rockey

    Socio-Legal Studies

    PhD Researcher in Socio-Legal Studies (ESRC 1+3)
    University of Exeter, College of Social Sciences and International Studies

    Start date: October 2020

    Research topic: The Vulnerable Criminal Defence

    My research is looking into why the criminal defence profession, especially in Southwest England is not an appealing career choice to those under 35 and how this may impact on a defendants access to justice in the future.

    Research supervisors: Dr Rebecca Helm, Dr Rachel Fenton

    Email: ser215@exeter.ac.uk

    LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/suzi-rockey-aa4320a5

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/SuziRockey


  • Tania Barton

    Socio-Legal Studies

    PhD Researcher in Socio-Legal Studies (ESRC 1+3)
    University of Exeter, Law

    Start date: September 2016

    Research topic: Considering the position of the dementia patient in commercial transactions

    My research aims to look at what challenges are faced by people with dementia in their dealings with commercial counterparts, and what advice and help is available to them. I am also interested in exploring how, if at all, commercial counterparts take these challenges into account in their commercial interactions with people with dementia. Part of that means looking at the dementia guidelines that a number of businesses have signed up to, to examine if these are effective in ensuring that these interactions are conducted in line with agreed rules.

     

    Research supervisors: Dr Severine Saintier, Dr Iain Lang

    Email: tb369@exeter.ac.uk


  • Thomas Carr

    Socio-Legal Studies

    ESRC 1+3
    University of Bristol, Social Sciences and Law School

    Start date: October 2022

    Research topic: Corporate human rights due diligence law and the right to freedom of association.

    My research will explore the potential of human rights due diligence laws in Europe promote access to freedom of association and collective bargaining in global fashion supply chains. Its main focus will be on the of EU’s proposed Directive on corporate sustainability due diligence.

    Research supervisors: Dr Manoj Dias-Abey, Dr Roseanne Russell


  • Yentyl Katoucha Williams

    Socio-Legal Studies

    PhD Researcher in Socio-Legal Studies (ESRC 1+3)
    University of Bristol, Law School

    Start date: September 2018

    Research topic: The EU and Innovation in International Trade: A case study of the Intellectual Property (IP) provisions on Geographical Indications (GI) in the EU-ACP Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs)

    Research supervisors: Dr Clair Gammage, Prof. Aurora Plomer

    Email: rb18678@bristol.ac.uk


  • Zoe Cunningham

    Socio-Legal Studies

    PhD Researcher in Socio-Legal Studies (ESRC 1+3)
    University of Exeter, School of Law

    Start date: September 2012

    Research topic: Religious and constitutional law in England.

    Research supervisors: Professor Anthony Musson

    Email: zc243@exeter.ac.uk