Launch Event 30th October 2025 at The Old Bailey

Explore key areas of contemporary justice

Justice for All is a landmark evening event series centred on the Old Bailey, the world’s most iconic criminal court

Introduction

Justice underpins our freedoms, our economy, and our civic life. Yet our systems are under pressure—underfunded, overstretched, and outdated. The Justice for All Series provides a platform to confront this reality with honesty and ambition.

Conceived by Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney, Sheriff-Elect of the City of London (2025–26), and hosted at the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey), this five-part series brings together those in a position to ask hard questions—and propose evidence-based solutions.

Framed around the anniversaries of Magna Carta (1225) and UN Sustainable Development Goal 16, the series does not seek consensus, but clarity: What does a just society require today? Who must act? And what will it cost us if we do not?

Hosted by

Alderman and Sheriff Elect

Robert Hughes-Penney

Sheriff Elect Deputy

Keith Bottomley

His Honour Judge

Mark Lucraft KC

Programme | Series Sponsor Serco

Each evening runs from 6pm to 9pm and takes place in the Great Hall of the Old Bailey. Each session convenes leading voices from law, politics, business, and civil society to address urgent challenges and explore what justice requires—locally, nationally, and globally. The format includes a keynote address, expert panel, and open audience discussion.

30th October 2025 | Sponsored by the City of London Corporation

800 Years of Justice: Magna Carta to UN SDG 16

Marking the 800th anniversary of the 1225 Magna Carta, this launch event will explore the evolution of justice and the enduring importance of the rule of law. Linking historical legal traditions with contemporary justice goals, this session will consider what progress has been made under UN SDG 16 “justice for all” in its first 10 years and what can be achieved in the next five years.

3rd February 2026

Justice for the Accused

An in-depth examination of the rights of the accused, delays in the Courts and justice systems, and the critical importance of procedural fairness and access to legal representation. The event will consider how technology and AI may improve the efficiency and fairness of the justice system.

23rd March 2026 | Sponsored by Rathbones Group

Justice for Victims and Survivors

This session will confront the legal and social challenges facing victims and survivors of violence and exploitation, including gender-based violence and modern slavery. The evening will advocate for stronger victim protection, trauma-informed approaches, and effective legal remedies.

18th May 2026 | Sponsored by Sodexo

Justice for Prison Leavers

Focused on the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals leaving prison, this event will examine education, employment, and housing initiatives aimed at reducing reoffending and promoting public safety.

29th June 2026

Financing Justice

This final session in the series will explore the role of finance in enabling justice—through social impact investment, technology adoption in law enforcement, and the creation of sustainable models for system reform. Discussions will highlight innovative funding mechanisms to support both state and third-sector justice interventions.

Series Aims

Why Justice for All makes Economic Sense

Enhance Public Understanding

Bridge the gap between legal institutions and the communities they serve.

Inform Policy Through Practice

Generate evidence-informed recommendations through lived experience and professional insight.

Convene Decision-Makers Across Sectors

Bring together the judiciary, civil service, business, academia, and community stakeholders.

Contribute to International Standards

Align domestic reform with global frameworks including SDG 16 and the European Convention on Human Rights.

Financing Justice Infrastructure

Creating the environment and runway to initiate impact investment opportunities in the justice sector

Why Attend?

For Legal Professionals
A rare opportunity to engage in cross-disciplinary discussion in the heart of British legal history.

For Policymakers and Civil Servants
Direct insight into the lived and operational challenges facing justice institutions today.

For Businesses and Funders
A platform to explore corporate responsibility, ESG, and civic engagement.

For Civil Society
Visibility, voice, and influence in the framing of future legal policies.

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Sheriff Elect Deputy Keith Bottomley and Sheriff Elect Robert Gughes-Penney

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