Empirical Legal Studies Research Interest Group

The Empirical Legal Studies (ELS) Research Interest Group brings together established and early career academics as well as postgraduate students from a range of disciplines who are interested in conducting empirical legal research on the law and the legal system.

We define both ‘empirical’ and ‘law’ broadly, for the widest reach. By ‘empirical’ we mean systematic data collection, whether qualitative or quantitative, using whatever method. By ‘law’ we mean the operation of individual laws, the behaviour of law’s agents, legal education, and the ‘law in action’ generally. The group contains members from both Northumbria and Newcastle Universities.

We believe that most areas of legal study could be enhanced with some form of empirical component. This research interest group seeks to increase the production of ELS in UK Universities, and to improve the quality and diversity of ELS research. The Group organises round table events with academics from other institutions, and an ELS conference.

The Northumbria Open Access Journal of Legal Research Methodology was created and edited by members of the group. The Journal invites submissions on all aspects of legal research methodology, including (but not limited to) empirical approaches. There is currently a call for papers for the inaugural edition.

Convenors at Northumbria: Paul Dargue and Jaclyn Paterson