Impacts of Our Work

International Law in Focus

International law, with its set of rules established through treaty or custom, is the key to stable international relations, collective security, and sustainable development. When international law is not respected, growing insecurity and inequalities, as well as attacks on the rule of law, become the norm. Following decades of efforts to expand the reach and content of international law through multilateralism, international law is now challenged by global power shifts and rising nationalism.

Comparative Law in focus

In a world characterized by complexity and interdependence, it is indispensable to understand similarities and contrasts between jurisdictions. Comparative methods are a key element to gain a profound understanding of the legal systems around the world and to advance their development. Perspectives and experiences of different jurisdictions enrich the legal debate and help in identifying areas prone for harmonisation and convergence of laws.

Rule of law in focus

The Bingham Centre was founded by BIICL in 2010 to take forward the vision of Tom Bingham, a former President of the Institute. It was an inspiring vision then, with the Rule of Law coming under increasing strain. Today, it has become an urgent vision, as the institutions on which it depends to give it life are becoming more systematically undermined, requiring renewed effort to reach wider audiences about the meaning and fundamental importance of the Rule of Law.

New intiatives

BIICL Global:  During 2019 BIICL began an expansion of its programme of work in legal areas of increasing international importance such as trade and diplomacy, climate change, technology, regulation and artificial intelligence. In particular, the Institute wanted to develop its role as a hub facilitating the exchange of ideas that have genuine societal impact and relevance at regional, national and global level. To further this aim BIICL is developing international partnerships and establishing honorary fellowships.

Policy and Evidence Centre for Modern Slavery and Human Rights: The Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law is leading a consortium of partners which has established a Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre (the Modern Slavery PEC). It has been created to enhance understanding of modern slavery and transform the effectiveness of law and policies designed to overcome it.

Training and public engagement

Events at BIICL: The BIICL events programme in 2019 once again provided an opportunity to hear the commentary of experts and to discuss a range of topical issues. Events have also provided a platform to disseminate and refine our own research projects

Expansion of our Training: Programme: BIICL has a decade of experience of running successful training courses. Our Public International Law in Practice Course, as well as in-house courses run for governments, judiciaries, civil society and others globally, have earned us a reputation for high level, research informed training. In 2019/2020, we organised training for various groups including the British Government (on international law), and the Office of the Attorney General of Nepal (on international and transnational criminal law) as well as convening our own programme of courses.

Public Legal Education: BIICL continues to support the understanding of the Rule of Law beyond the legal sector with activities such as the Rule of Law for Citizenship Education programme and a range of other public legal education activities including: assisting judges tounderstand the many disadvantages faced by young defendants; participating in the Solicitor General's Public Legal Education (PLE) Advisory Panel; and convening roundtables between education and legal advice organisations.