Skip navigation

Forensic examination of anti-slavery laws

18th October 2019

Laws to tackle human trafficking and modern-day slavery were examined in detail this week at an international conference organised and hosted by Northumbria University.

Human Trafficking: Criminal Law and Evidence explored the use of forensic science in identifying perpetrators and victims of modern-day slavery crimes. The event, organised by Dr Nicola Wake and Professors Tony Ward and Martin Evison from Northumbria, considered existing and potential safeguards and how forensics could be used to assist the police and other front-line responders in the fight against human trafficking. 

Academics were joined by renowned experts including Philippa Southwell, a leading lawyer defending victims of trafficking at all levels of the criminal justice system, Pam Bowen, Operations Director of the Crown Prosecution Service and top prosecuting Barrister Caroline Haughey QC.

Commenting on the conference, Dr Wake said: “This was a highly informative and insightful conference with leading experts from both professional and academic backgrounds. During the day we were able to explore criminal law, human rights, and socio-legal issues connected to the use of forensic science in human trafficking. We debated current methods used in the identification of perpetrators and victims of human trafficking and modern-day slavery. It was also an opportunity to identify current gaps and the considerable challenges these will pose.”

Philippa Southwell, Head of the Human Trafficking and modern slavery department at Birds Solicitors, and Managing Director of the Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Expert Directory, added: “Seminars such as this are extremely important because they bring together academics and practitioners within the modern slavery sector. Without these conversations we can’t look at the areas where we can improve, or discuss the research needed to advance change.”

Northumbria was able to attract funding for the conference from the Modern Law Review,  which is seen as recognition of the University’s research quality and the significance of signature research areas, such as, the Northumbria Centre for Evidence and Criminal Justice Studies (NCECJS), and Science and Justice Research Interest Group.

Applied Sciences

The Department of Applied Sciences has an exciting and extensive portfolio of subjects including biology, biomedical sciences, chemistry, forensic science, food and nutritional sciences.

Northumbria Law School

Northumbria Law School is one of the largest law schools in the UK, with a national and international reputation for excellence in legal education for those interested in studying law.

Applied Sciences

The Department of Applied Sciences has an exciting and extensive portfolio of subjects including biology, biomedical sciences, chemistry, forensic science, food and nutritional sciences.

Northumbria Law School

Northumbria Law School is one of the largest law schools in the UK, with a national and international reputation for excellence in legal education for those interested in studying law.

a sign in front of a crowd
+

Northumbria Open Days

Open Days are a great way for you to get a feel of the University, the city of Newcastle upon Tyne and the course(s) you are interested in.

Research at Northumbria
+

Research at Northumbria

Research is the life blood of a University and at Northumbria University we pride ourselves on research that makes a difference; research that has application and affects people's lives.

NU World
+

Explore NU World

Find out what life here is all about. From studying to socialising, term time to downtime, we’ve got it covered.


Latest News and Features

Joint Institute of Clean Hydrogen
Volunteering builds inroads and supports communities. In this photo, UN Volunteers interview community members to assess basic health services in the rural areas of Rwanda. Copyright UNV, 2023
HICSA partners at the site
Jupiter with a spot visible at the south pole
Image of mother and baby
Imogen Russell sitting on a sofa
Dr Rosie Morris, Director of Northumbria University’s Physiotherapy Innovation Laboratory.
3D construction printer at Northumbria University
More events

Upcoming events

Commercialising Social Sciences for Impact
Northumbria University Carol Service
The Future of Evaluation in Health and Social Care Symposium
-

Back to top