Thom Dyke

The Legality of the UK Interception of Iranian Missiles and Permitting a Limited US Use of British Bases The UK government has been careful in not directly supporting the ongoing US-Israeli use of force against Iran. This is at least partly because (I’m sure) the internal view within the government is th...

The Legality of the UK Interception of Iranian Missiles and Permitting a Limited US Use of British Bases | by Marko Milanovic

I’ll be talking about the approach of the Court of Appeal to risk, in the context of the last week’s decision in R v Jamal [2026] EWCA Crim 135 (www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWC...), and it promises to be a fascinating afternoon!

I’m looking forward to speaking at the Jesus College Cambridge Intellectual Forum (@jesuscollegecam.bsky.social) this Thursday, where I’m appearing alongside a stellar cast of other speakers.

www.dekachambers.com/2026/01/23/t...

Terrific fun at the Old Bailey yesterday for the English National Opera performance of Trial by Jury, together with some familiar faces in the Old Bailey Choir, helping to support the Sheriffs’ and Recorder’s Fund for prisoner rehabilitation. A special mention to the LCJ for her turn on stage!

Cambridgeshire police officer harassed woman colleague loses job A panel says the public would be appalled if he kept his job after his

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

New Interview: www.newyorker.com/news/q-and-a...

Might Unmakes Right The catastrophic collapse of norms against the use of force.

Taking a step back from the flurry of international law 'hot takes' on the situation in Venezuela, it's worth revisiting the analysis of @oonahathaway.bsky.social and Scott J. Shapiro in @foreignaffairs.com on the collapse of norms against the use of force:

www.foreignaffairs.com/united-state...

At this time of year, make sure you check in on your international law colleagues and see that they are coping!

For many years Christmas hasn't been Christmas until the King William's College quiz is in position... buying a Guardian daily used to ensure I didn't miss it, but for anyone who, like me, has got out of that habit, here's the link: kwc.im/wp-content/u...

Back in the jug agane.

World Court to hear Myanmar genocide case in January The International Court of Justice will hear a landmark case accusing Myanmar of committing genocide against its minority Muslim group, the Rohingya, on January 12-29, the United Nations' top court sa...

The #ICJ will hear the case accusing Myanmar of committing genocide against the Rohingya from January 12-29, the first time the ICJ considers a genocide in a decade & one that will set precedents for South Africa’s case against Israel over the war in Gaza: www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...

Despite the social media tendency towards hyperbole, I'm genuinely excited to join the Executive Committee of the Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales, and helping continue their vital work supporting the rule of law and human rights around the world

barhumanrights.org.uk/announcing-t...

Thanks in particular to my fellow trainers, not least HE Judge Joanna Korner CMG KC, HHJ Kamran Choudhry, Dr. Leonie von Braun, Kirsty Sutherland, Anton van Dellen, Francesca Lewington, Sarah Bafadhel, and Matas Stankevičius.

Terrific fun being back again in Den Haag at the International Criminal Court to deliver advanced trial advocacy training in international criminal law, on behalf of the Institute for International Legal and Advocacy Training (IILAT) and The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple.

Joint Civil Society Statement on Ukraine’s Unlawful Suspension of the Mine Ban Treaty Civil society statement signed by 82 organizations and campaigns raising concerns over Ukraine's suspension of the Mine Ban Treaty.

Apparently, #Ukraine has decided to 'suspend' the Ottawa Convention, which is not even permitted under the treaty. Being in armed conflict is certainly not reason to 'suspend' #IHL. That's the whole point; that's when IHL applies! #intLaw www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...

Signs of resilience amidst troubling times in The Hague: Some thoughts on the good and the bad from this year’s Assembly of States Parties ICC President Tomoko Akane speaks at the ASP (Photo: Mark Kersten) “We will continue our work undeterred.” That was the message from senior staff and prosecutors at the yearly Assembly …

Signs of resilience amidst troubling times in The Hague: Some thoughts from on the good and the bad from this year's Assembly of States Parties

justiceinconflict.org/2025/12/04/t... #ICC #ASP24

Now seems as good a moment as any to re-post this gem from Tony Hancock on the jury system, which is every bit as coherent as some of the contemporary commentary!

So let’s ditch nostalgic appeals to tradition, or (frankly parochial) assumptions of superiority, and concentrate on the fact these proposals will do nothing whatsoever to ensure justice is delivered in a timeous fashion.

Juries aren’t the problem. All that Lammy’s proposals do is reduce the legitimacy of one of the few public institutions which commands widespread public trust.

As barristers, we should focus on their real failing, which is that they simply won’t reduce the backlog. There’s plenty of scope for reducing court delays - ensure that prisoners are produced on time, and that interpreters are available.

Hanging was a central part of our justice system for many years, until we quite rightly decided it was barbaric. Nor have I seen a shred of evidence to suggest jury trials produce ‘better’ outcomes than a judge alone. Countries from South Africa to Germany cope perfectly fine without juries.

Can the criminal Bar (of which I count myself a proud member) please stop making arguments for jury trials by misty-eyed appeals to tradition, fundamental rights, or assuming that it’s somehow superior to the alternative in terms of outcome?

their support and organisational skill. But thanks most of all to the practitioners for their preparation, enthusiasm, and hard work!

Hon. Justice E. Taylor-Camara (Rtd.), Hon. Justice F.B. Alhadi, Hon. Justice R.S. Fynn, Mr R.S.V. Wright, Mr. C. C.V. Taylor, Mr Maurice Garber, Mr Osman Jalloh, Mr Gelaga King, and Kitty Colley. Thanks to the Sierra Leone Advocacy Foundation and the The Inns of Court College of Advocacy for

It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to spend the last week in Sierra Leone teaching advocacy. Many thanks to the Chief Justice, the Hon. Komba Kamanda, for his support and in allowing us to use the court facilities. Heartfelt thanks to my fellow trainers, not least the Hon. Justice Glenna Thompson