The law reform and human rights charity JUSTICE has recently launched an appeal to raise funds in the lead up to its 60th anniversary. JUSTICE is an organisation which promotes the rule of law and human rights through research, education and interventions in the courts. The establishment of the Ombudsman, the CPS and the Ministry of Justice were all initiated or inspired by its work. The Appeal includes a programme of interesting events designed not just to raise money but to raise awareness within the profession and the broader community of the core issues with which the JUSTICE team grapple on a daily basis.

JUSTICE and the arts

Over the next three years, JUSTICE will present events designed to engage writers, film-makers, actors, musicians, philosophers and social commentators in a dialogue with the judiciary and the legal profession about justice and the rule of law in the UK today. The first series of events in the appeal is the Law & Literature series, in which well-known writers who have addressed themes of law and justice will discuss their works. Julian Barnes gave a reading last month.

Robert Harris reading

The next event in the series is "An Evening with Robert Harris" at the Great Hall in Lincoln's Inn on Thursday, 4 December at 6pm. Robert will read from An Officer & A Spy - his compelling account of France's most infamous miscarriage of justice, the Dreyfus affair. Lord Grabiner QC will co-host the evening with Baroness Kennedy of the Shaws QC. The reading will be followed by a drinks reception and an opportunity to meet Robert and have your books signed. Tickets are £50 and all profits go to the Appeal. Donors to the JUSTICE Appeal will also be able to attend a private dinner with Robert Harris afterwards.

How to participate

Many members of the senior judiciary as well as members of the international legal community will be attending, as well as a group of British writers. A few tickets are still available. For more information visit the JUSTICE website: www.justice.org.uk  or call  020 7329 5100.