Law Super-curricular Jan 23rd
UCL Public Lecture: CLP - The Social Side of Fair Process
Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/clp-the-social-side-of-fair-process-tickets-927885399207
Exploring the Social Side of Fairness: An Insightful Public Lecture for Aspiring Law, Politics, and Sociology Students
Engaging with thought-provoking academic lectures is a powerful way for students to broaden their intellectual horizons and enhance their university applications. One compelling upcoming event at University College London (UCL) explores fairness in administrative processes — a crucial topic for those interested in law, governance, and social policy.
Here’s why this lecture is a must-attend for Year 12 students and how it can be leveraged to enrich a personal statement.
About the Lecture: Procedural Fairness and Its Social Impact
The lecture, presented by Professor Joe Tomlinson, a leading authority on public law, will challenge conventional thinking about fairness in administrative processes. It delves into how the public’s perceptions of fair or unfair experiences when dealing with public services influence their long-term attitudes and behaviours. More broadly, these perceptions shape the legitimacy and outcomes of government actions, ultimately impacting society at large.
The speaker will present empirical evidence to show how rethinking procedural fairness can offer new pathways to enhancing justice, fairness, and governmental efficacy. This fresh approach requires fundamentally shifting how we perceive fairness as a tool for advancing good governance and a just society.
Relevance to Personal Statements
Students applying for university courses in Law, Politics and International Relations, Public Policy, or Sociology will find this lecture particularly insightful. It provides an excellent foundation for discussing your academic curiosity and future ambitions.
1. Law
Law applicants can use this lecture to explore administrative law’s role in upholding procedural fairness. Reflecting on concepts from the event could demonstrate an understanding of how fairness impacts the legitimacy of public institutions and the broader justice system.
2. Politics and Public Policy
The intersection of governance, fairness, and public perception is a central theme in this lecture. Discussing how public trust is shaped by government actions — and how you aim to contribute to improving procedural fairness — can showcase a passion for policy reform and political structures.
3. Sociology
The social effects of perceived fairness in everyday public service interactions highlight critical sociological themes. Reflecting on this topic can illustrate your interest in social justice, public attitudes, and how systemic processes shape societal outcomes.
Making Your Personal Statement Stand Out
When referencing this lecture, focus on personal reflection and intellectual growth:
• Why this topic matters to you: Connect it to your interest in law, governance, or societal structures.
• Key insights gained: Highlight specific ideas or evidence that expanded your perspective on fairness and public policy.
• Your future aspirations: Explain how this learning experience inspired further exploration or aligns with your academic and career goals.
Example reflection for a personal statement:
“Attending a lecture by Professor Joe Tomlinson on the social dimensions of procedural fairness profoundly impacted my understanding of justice. I was intrigued by his argument that perceptions of fairness in everyday interactions with public services can shape societal trust in governance. This inspired me to further explore administrative law and consider how fair processes can enhance public legitimacy and social outcomes, reinforcing my ambition to study law with a focus on public policy reform.”
By integrating academic experiences like this into your personal statement, you can effectively demonstrate your intellectual curiosity, passion for learning, and readiness for university-level study. Keep an eye out for more public lectures — each one is an opportunity to deepen your understanding and craft a personal narrative that sets you apart.
