James Milton
@jamesamilton.bsky.social
Lecturer at University of York / jurisprudence & public law / WHU ⚒️
"James never has anything good to say"
https://www.york.ac.uk/law/people/james-milton/
"James never has anything good to say"
https://www.york.ac.uk/law/people/james-milton/
Pinned
James Milton
@jamesamilton.bsky.social
· Nov 20
My new article is out in the Modern Law Review, arguing that the rule of law requires public officials to engage in "full-bodied" promulgation where a new rule diverges from a long-standing legal rule or established moral norms.
doi.org/10.1111/1468...
doi.org/10.1111/1468...
Reposted by James Milton
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
November 25, 2025 at 9:26 AM
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
Pleased to see the House of Lords Constitution Committee's report on the rule of law, published today, cites my written evidence, arguing that the virtues of the concept depend upon assurances that officials will play their part in respecting the rule of law
committees.parliament.uk/committee/17...
committees.parliament.uk/committee/17...
Rule of law: holding the line between anarchy and tyranny - Committees - UK Parliament
The rule of law in the UK is being weakened, and everyone must take steps to protect it against further erosion, says the House of Lords Constitution Committee.
committees.parliament.uk
November 20, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Pleased to see the House of Lords Constitution Committee's report on the rule of law, published today, cites my written evidence, arguing that the virtues of the concept depend upon assurances that officials will play their part in respecting the rule of law
committees.parliament.uk/committee/17...
committees.parliament.uk/committee/17...
Reposted by James Milton
‘The current members of the Supreme Court, ten men and two women, all of them white, seem to regard the Human Rights Act as an unwelcome remnant of a past era.’
In his final piece for the 𝘓𝘙𝘉, Conor Gearty writes on the Supreme Court’s reinterpretation of the HRA: www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
In his final piece for the 𝘓𝘙𝘉, Conor Gearty writes on the Supreme Court’s reinterpretation of the HRA: www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
Conor Gearty · Unwelcome Remnant: Erasing the Human Rights Act
The Supreme Court is quietly editing the Human Rights Act out of existence. In cases where human rights cannot be...
www.lrb.co.uk
October 5, 2025 at 5:17 PM
‘The current members of the Supreme Court, ten men and two women, all of them white, seem to regard the Human Rights Act as an unwelcome remnant of a past era.’
In his final piece for the 𝘓𝘙𝘉, Conor Gearty writes on the Supreme Court’s reinterpretation of the HRA: www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
In his final piece for the 𝘓𝘙𝘉, Conor Gearty writes on the Supreme Court’s reinterpretation of the HRA: www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
Reposted by James Milton
The government want more coercive powers for the state against protests, and the main opposition party wants more coercive powers for the state against migrants.
Our political-media culture continues in a loop where the response to every perceived problem is yet more coercive powers for the state.
Our political-media culture continues in a loop where the response to every perceived problem is yet more coercive powers for the state.
October 5, 2025 at 7:31 AM
The government want more coercive powers for the state against protests, and the main opposition party wants more coercive powers for the state against migrants.
Our political-media culture continues in a loop where the response to every perceived problem is yet more coercive powers for the state.
Our political-media culture continues in a loop where the response to every perceived problem is yet more coercive powers for the state.
Reposted by James Milton
Thrilled to share this call for papers for a conference on the Future of Constitutional Reform in the United Kingdom at @uomlaw.bsky.social with the support of @ukcla.bsky.social ukconstitutionallaw.org/2025/10/03/e...
Events: Call for Papers – The Future of Constitutional Reform in the United Kingdom
Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 May 2026, University of Manchester, United Kingdom The public law team at the University of Manchester Law Department, in collaboration with the UK Constitutional Law A…
ukconstitutionallaw.org
October 3, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Thrilled to share this call for papers for a conference on the Future of Constitutional Reform in the United Kingdom at @uomlaw.bsky.social with the support of @ukcla.bsky.social ukconstitutionallaw.org/2025/10/03/e...
Reposted by James Milton
Some good news.
London is meeting legal limits for toxic NO2 pollution for the first time – almost 200 years earlier than predicted – following the Mayor’s "world leading air pollution policies," City Hall announces.
The Ultra Low Emissions Zone - and similar policies - really do work.
London is meeting legal limits for toxic NO2 pollution for the first time – almost 200 years earlier than predicted – following the Mayor’s "world leading air pollution policies," City Hall announces.
The Ultra Low Emissions Zone - and similar policies - really do work.
September 30, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Some good news.
London is meeting legal limits for toxic NO2 pollution for the first time – almost 200 years earlier than predicted – following the Mayor’s "world leading air pollution policies," City Hall announces.
The Ultra Low Emissions Zone - and similar policies - really do work.
London is meeting legal limits for toxic NO2 pollution for the first time – almost 200 years earlier than predicted – following the Mayor’s "world leading air pollution policies," City Hall announces.
The Ultra Low Emissions Zone - and similar policies - really do work.
Reposted by James Milton
More hiring at Surrey Law School! Open-area Lecturer position (Research & Teaching) - deadline Thu 2 October 2025. THE POSITION IS GENUINELY OPEN re: research focus, so all interested parties should apply.
Please circulate to anyone you think might be interested!
jobs.surrey.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx...
Please circulate to anyone you think might be interested!
jobs.surrey.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx...
Job Vacancy at the University of Surrey: Lecturer B in Law
Surrey Law School is committed to undertaking original, outstanding scholarship, and to delivering innovative, engaging teaching. The 2025 National Student Survey placed the school in the top 16 in th...
jobs.surrey.ac.uk
September 23, 2025 at 1:06 PM
More hiring at Surrey Law School! Open-area Lecturer position (Research & Teaching) - deadline Thu 2 October 2025. THE POSITION IS GENUINELY OPEN re: research focus, so all interested parties should apply.
Please circulate to anyone you think might be interested!
jobs.surrey.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx...
Please circulate to anyone you think might be interested!
jobs.surrey.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx...
Reposted by James Milton
After years of complaining about cancel culture, the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level by routinely threatening regulatory action against media companies unless they muzzle or fire reporters and commentators it doesn’t like.
Let’s be clear about what happened to Jimmy Kimmel
Trump’s most brazen attack on free speech yet.
www.yahoo.com
September 18, 2025 at 2:10 PM
After years of complaining about cancel culture, the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level by routinely threatening regulatory action against media companies unless they muzzle or fire reporters and commentators it doesn’t like.
Reposted by James Milton
A new Explainer out from @aoifemod.bsky.social and me detailing the UK's ECHR commitments under the 1998 Agreement in response to recent speculation. It is short, because there is very little to say - the UK's obligations are evident on the B/GFA's plain text:
caj.org.uk/wp-content/u...
caj.org.uk/wp-content/u...
September 16, 2025 at 10:51 AM
A new Explainer out from @aoifemod.bsky.social and me detailing the UK's ECHR commitments under the 1998 Agreement in response to recent speculation. It is short, because there is very little to say - the UK's obligations are evident on the B/GFA's plain text:
caj.org.uk/wp-content/u...
caj.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Reposted by James Milton
We are delighted to share Conor Gearty @lselaw.bsky.social’s reflections on writing: 8 tips for surviving (and enjoying!) academic writing.
Many thanks to Conor for sharing his insights!
Article: doi.org/10.53386/nil...
Series: doi.org/10.53386/nil...
Many thanks to Conor for sharing his insights!
Article: doi.org/10.53386/nil...
Series: doi.org/10.53386/nil...
July 23, 2025 at 9:41 AM
We are delighted to share Conor Gearty @lselaw.bsky.social’s reflections on writing: 8 tips for surviving (and enjoying!) academic writing.
Many thanks to Conor for sharing his insights!
Article: doi.org/10.53386/nil...
Series: doi.org/10.53386/nil...
Many thanks to Conor for sharing his insights!
Article: doi.org/10.53386/nil...
Series: doi.org/10.53386/nil...
Reposted by James Milton
The news of Conor Gearty's death has just been announced and I'm not coping. He was a mentor and the pole star in my constitutional thinking. He was also a great friend and fantastic fun to be around. I'm heartbroken for Aoife and the children.
September 12, 2025 at 10:02 AM
The news of Conor Gearty's death has just been announced and I'm not coping. He was a mentor and the pole star in my constitutional thinking. He was also a great friend and fantastic fun to be around. I'm heartbroken for Aoife and the children.
Reposted by James Milton
Al Jazeera Media Network condemns the ‘assassination’ of its Gaza correspondents and photographers by Israeli forces.
🔗: aje.io/eeht0q | #JournalismIsNotACrime
🔗: aje.io/eeht0q | #JournalismIsNotACrime
August 11, 2025 at 1:38 AM
Al Jazeera Media Network condemns the ‘assassination’ of its Gaza correspondents and photographers by Israeli forces.
🔗: aje.io/eeht0q | #JournalismIsNotACrime
🔗: aje.io/eeht0q | #JournalismIsNotACrime
Reposted by James Milton
'(Excludes Northern Ireland)'
Should Britain remain a member of the ECHR?
Yes 58%
No 29%
Much party/media pressure on the leader of the Opposition to shift to the side with half of the support! Often predicated on the mistaken media/political assumption that is the popular side of the argument
(Sunday Times)
Yes 58%
No 29%
Much party/media pressure on the leader of the Opposition to shift to the side with half of the support! Often predicated on the mistaken media/political assumption that is the popular side of the argument
(Sunday Times)
August 2, 2025 at 11:19 PM
'(Excludes Northern Ireland)'
Reposted by James Milton
As someone who couldn't have undertaken a PhD without funding, the AHRC scholarship I received (many years ago) was life-changing. It's incredibly concerning that the the next generation of prospective academics are being denied such opportunities. www.timeshighereducation.com/news/student...
‘Student-led’ AHRC PhD places ‘to fall by at least 60 per cent’
Internal modelling released under Freedom of Information enquiry reveals extent of PhD scholarship cuts, with academics fearing impact could be greater still
www.timeshighereducation.com
July 21, 2025 at 8:44 AM
As someone who couldn't have undertaken a PhD without funding, the AHRC scholarship I received (many years ago) was life-changing. It's incredibly concerning that the the next generation of prospective academics are being denied such opportunities. www.timeshighereducation.com/news/student...
Reposted by James Milton
Two governments took The News Agents to secret court for two years via a constitutionally unprecedented superinjunction to stop you from hearing this story.
The MoD is responsible for a data leak that put up to 100,000 Afghans at risk of death.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zdc6...
The MoD is responsible for a data leak that put up to 100,000 Afghans at risk of death.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zdc6...
The secret court that silenced the News Agents...until now
YouTube video by The News Agents
www.youtube.com
July 15, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Two governments took The News Agents to secret court for two years via a constitutionally unprecedented superinjunction to stop you from hearing this story.
The MoD is responsible for a data leak that put up to 100,000 Afghans at risk of death.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zdc6...
The MoD is responsible for a data leak that put up to 100,000 Afghans at risk of death.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zdc6...
Reposted by James Milton
ICJ issued its first provisional and binding order in January 2024. It said what is only now beginning, tentatively, to be lined out by western commentators. Genocide is plausible and Israel must act to stop it
The shift is welcome but it doesn’t change the fact that it’s 19 months since.
The shift is welcome but it doesn’t change the fact that it’s 19 months since.
July 13, 2025 at 6:59 AM
ICJ issued its first provisional and binding order in January 2024. It said what is only now beginning, tentatively, to be lined out by western commentators. Genocide is plausible and Israel must act to stop it
The shift is welcome but it doesn’t change the fact that it’s 19 months since.
The shift is welcome but it doesn’t change the fact that it’s 19 months since.
Reposted by James Milton
NEW BLOG: 10 reasons why the hereditary peers bill should be amended to constrain Prime Ministerial patronage and the size of the House of Lords
Ahead of the hereditary peers bill's report stage starting in the Lords tomorrow, our Director, Meg Russell, sets out why peers should amend the bill.
Ahead of the hereditary peers bill's report stage starting in the Lords tomorrow, our Director, Meg Russell, sets out why peers should amend the bill.
10 reasons why the hereditary peers bill should be amended to constrain Prime Ministerial patronage and the size of the House of Lords
The government’s House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill reaches its report stage in the chamber this week – presenting a serious moment for possible amendments. Meg Russell argues that peers should…
constitution-unit.com
July 1, 2025 at 5:00 AM
NEW BLOG: 10 reasons why the hereditary peers bill should be amended to constrain Prime Ministerial patronage and the size of the House of Lords
Ahead of the hereditary peers bill's report stage starting in the Lords tomorrow, our Director, Meg Russell, sets out why peers should amend the bill.
Ahead of the hereditary peers bill's report stage starting in the Lords tomorrow, our Director, Meg Russell, sets out why peers should amend the bill.
Reposted by James Milton
Jaw-dropping reporting by Haaretz www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
June 27, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Jaw-dropping reporting by Haaretz www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
Reposted by James Milton
Hi, this is Meg Barnette, Brad's wife.
While escorting a defendant out of immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza, Brad was taken by masked agents and detained by ICE.
This is still developing, and our team is monitoring the situation closely.
While escorting a defendant out of immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza, Brad was taken by masked agents and detained by ICE.
This is still developing, and our team is monitoring the situation closely.
June 17, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Hi, this is Meg Barnette, Brad's wife.
While escorting a defendant out of immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza, Brad was taken by masked agents and detained by ICE.
This is still developing, and our team is monitoring the situation closely.
While escorting a defendant out of immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza, Brad was taken by masked agents and detained by ICE.
This is still developing, and our team is monitoring the situation closely.
Reposted by James Milton
📢 CALL FOR PAPERS
The Rule of Law, Multi-layered Human Rights Protection and Constitutional Resilience: The ECHR at 75 and the Venice Commission at 35 | 6-7 Nov 25
Submissions on the theme of constitutional resilience in the context of multi-layered human rights protection by 4 June.
buff.ly/WummGxp
The Rule of Law, Multi-layered Human Rights Protection and Constitutional Resilience: The ECHR at 75 and the Venice Commission at 35 | 6-7 Nov 25
Submissions on the theme of constitutional resilience in the context of multi-layered human rights protection by 4 June.
buff.ly/WummGxp
June 3, 2025 at 9:05 AM
📢 CALL FOR PAPERS
The Rule of Law, Multi-layered Human Rights Protection and Constitutional Resilience: The ECHR at 75 and the Venice Commission at 35 | 6-7 Nov 25
Submissions on the theme of constitutional resilience in the context of multi-layered human rights protection by 4 June.
buff.ly/WummGxp
The Rule of Law, Multi-layered Human Rights Protection and Constitutional Resilience: The ECHR at 75 and the Venice Commission at 35 | 6-7 Nov 25
Submissions on the theme of constitutional resilience in the context of multi-layered human rights protection by 4 June.
buff.ly/WummGxp
Reposted by James Milton
I failed to post this last week, but it’s one of the best op-eds you’ll read all year. Two politicians with *wildly* different orientations but a common thread of belief in the nature of citizenship and nationality. (They’re also 100% right obvs.)
on.ft.com/3GS1rPl
on.ft.com/3GS1rPl
Alf Dubs and Jacob Rees-Mogg: citizenship stripping is fundamentally unBritish
Shamima Begum made grave mistakes. But she is our responsibility and no one else’s
on.ft.com
May 19, 2025 at 9:09 AM
I failed to post this last week, but it’s one of the best op-eds you’ll read all year. Two politicians with *wildly* different orientations but a common thread of belief in the nature of citizenship and nationality. (They’re also 100% right obvs.)
on.ft.com/3GS1rPl
on.ft.com/3GS1rPl
Reposted by James Milton
How should legal education respond to AI? Together with 11 UCL Laws colleagues, this paper is our vision for the sector. It's rooted in academic integrity, fundamental competences, and concerns around impacts on learning to learn and intellectual risk taking. (🧵)
discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10...
discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10...
May 6, 2025 at 11:36 AM
How should legal education respond to AI? Together with 11 UCL Laws colleagues, this paper is our vision for the sector. It's rooted in academic integrity, fundamental competences, and concerns around impacts on learning to learn and intellectual risk taking. (🧵)
discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10...
discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10...
Reposted by James Milton
Looks like a fabulous set of events for this year's Legal Theory Festival. The programme is available here: www.law.ed.ac.uk/news-events/.... Please repost and share widely!
May 12, 2025 at 10:03 AM
Looks like a fabulous set of events for this year's Legal Theory Festival. The programme is available here: www.law.ed.ac.uk/news-events/.... Please repost and share widely!
Reposted by James Milton
A group of us law academics put together a letter on FWS v Scottish Ministers UK Supreme Court ruling & we are asking other *UK based law folk* (academic activist practitioner etc) to sign
More details 👇
#transrights #trans #transgender #lawsky #academicsky #UKlaw
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
More details 👇
#transrights #trans #transgender #lawsky #academicsky #UKlaw
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
A Law Letter on FWS v Scottish Ministers
A coalition of legal academics have drafted a letter setting out our support for trans rights and our concerns about the FWS v Scottish Ministers UKSC ruling. We are opening it up for signature to ev...
docs.google.com
May 7, 2025 at 4:12 PM
A group of us law academics put together a letter on FWS v Scottish Ministers UK Supreme Court ruling & we are asking other *UK based law folk* (academic activist practitioner etc) to sign
More details 👇
#transrights #trans #transgender #lawsky #academicsky #UKlaw
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
More details 👇
#transrights #trans #transgender #lawsky #academicsky #UKlaw
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Reposted by James Milton
Not a UK lawyer but fwiw this was my impression as well: the Court wildly overstated the force of its coherentist arguments, and misrepresented its own social views and policy preferences as evidence of Parliament's intention.
April 20, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Not a UK lawyer but fwiw this was my impression as well: the Court wildly overstated the force of its coherentist arguments, and misrepresented its own social views and policy preferences as evidence of Parliament's intention.