The event will start with an informal talk looking at how law actually works in everyday life, and how it reflects the values, habits, and assumptions of the society it comes from. Rather than treating law as something dry or technical, the speakers will explore the idea of constitutional culture—the mix of rules, norms, and social expectations that shape how law is created and applied.
Using Spain and the UK as examples, the presentation will walk through a series of relatable scenarios to show how different legal systems can respond very differently to the same situations. These include questions like whether you have to help a stranger in danger, how much freedom you really have when writing a will, what counts as an unlawful intrusion on your personal space, where the line is with insults and rumours, and when a house sale becomes binding.
The talk will be given by Professor Javier García Oliva and Professor Helen Hall, who will keep things accessible and discussion-focused.
After the presentation, there’ll be plenty of time for questions and open discussion, and the evening will wrap up with a drink, giving everyone a chance to carry on the conversation in a more relaxed setting.