“Yuletide Spirits & the Law: Haunted Cases from British Courts”

“Yuletide Spirits & the Law: Haunted Cases from British Courts”
with Naomi Ryan

Christmas is a time for Ghost Stories. According to Jerome K. Jerome, the best thing about the festive period is gathering by a fire to regale your friends and family with “authentic anecdotes of spectres”. These supernatural stories are even more fun if they involve a sprinkling of legal history and a lively debate over the law that applies to ghosts, ghouls and other strange beasties. Because whilst lawyers may claim that these creatures do not belong in the courtroom, the reality is that the supernatural has been a regular topic in legal cases since Henry VIII made witchcraft a criminal offence in 1541. Our courts have seen all manner of monster, from aliens to vampires, and everything in between.

Therefore in the spirit of Christmas, please join Naomi Ryan for an evening of mulled wine, mysteries and monsters. Discover some of the strangest cases in legal history, in which the Fortean meets the forensic, the bizarre is examined by barristers and the strange is investigated by the state. Decide whether ghosts can solve their own murders, learn about judges crusading to save women from witchcraft allegations and discover if you really can blame the devil for your sins.

Bio
Naomi Ryan is a criminal and public law barrister. After completing the BCL at St Catherine’s College, Oxford, she taught criminal law to undergraduates at St Hilda’s College Oxford and University College London before embarking on her career as a criminal barrister. She both prosecuted and defended before moving to the Civil Service, where she has worked for an array of prestigious departments, including the Attorney General’s Office, the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Court of Appeal. She continues to work as an advisory barrister on criminal matters. When she isn’t advising legal luminaries, she delivers spirited (!) talks on macabre events in legal history. She is a regular feature at London’s Month of the Dead festival, and can often be found addressing museums and other legal and supernatural organisations on the spooky and scintillating topic of ghost law. Her favourite subjects include ghosts as witnesses, the prosecution of fraudulent mediums and the High Court’s treatment of demon mongooses called Gef.

Venue:
3 Locks Brewing Company
Arch 14,
15 Water Ln.,
Hawley Wharf,
London
NW1 8JY


Event Running Time:
Doors: 7pm
Introduction: 7:30pm
Lecture: 7:30pm
Q&A: 8:10pm

Food:
If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts.

FAQ

What is Pints of Knowledge?

Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond.

What happens at Pints of Knowledge?

At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (about 35-40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by audience Q&A. The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting.

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No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable

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