School of Law research on Human Rights, Equality and Diversity (HRE&D)

Sanna joined the University of Bradford in September 2014. She has wide research interests, ranging from Energy Law to EU free movement law and international and European human rights law. She is also the Research Lead and the Programme Leader for the Masters of Law (LLM) programmes at the School of Law. 

Research

Sanna has published academic journal articles on legislation governing renewable energy cooperation between the EU and the Middle East and North Africa region as well as law the regulation of the environmental and societal impacts of hydraulic fracturing. She has also contributed to an energy law book highlighting the recent developments at the EU level entitled Energy Transitions: Regulatory and Policy Trends (Intersentia 2017). In August 2018 Sanna co-authored a research monograph with Dr Jessica Guth (Reader, Leeds Beckett) entitled Gender and Court of Justice of the European Union (Routledge 2018). She is currently working on a funded project which builds on the monograph and involves interviews with lawyers who have presented applicants at national courts as well as the Court of Justice of the EU. she is also working on two other research outputs, one of which is related to gender in asylum cases before the Court of Justice, and the other concerns the right of residence for EU citizens in the UK after Brexit. 

Sanna is currently supervising the following Law PhD Researchers and their indicative topics:

• Xingyu Chen, Foreign Direct Investment in the EU and UK after Brexit (Co-Supervisor)
• Sophia Imegi, Renewable Energy Investment in Nigeria and it's West African neighbours (Principal Supervisor)
• Aleksandra Marcinkowska, Eastern European Citizens' Right of Residence after Brexit (Principal Supervisor)
• Nigel Pitchford, Access of Local Government Workforce to Grievance Procedures (Co-Supervisor)
• Fiez Sarwar, The Role of the United Nations Security Council and the International Criminal Court in Preventing Human Rights Violations in the Countries of the Middle East (Principal Supervisor)

Sanna is a Member of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Law in the Built Environment, and she conducts external review activities for other UK Law Schools in the preparation for the REF2021.  

Edward graduated from the University of Bradford in 2010 and has performed many roles for the University before being appointed as Lecturer in Law in 2013. Edward is completing a PhD looking at migrant homelessness and is Vice-Chair of Bradford Cyrenians, homelessness and domestic abuse charity in the city. These research interests and experience have informed his areas of teaching, and Edward teaches on the topics of Immigration and Asylum Law, Criminal Law, Ethics and Business. Edward also acts as the Law School's Schools Outreach Officer, as well as the Staff Liaison Officer for our Student Law Society.

Practised at the independent Bar since qualifying in 1999. Specialist practice areas included Matrimonial Finance and Cohabitation Trusts. Joined the academic team at the University of Bradford School of Law in September 1999.

Research

Current Projects Undertaking research into the co-ordination of third sector provision of legal services to those most in need. Delivery of research paper at the Association of Law Teachers Annual Conference 2016 with Kathryn Dutton and Robin Lister entitled: The provision of legal services in the post legal aid era: a proposal for multi-agency collaboration between private and charitable suppliers of legal services coordinated by law schools.

Chris joined the Law School from Leeds Law School in 2005. He is a book review editor for the International Journal of Law and Management and has previously acted as an external examiner for Thames Valley University and Nottingham Trent University. He is currently a member of the Social Sciences Ethics Panel.

Chris teaches Modules in Company Law, Human Rights and the Law of Evidence, which is his principal area of research. Chris specialises in the law of pre-trial disclosure and has delivered training seminars to a number of UK police forces on the subject. He has also advised HMIC and the Parliament of New South Wales in relation to the development of disclosure policy. 

Research

Chris writes extensively on the criminal justice system, the law of evidence and criminal procedure. His main area of interest is the law of pre-trial disclosure in criminal cases under the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996. Chris has been consulted by both the UK Home Office, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and the Parliament of New South Wales in relation to the development and implementation of disclosure policy. He also contributes to disclosure training events for Lancashire and Greater Manchester Police. Chris writes extensively on the criminal justice system, the law of evidence and criminal procedure. His main area of interest is the law of pre-trial disclosure in criminal cases under the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996. Chris has been consulted by both the UK Home Office, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and the Parliament of New South Wales in relation to the development and implementation of disclosure policy. He also contributes to disclosure training events for Lancashire and Greater Manchester Police. Current Projects Chris is the academic coordinator for the West Yorkshire Policing and Community Research Partnership. This initiative conducts bespoke qualitative research on issues of crime and policing for the benefit of the local community and introduces undergraduate LLB students to empirical socio-legal research skills in partnership with West Yorkshire Police. In addition to this work, Chris is conducting ongoing research into developments which impact on the law of disclosure, including the regime for the disclosure of social services records as part of historical child protection cases. Current Projects Chris is the academic coordinator for the West Yorkshire Policing and Community Research Partnership. This initiative conducts bespoke qualitative research on issues of crime and policing for the benefit of the local community and introduces undergraduate LLB students to empirical socio-legal research skills in partnership with West Yorkshire Police. In addition to this work, Chris is conducting ongoing research into developments which impact on the law of disclosure, including the regime for the disclosure of social services records as part of historical child protection cases.

The thesis highlights the ineffectiveness of both the United Nations Security Council and the International Criminal Court in prohibiting, intervening and prosecuting individuals, particularly from the five permanent member states and their allies where violations have been committed during humanitarian and counter-terrorism operations.

The thesis argues that such violations have progressively increased in Muslim states after the events of 9/11 and the adoption of the global ‘war on terror’ initiative, whilst propagating Islamophobia following various judicial decisions and legislation being enacted both regionally and domestically within western states to counteract the formidably perceived threat of Islam and Muslims in general.

 What made you decide to undertake your PhD at the University of BradfordSchool of Law?

I decided to undertake the PhD here mainly due to the universities commitment to provide high-quality teaching and education to all students at all levels.

I personally have had a pleasant and positive experience throughout my undergraduate and postgraduate studies and I would recommend new and continuing students to come here as the university is diverse, inclusive, progressive and committed to developing and investing in its students.

 How are you finding your experience of undertaking your PhD at the University of BradfordSchool of Law?

My experience throughout the duration of my PhD has been fantastic, I have received invaluable support and guidance from both my primary and secondary supervisors at every stage of writing my thesis.

My research is focusing on the interpretation of European Union human rights law within the European Union Court of Justice, taking into consideration the multilingual aspect of the union and the accessible online tools which are useful in terms of social distancing. Due to the multilingual factor and the new ways of making justice through online platforms, the quality of justice requires attention to make sure that the EU justice mechanisms remain as efficient as possible in the face of new challenges.

What made you decide to undertake your PhD at the University of Bradford School of Law?

This year I have enrolled myself at Bradford University to a PhD research program in international law in order to become a true expert in this field and gain more knowledge on the interpretation of human rights laws. Once I complete the postgraduate research course which is the highest level of education and gain the title of Doctor in Law I became the best version of myself. Also, in the future, I would love to pursue a teaching career within the University and share my experiences and knowledge with younger generations of students.

I chose to conduct my PhD research at the University of Bradford because I already had a great experience at this university during my Master's degree. The professors were always helpful during and outside classes, the library had a big collection of written resources and it allowed students to study at all times as it was open 24 hours a day. The staff within the University was helpful and always positive with a smile on their faces, and any innovative ideas for a project to promote or improve the services within the university were considered.

How are you finding your experience of undertaking your PhD at the University of Bradford School of Law?

As I started my PhD research program whilst the national lock-down has been put in place due to the worldwide pandemic with COVID-19, I had my induction week and all the interactions with my supervisors and the PGR Director through online tools such as Zoom and Skype. Giving the fact that PhD research is more of individual work, social distance did not affect me in any way. As I already knew my supervisors from my Master degree it was easy for me to have online discussions with them.

In terms of resources, I have online access to all library materials which helps me continue conducting my research. When I encountered any issues or I had any question, a university staff member has been in touch with me immediately and helped me without delay.

I am happy I took the decision to enrol myself for a PhD course to the University of Bradford as I receive all the help I need in order to continue with my research and I have positive and constructive interactions with my supervisors.