Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

'Difference in the House of Lords'

Rackley, Erika

Authors

Erika Rackley



Abstract

Taking the media reaction to Brenda Hale’s appointment to the appellate committee of the House of Lords in January 2004 as its starting point, this article considers the impact difference might have on understandings of both the judge and judging. It argues that beneath the surface of the somewhat simplistic personality-based alternatives posited in the British press lies a more organic response to the woman judge generally and her perceived difference. Drawing on Hale’s potential for difference in relation to familial (dis)connection, unwanted parenthood and indecent assault, the article concludes that, far from being a malevolent threat, the perceived difference of the woman judge offers an opportunity to consider the possibility of alternative adjudicative approaches and new understandings of the judge.

Citation

Rackley, E. (2006). 'Difference in the House of Lords'. Social and Legal Studies, 15(2), 163-185. https://doi.org/10.1177/0964663906063567

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jun 1, 2006
Deposit Date Oct 14, 2008
Journal Social and Legal Studies
Print ISSN 0964-6639
Electronic ISSN 0964-6639
Publisher SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 15
Issue 2
Pages 163-185
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/0964663906063567
Keywords Adjudication, Brenda Hale, Difference, House of Lords, Woman judge.

You might also like



Downloadable Citations