David Conn - The Miscarriages of Justice Following the Hillsborough Disaster

Investigations correspondent for the Guardian, David Conn will deliver the inaugural Mark George Memorial Lecture, which will reflect on the Hillsborough disaster, the families’ longstanding fight for justice and what this tells us about failures in our legal system. Conn will aim to advance discussion and understanding of what helps and hinders truth-finding in the courts, and how we might work to bolster legislative initiatives like the Hillsborough Law.

As Investigations Correspondent at The Guardian and the current news reporter of the year (Press Awards, 2024), Conn has reported on the Hillsborough disaster and the families' campaign for justice for approaching 30 years, and had a significant impact in prompting government action in 2009. He has also worked to expose other injustices, which has deepened his concern about courtroom failings and under-accountability.

Human rights barrister Pete Weatherby KC will deliver a response to Conn’s lecture, which will be chaired by Anna Morris KC.

The event will be followed by a drinks reception and buffet (7pm-8pm), all are welcome.

The Mark George Memorial Lecture Series was established by The University of Manchester in partnership with Garden Court North Chambers. The series commemorates the life and contributions Mark made to the legal, campaigning and education communities during his career. Mark George KC, who passed away in December 2022, was Head of Garden Court North Chambers. He was instructed for 22 families in the Hillsborough Inquiry at the 2014-16 inquests and was crucial to establishing the truth after 27 years.