Making crime pay

Scotland’s leading criminal defence lawyer, Donald Findlay Q.C., will give a public lecture on crime next week (Tuesday 14th October, 2003) at the University of St Andrews.

The talk, ‘Making Crime Pay – The Role of the Defence Lawyer’, is the first in a new series of lectures hosted by the University’s Open Association this year. ‘The Principal’s Guests’ is a lecture series organised for the 180 members of the Open Association, but is also open to the public.

Mr Findlay is widely considered to be the top defence barrister in Scotland and has acted in some of Scotland’s most high-profile criminal cases. He served as Rector of the University between 1993 and 1999 and is a regular contributor on current affairs on both television and radio. In 1998, he published his first novel, the court-room drama ‘Three Verdicts’.

Mr Findlay will give a 45-minute talk, after which audience members will be invited to take part in a half hour question and answer session.

He said: “Defence lawyers are often perceived as shady characters moving around the criminal underworld. Even more surprisingly, few people actually understand how the system of criminal justice works and how vital the defence lawyer is to protecting the personal freedom of his clients and the public at large. I hope to put the record straight”

The Open Association Programme, run as a part of the University’s Continuing Education provision, is a series of short courses and evening lectures throughout the year. ‘The Principal’s Guests’ will see a series of high-profile individuals coming to talk to the OA members and interested locals over the coming months.

Principal and Vice-Chancellor Dr Brian Lang, who will take the Chair on the night, said:

“Donald Findlay is authoritative, eminent, stimulating and always entertaining. I am pleased that the University is able to introduce a wide St Andrews audience of Open Association members and townspeople to his talk next week.”

The lecture ‘Making Crime Pay – The Role of the Defence Lawyer’ by Donald Findlay Q.C. will be held at the Buchanan Lecture Theatre, Union Street, St Andrews on Tuesday 14th October between 5.15 and 6.30pm. The lecture is open to members of the public and tickets will be available at the door (£3 MOP and £2 students).

ENDS

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Issued by Beattie Media On behalf of the University of St Andrews Contact Gayle Cook on 01334 467227, mobile 07900 050 103, or email [email protected] Ref: Findlay OA lecture pr 091003 View the latest University news at http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk