Justice / Injustice Colloquium Report

Posted on 28 February, 2010

Despite the best efforts of Transport for London, the Society convened for its Spring Colloquium ‘Justice / Injustice’ on Saturday 20th February.  The hardy souls that reached the Lock-Keeper’s Cottage were treated to a series of fascinating papers ranging from the eighth to the fourteenth century.

Roy Fletcher (Trinity College, Cambridge) discussed the extent to which the Hibernensis effected the development of law codes in western continental Europe in the early medieval period.

Bronach Kane (QMUL) followed with a consideration of the growing use of memory in depositions in ecclesiastical courts, putting this in the context of the concentration on inquiry as part of pastoral care.

After a discussion filled lunch, Barbara Bombi (University of Kent, Canterbury) opened the afternoon session with a paper looking at the nature of legal representation at the papal court in Avignon.  Concentrating upon Edward II’s efforts to influence papal decisions she eloquently considered both official and unofficial modes of representation.

Danica Summerlin (Queens College, Cambridge) finished the series of presentations with a discussion twelfth century papal legislation, arguing that rather than being prescriptive and centralised, legislation came in response to localised concerns and considerations.

There followed a wide ranging discussion which included attitudes to justice in German, French and English medieval literature as well as the paradoxical role of chivalry – protecting the weak through the naked power of the strong.

The day finished with the AGM, which was preceded by an inspiring speech by Rosemary Combridge on the life of Professor A. T. Hatto.  The range of his knowledge and interests were startling as was his willingness to learn – two hours a night for three years teaching himself Russian.  They appear only to have been matched by his kindness and willingness to pass on his knowledge.  There followed a silence in honour of professor Hatto and Alan and Ann Deyermond, they will be much missed.

The meeting broke up at 5:00pm.

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