Stefan Theil
@stheil.bsky.social
Public law, human rights, & constitutions at Cambridge, Fellow of Sidney Sussex College: www.law.cam.ac.uk/people/academic/s-theil/6578
Current research on free expression and doctrinal methods. Book: Towards the Environmental Minimum.
Current research on free expression and doctrinal methods. Book: Towards the Environmental Minimum.
Reposted by Stefan Theil
Distressing for the victims, depressing for everyone.
What did the Professor of *moral philosophy* not understand?
archive.is/2025.11.19-1...
What did the Professor of *moral philosophy* not understand?
archive.is/2025.11.19-1...
archive.is
November 20, 2025 at 9:23 AM
Distressing for the victims, depressing for everyone.
What did the Professor of *moral philosophy* not understand?
archive.is/2025.11.19-1...
What did the Professor of *moral philosophy* not understand?
archive.is/2025.11.19-1...
Reposted by Stefan Theil
Good post on the available space for reforming article 8 cases in domestic law, featuring an expert demolition of some dubious claims about family life in the Wolfson Report
Kirsty Hughes: Immigration and proposals to amend Article 8 ECHR ukconstitutionallaw.org/2025/11/19/k...
Kirsty Hughes: Immigration and proposals to amend Article 8 ECHR
Backlash against the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA) is heavily driven by immigration and is often a direct reaction to it. This is not a new phenomen…
ukconstitutionallaw.org
November 19, 2025 at 9:53 AM
Good post on the available space for reforming article 8 cases in domestic law, featuring an expert demolition of some dubious claims about family life in the Wolfson Report
Reposted by Stefan Theil
Thank you to @alangreene.bsky.social for hosting me and @colinmurray.bsky.social on the new Counter Terrorism podcast to talk about the proscription of Palestine Action. It was great to have this chat. The hearings for the full judicial review of the proscription take place on 25-27 November.
I recorded a podcast with @daniellalock.bsky.social and @colinmurray.bsky.social in which we discuss decision to ban #PalestineAction. There is some really excellent stuff in here-- Daniella and Colin are on top of their briefs.
Please do check it out and share widely!
youtu.be/tKN4Wk2SEyQ?...
Please do check it out and share widely!
youtu.be/tKN4Wk2SEyQ?...
Banning Palestine Action: Legal Experts Explain the Implications for UK Democracy
YouTube video by Dr Alan Greene
youtu.be
November 19, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Thank you to @alangreene.bsky.social for hosting me and @colinmurray.bsky.social on the new Counter Terrorism podcast to talk about the proscription of Palestine Action. It was great to have this chat. The hearings for the full judicial review of the proscription take place on 25-27 November.
Reposted by Stefan Theil
The basic problem with the temporary refugee status policy - especially one lasting up to 20 years - is it leads to very few removals (based on Denmark's experience) but does significantly worsen integration.
November 18, 2025 at 9:05 AM
The basic problem with the temporary refugee status policy - especially one lasting up to 20 years - is it leads to very few removals (based on Denmark's experience) but does significantly worsen integration.
Reposted by Stefan Theil
Actively making our country worse for the sake of some performative cruelty is the guiding light of UK immigration policy.
The basic problem with the temporary refugee status policy - especially one lasting up to 20 years - is it leads to very few removals (based on Denmark's experience) but does significantly worsen integration.
November 18, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Actively making our country worse for the sake of some performative cruelty is the guiding light of UK immigration policy.
Good stuff here from the fastest gun in UK public law. The only point I would add is that the proposals regarding Art. 8 are unlikely to present much difficulty with the ECHR on the definition of family, because Strasbourg is already incredibly permissive of state policy on migrant. 1/2
New post
The legal and constitutional implications of the asylum white paper: Some initial thoughts
publiclawforeveryone.com/2025/11/17/t...
The legal and constitutional implications of the asylum white paper: Some initial thoughts
publiclawforeveryone.com/2025/11/17/t...
The legal and constitutional implications of the asylum white paper: Some initial thoughts
Proposals for radical reform of the UK’s asylum system raise a number of legal and constitutional issues, with respect both to the European Convention on Human Rights and the domestic principle of …
publiclawforeveryone.com
November 18, 2025 at 12:07 AM
Good stuff here from the fastest gun in UK public law. The only point I would add is that the proposals regarding Art. 8 are unlikely to present much difficulty with the ECHR on the definition of family, because Strasbourg is already incredibly permissive of state policy on migrant. 1/2
Great analysis by Mark. A minor point: if the common law indeed holds this potential (and judges harness it) then leaving the ECHR will disappoint HRA skeptics. An expansion of pre-HRA common law rights, and greater interpretive surgery based on legality is hardly what they hope to accomplish. 1/2
New post
In a recent lecture, Lord Briggs places renewed emphasis on the common law’s ability to protect human rights, and argues that we should not doubt its capaity to step in if the UK were to withdraw from the ECHR. Is such optimism well-founded?
publiclawforeveryone.com/2025/11/14/m...
In a recent lecture, Lord Briggs places renewed emphasis on the common law’s ability to protect human rights, and argues that we should not doubt its capaity to step in if the UK were to withdraw from the ECHR. Is such optimism well-founded?
publiclawforeveryone.com/2025/11/14/m...
Misplaced optimism? Lord Briggs on the common law’s capacity to protect human rights in the event of ECHR withdrawal
In a recent lecture, Supreme Court Justice Lord Briggs places renewed emphasis on the common law’s ability to protect human rights, and argues that we should not doubt its capaity to step in if the…
publiclawforeveryone.com
November 14, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Great analysis by Mark. A minor point: if the common law indeed holds this potential (and judges harness it) then leaving the ECHR will disappoint HRA skeptics. An expansion of pre-HRA common law rights, and greater interpretive surgery based on legality is hardly what they hope to accomplish. 1/2
Reposted by Stefan Theil
The Berlin Wall, which divided Berlin and Europe for 28 years, fell on 9 November 1989.
November 9, 2025 at 10:30 AM
The Berlin Wall, which divided Berlin and Europe for 28 years, fell on 9 November 1989.
Reposted by Stefan Theil
Removal from the Roll of Peerage might deprive someone of the precedence and forms of address attaching to a peerage, but legally that person is still a peer. And removal from the roll does not stop a prince being a prince.
Prince Andrew CAN renounce his peerage without an Act of Parliament
Reports have suggested there is no easy way to remove or renounce the title of Duke of York - but a little-known mechanism could effectively do so easily and immediately
nigelfletcher.substack.com
October 31, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Removal from the Roll of Peerage might deprive someone of the precedence and forms of address attaching to a peerage, but legally that person is still a peer. And removal from the roll does not stop a prince being a prince.
Reposted by Stefan Theil
Do you know anybody still on "X"?
Please tell them to delete their account. I am really not a harcore lefty, but this stuff is just not ok.
/1
Please tell them to delete their account. I am really not a harcore lefty, but this stuff is just not ok.
/1
October 30, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Do you know anybody still on "X"?
Please tell them to delete their account. I am really not a harcore lefty, but this stuff is just not ok.
/1
Please tell them to delete their account. I am really not a harcore lefty, but this stuff is just not ok.
/1
Reposted by Stefan Theil
Lord Sales appointed as the next Deputy President of the UK Supreme Court
supremecourt.uk/news/lord-sa...
supremecourt.uk/news/lord-sa...
Lord Sales appointed as the next Deputy President of the UK Supreme Court - UK Supreme Court
His Majesty The King has approved the appointment of the Right Hon Lord Sales as Deputy President of the Supreme Court. The King made the appointment on the advice of the Prime Minister and Lord Chanc...
supremecourt.uk
October 24, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Lord Sales appointed as the next Deputy President of the UK Supreme Court
supremecourt.uk/news/lord-sa...
supremecourt.uk/news/lord-sa...
Please ciruclate: Looking for 1-2 RAs for a project on domestic court impact on outcomes at the ECtHR (200h total until end of Feb). Essential: undergraduate degree in law (or related subject) and resident in UK - suitable for grad students. Deadline: 31 October: www.law.cam.ac.uk/press/jobs/2...
Research Assistants
Dr Stefan Theil is looking for up to two research assistants to help with a project on the impact of UK court decisions on the ECHR.
www.law.cam.ac.uk
October 21, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Please ciruclate: Looking for 1-2 RAs for a project on domestic court impact on outcomes at the ECtHR (200h total until end of Feb). Essential: undergraduate degree in law (or related subject) and resident in UK - suitable for grad students. Deadline: 31 October: www.law.cam.ac.uk/press/jobs/2...
Reposted by Stefan Theil
The very fact that MI5 - and the security services generally - are accountable to our domestic courts flows from the ECHR decision of Malone.
One of many ways that Convention has benefitted our legal order.
One of many ways that Convention has benefitted our legal order.
October 20, 2025 at 7:28 AM
The very fact that MI5 - and the security services generally - are accountable to our domestic courts flows from the ECHR decision of Malone.
One of many ways that Convention has benefitted our legal order.
One of many ways that Convention has benefitted our legal order.
Reposted by Stefan Theil
Yesterday, casssunstein.bsky.social
(hls.harvard.edu) delivered a captivating lecture on ‘Beyond Kant and Bentham: A Bill of Rights for Nonhuman Animals’ at cambridgelaw.bsky.social for our Centre's Annual Animal Rights Law Lecture. (1/4)
(hls.harvard.edu) delivered a captivating lecture on ‘Beyond Kant and Bentham: A Bill of Rights for Nonhuman Animals’ at cambridgelaw.bsky.social for our Centre's Annual Animal Rights Law Lecture. (1/4)
October 16, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Yesterday, casssunstein.bsky.social
(hls.harvard.edu) delivered a captivating lecture on ‘Beyond Kant and Bentham: A Bill of Rights for Nonhuman Animals’ at cambridgelaw.bsky.social for our Centre's Annual Animal Rights Law Lecture. (1/4)
(hls.harvard.edu) delivered a captivating lecture on ‘Beyond Kant and Bentham: A Bill of Rights for Nonhuman Animals’ at cambridgelaw.bsky.social for our Centre's Annual Animal Rights Law Lecture. (1/4)
Reposted by Stefan Theil
There is no need for a moral panic about the UK's welfare system.
Far from perfect but recent discourse is nuts
Spending is controlled, not spiralling
Worklessness is near record lows
My column www.ft.com/content/ee67...
Far from perfect but recent discourse is nuts
Spending is controlled, not spiralling
Worklessness is near record lows
My column www.ft.com/content/ee67...
October 15, 2025 at 12:35 PM
There is no need for a moral panic about the UK's welfare system.
Far from perfect but recent discourse is nuts
Spending is controlled, not spiralling
Worklessness is near record lows
My column www.ft.com/content/ee67...
Far from perfect but recent discourse is nuts
Spending is controlled, not spiralling
Worklessness is near record lows
My column www.ft.com/content/ee67...
Reposted by Stefan Theil
Really enjoyed this piece.
"Lawyers and academics therefore find themselves in the difficult position of ... trying to reason people away from a view or belief they never reasoned themselves into to begin with. We are bringing facts to a vibes fight."
"Lawyers and academics therefore find themselves in the difficult position of ... trying to reason people away from a view or belief they never reasoned themselves into to begin with. We are bringing facts to a vibes fight."
Alan Greene: Bringing facts to a vibes fight: Kayfabe and debates on the UK and the ECHR ukconstitutionallaw.org/2025/10/09/a...
Alan Greene: Bringing facts to a vibes fight: Kayfabe and debates on the UK and the ECHR
It is now 25 years since the Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA) entered into force and far from this endurance cementing its legitimacy, the judicial protection of human rights in the UK finds itself in t…
ukconstitutionallaw.org
October 10, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Really enjoyed this piece.
"Lawyers and academics therefore find themselves in the difficult position of ... trying to reason people away from a view or belief they never reasoned themselves into to begin with. We are bringing facts to a vibes fight."
"Lawyers and academics therefore find themselves in the difficult position of ... trying to reason people away from a view or belief they never reasoned themselves into to begin with. We are bringing facts to a vibes fight."
Good stuff here from Alan and a enjoyable writing style to boot!
Alan Greene: Bringing facts to a vibes fight: Kayfabe and debates on the UK and the ECHR ukconstitutionallaw.org/2025/10/09/a...
Alan Greene: Bringing facts to a vibes fight: Kayfabe and debates on the UK and the ECHR
It is now 25 years since the Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA) entered into force and far from this endurance cementing its legitimacy, the judicial protection of human rights in the UK finds itself in t…
ukconstitutionallaw.org
October 9, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Good stuff here from Alan and a enjoyable writing style to boot!
Reposted by Stefan Theil
New post | On China, the Official Secrets Act and 'enemies': Is the Prime Minister wrong?
publiclawforeveryone.com/2025/10/08/o...
publiclawforeveryone.com/2025/10/08/o...
On China, the Official Secrets Act and ‘enemies’: Is the Prime Minister wrong?
The Prime Minister has claimed that his government’s hands are tied in relation to whether China constituted an ‘enemy’ for the purpose of a now-dropped criminal prosecution under…
publiclawforeveryone.com
October 8, 2025 at 10:55 AM
New post | On China, the Official Secrets Act and 'enemies': Is the Prime Minister wrong?
publiclawforeveryone.com/2025/10/08/o...
publiclawforeveryone.com/2025/10/08/o...
Reposted by Stefan Theil
Delighted to announce a hybrid event to launchThe Cambridge Handbook of Constitutional Theory: ed Richard Bellamy and Jeff King
UCL 13 Oct 2025, 18:05 – 19:30, followed by a wine reception.
Event details and how to book an on line or in person place – are here
www.ucl.ac.uk/laws/events/...
UCL 13 Oct 2025, 18:05 – 19:30, followed by a wine reception.
Event details and how to book an on line or in person place – are here
www.ucl.ac.uk/laws/events/...
The Cambridge Handbook of Constitutional Theory: Launch Event
This event is organised by the UCL Global Centre for Democratic Constitutionalism.
www.ucl.ac.uk
October 6, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Delighted to announce a hybrid event to launchThe Cambridge Handbook of Constitutional Theory: ed Richard Bellamy and Jeff King
UCL 13 Oct 2025, 18:05 – 19:30, followed by a wine reception.
Event details and how to book an on line or in person place – are here
www.ucl.ac.uk/laws/events/...
UCL 13 Oct 2025, 18:05 – 19:30, followed by a wine reception.
Event details and how to book an on line or in person place – are here
www.ucl.ac.uk/laws/events/...
Reposted by Stefan Theil
I hate to sound like some ancient old throwback, but I don't recognise the country I am living in.
When did racism become acceptable again?
Why do we have to rely on ageing retired Engand fullbacks for guidance on the misuse of flags?
/1
When did racism become acceptable again?
Why do we have to rely on ageing retired Engand fullbacks for guidance on the misuse of flags?
/1
What on earth has happened to the Tories? This wouldn't have been acceptable in 1965 let alone 2025.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Robert Jenrick complained of ‘not seeing another white face’ in part of Birmingham
Shadow justice secretary criticised for suggesting he could tell how integrated Handsworth was based on short visit
www.theguardian.com
October 6, 2025 at 6:40 PM
I hate to sound like some ancient old throwback, but I don't recognise the country I am living in.
When did racism become acceptable again?
Why do we have to rely on ageing retired Engand fullbacks for guidance on the misuse of flags?
/1
When did racism become acceptable again?
Why do we have to rely on ageing retired Engand fullbacks for guidance on the misuse of flags?
/1
Reposted by Stefan Theil
Nothing in the future is written in stone - the right could change policy again, as indeed could the left, which has been more anti convention rights than the right in this country, historically.
Given that the right usually wins elections in the UK, it seems likely that, whatever balance it takes, the UK will now be leaving the ECHR.
This is a shame.
/1
This is a shame.
/1
October 5, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Nothing in the future is written in stone - the right could change policy again, as indeed could the left, which has been more anti convention rights than the right in this country, historically.
A good indicator for how well things are going that the Conservatives have returned to their traditional scapegoat. What a sad state for the party and UK democracy.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
UK will leave ECHR if Tories win election, Badenoch says
The European Convention on Human Rights has become a focal point in debates around changing immigration policy.
www.bbc.com
October 5, 2025 at 10:14 AM
A good indicator for how well things are going that the Conservatives have returned to their traditional scapegoat. What a sad state for the party and UK democracy.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Stefan Theil
Terrific weekend essay by @henrymance.bsky.social
How polarised is Britain?
Behind media perceptions of a sharpening political divide is a more complicated picture
www.ft.com
October 5, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Terrific weekend essay by @henrymance.bsky.social
Reposted by Stefan Theil
We have registered a new corporation.
September 29, 2025 at 11:39 AM
We have registered a new corporation.
Reposted by Stefan Theil
Anyone thinking that in the UK we have "activist" judges has never met one.
October 5, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Anyone thinking that in the UK we have "activist" judges has never met one.