Next Event Wednesday 4th February 2026

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

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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 Yet our systems are under pressure—underfunded, overstretched, and outdated.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 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?

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Research Paper

The Economic Legacy of Magna Carta

As the research partner for the Justice for All Series, RAND Europe has produced the first paper accompanying the programme. The study explores how the principles established at Runnymede over 800 years ago continue to shape modern governance, law, and economic growth.

Connecting the Magna Carta to the United Nations’ goal of Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, the paper demonstrates how access to justice and fair governance remain vital to both social stability and economic prosperity. It makes a powerful case that justice is not only a moral imperative but also an economic one, showing that investment in justice today can deliver returns comparable to major infrastructure projects.

Docs Docs Research Paper Download (PDF)

Testimonials

Thank you for organising such a stimulating evening.  The speaker was superb and the panel members all had valuable insights to offer.  I am going to book the next four.

Congratulations on delivering the first session of Justice for All last night.  From my perspective, it was a real success and sets the table nicely for the subsequent sessions in the New Year.  I’m looking forward to the next one.

An amazing event. Thank you for the invitation.  I had no idea of the seniority of the people who would be there.

It was so impressive to see the  judiciary (over various ages) remaining so passionate about the rule of law and humble as people.  What leaders.

What a wonderful evening! Hugely impressive and a fantastic start to the series.

What an excellent event with some brilliant people speaking and contributing. I believe this series has the potential to make a tangible difference and promote and accelerate real justice. It is inspiring!

Excellent evening. Great start to the Series!

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Hosted by

Alderman and Sheriff

Robert Hughes-Penney

Keith Bottomley

Sheriff and Deputy

Keith Bottomley

His Honour Judge

Mark Lucraft KC

Image courtesy of Photography by Mike Williams Limited

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.

Wednesday 4th 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.

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Monday 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.

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Monday 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.

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Monday 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.

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Past Events

Thursday 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, the sold-out launch event explored the evolution of justice and the enduring importance of the rule of law. Linking historical legal traditions with contemporary justice goals, the session examined the progress made under UN SDG 16 “justice for all” in its first ten years and considered what can be achieved in the next five.

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

Image courtesy of Photography by Mike Williams Limited

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.

Latest

Lord Neuberger’s Keynote Address

Fighting for a public good – the justice system

800 years of progress: what has changed and what remains?

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

Why Justice for All Makes Economic Sense

Justice for All: From Magna Carta to Modern Reform

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Latest News And Blog

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

Why Justice for All Makes Economic Sense

We are great smart fast

Series Sponsor: Serco

Safeguarding society and reducing reoffending

Serco is a leading provider of custodial and secure escorting services for the UK, Australia and New Zealand governments for over 25 years.

Serco helps governments deliver a more effective justice system at a lower cost by:

  • championing technology
  • staff and prisoner research
  • psychological and trauma-informed approach to interventions to reduce re-offending
  • leveraging strategic partnerships with small enterprises and charities

Get in touch

For general enquiries, press requests, or to express interest in attending the Justice for All Series, please get in touch using the form below.

For partnership or sponsorship opportunities, please indicate your area of interest and a member of our team will follow up directly.