Scotland's top law officer visited his alma mater recently to deliver The Aberdeen Law Project Lecture 2015.
Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland, who studied at the University of Aberdeen, was asked to deliver the annual lecture by the student-led voluntary organisation.
The Aberdeen Law Project is a law clinic and community outreach initiative that operates in partnership with the University’s School of Law, helping those who struggle to access professional legal support.
This year’s lecture, entitled ‘Access to Justice’, explored a variety of issues under this central theme, including the rights of victims, recent measures that have strengthened access to justice in Scotland, and how technology is being used to improve the justice process.
Mr Mulholland was joined on stage by Caitlin Hurst, Student Director of the Project who is studying for a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice, as well as Senior Vice-Principal Stephen Logan and Vice-Principal Margaret Ross, head of the University’s College of Arts and Social Sciences.
Following his lecture, the Lord Advocate accepted an invitation to become a Patron of Aberdeen Law Project, joining such esteemed Patrons as Lord Hope of Craighead and Dame Hazel Genn.
Reflecting on Mr Mulholland’s visit, Caitlin Hurst said: “A large part of our work in The Aberdeen Law Project is making the law understandable to those who see its impact in their everyday lives. We are delighted to see the Lord Advocate endorse this message and promote the importance of access to justice in Scotland.”
Malcolm Combe, a lecturer at the School of Law and the Faculty Supervisor of the Project, said: “Once again the students have excelled and they can be proud of themselves for organising such an informative and well-attended event.
“I would like to thank all the students involved with the lecture, especially the events team led by Katherine Hood, but more generally I want to thank them for all the great work they do throughout the year.”