Edinburgh Law School

Edinburgh Law School
source
Name	Edinburgh Law School
Established	1707
Parent	University of Edinburgh
Location	Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh Law School. It is the law school of the University of Edinburgh, established in 1707 and one of the oldest and most prestigious legal faculties in the English-speaking world. Located in the historic Old College on South Bridge, it has been a central institution in the development of Scots law and legal education. The school is renowned for its influential research, global alumni network, and its role in shaping legal systems from the United Kingdom to across the Commonwealth of Nations.

History

The origins are deeply intertwined with the Scottish Enlightenment, with early teaching provided by notable figures like John Erskine of Carnock. The formal foundation followed the creation of the Chair of Public Law and the Law of Nature and Nations in 1707, a position first held by Charles Erskine, Lord Tinwald. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, professors such as John Millar and George Joseph Bell profoundly influenced jurisprudence and commercial law. The school was integral to the university's move to its current location in the building designed by Robert Adam and later completed by William Henry Playfair. Its legacy expanded in the 20th century through contributions to fields like private international law and medical jurisprudence.

Academic profile

It offers a comprehensive range of programs including the LLB, the LLB (Graduate Entry), and the LLM. The school is particularly distinguished for its expertise in European Union law, intellectual property law, criminology, and information technology law. Its research-led teaching is consistently recognized in global rankings, including the QS World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The institution maintains strong collaborative links with the Faculty of Advocates, the Law Society of Scotland, and leading international bodies like the Hague Conference on Private International Law.

Research centres and institutes

The school hosts several major research units that drive legal scholarship and policy impact. The Edinburgh Centre for Private Law focuses on the historical and comparative study of civil law systems. The Strathtay-funded Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research collaborates with institutions like the University of Glasgow and University of Stirling. Other key centres include the Edinburgh Centre for International and Global Law, the Art and Law Research Centre, and the JK Mason Institute for Medicine, Life Sciences and the Law. These institutes frequently engage with the Scottish Government, the European Commission, and the United Nations.

Notable alumni and faculty

Its community includes a formidable array of legal and political leaders. Alumni encompass two British Prime Ministers, William Ewart Gladstone and Lord Palmerston, along with key figures in the founding of the United States such as John Witherspoon and James Wilson. Notable jurists include Lord Hope and Alec Samuels. Distinguished faculty have included pioneers like Sir Thomas Smith in comparative law and Sir Gerald Gordon in criminal law, as well as contemporary scholars such as Hector MacQueen and Elspeth Reid.

Campus and facilities

The primary home is the iconic Old College, a landmark building with its distinctive dome overlooking Chambers Street. The school's dedicated facility within this complex is the David Hume Tower, which houses lecture theatres, seminar rooms, and faculty offices. Students and scholars have access to the outstanding University Library and the specialized Law Library, which holds extensive collections in Scots law, international law, and legal history. The campus is situated in the heart of Edinburgh, close to the High Court of Justiciary and the Scottish Parliament.

Category:University of Edinburgh Category:Law schools in Scotland