The Tucker Millward Lecture is an annual collaboration between the Kent Law Society and Kent Law School. Past speakers include Rt Hon the Baroness Hale of Richmond DBE, HHJ Sarah Davies and Rt Hon the Baroness Chakrabarti CBE PC.
This year’s lecture was delivered by Judge Kimberley Prost, Canadian Judge of the International Criminal Court.
Read the reflections of current Canadian stage 2 undergraduate law student Jeanette, as she recounts what the evening meant to her:
“This year’s Tucker Millward Memorial Lecture was extraordinary, featuring Guest Speaker Judge Kimberly Prost, a distinguished Canadian jurist whose career has left an mark on international law.
Judge Prost’s lecture provided a compelling exploration of the International Criminal Court (ICC), an institution central to the pursuit of global justice. Her insights highlighted both the progress made and the formidable challenges faced by the ICC in addressing the most egregious crimes against humanity.
The ICC, governed by the Rome Statute, is tasked with investigating and prosecuting individuals responsible for the gravest international crimes, such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. As Judge Prost eloquently noted, the Court is not just a mechanism of legal enforcement but a beacon of hope for victims of atrocities worldwide. Its mission transcends borders, aiming to hold perpetrators accountable while fostering a culture of peace and justice.
Yet, the path to justice is anything but straightforward. Judge Prost candidly discussed the significant hurdles the ICC confronts, including the challenges of securing arrests and cooperation from states, as well as the political and logistical complexities of its operations. Despite these obstacles, the courage and dedication of ICC staff stand as a testament to the importance of their work.
Judge Prost’s contributions to international justice extend far beyond her current role on the bench. She played a pivotal part in shaping the ICC’s foundation, having been actively involved in the negotiation and drafting of the Rome Statute. This ground-breaking treaty not only established the ICC but also integrated comprehensive provisions designed to ensure fairness, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights. Her first-hand accounts of the Court’s evolution were both enlightening and deeply inspiring.
The evening’s discussions were enriched by the active engagement of the audience, whose thoughtful questions and comments underscored a shared commitment to advancing global justice. This interaction served as a reminder of the collective responsibility we bear in supporting institutions like the ICC and advocating for the rule of law on the international stage.
Thanks are due to the Kent Law Society for organizing such a meaningful event and to the University of Kent for hosting a platform that brings students and professionals together to engage with crucial global issues. For law students like myself, evenings like this reaffirm the significance of our studies and inspire us to strive for a career that makes a positive impact on the world.
As I left the lecture, I felt profoundly moved—not only by Judge Prost’s remarkable words but also by the palpable sense of hope and determination in the room. The pursuit of justice may be arduous, but events like this remind us that it is a journey worth undertaking.”
The event is just one of many opportunities for students at Kent Law School to forge links with legal professionals. President of Kent Law Society, Scott Neilson, said “It was a great pleasure to attend the annual Tucker Millward Lecture at the University of Kent yesterday presented by Judge Kimberley Prost of the International Criminal Court. It was a fascinating insight into the ICC and we are very grateful to Judge Prost for being this years speaker.”