Call for Papers: Conference on Judicial Activism and Resistance in Eastern Europe and Beyond

Exciting opportunity for scholars working on judicial independence and democratic transitions

The Centre for Socio-Legal Studies is pleased to announce an upcoming conference on "Judicial Activism and Resistance in Eastern Europe and Beyond," to be held on 5-6 June 2025 at the Institut d'études européennes, Université libre de Bruxelles. This prestigious event marks the culmination of an important research project on Judicial Activism in Times of Crisis, supported by the British Academy's Knowledge Frontiers Symposia Follow-on Funding Programme.

Conference Focus

At a time when judicial independence faces unprecedented challenges globally, this conference offers a crucial platform for examining how judges navigate and resist threats to their autonomy. With recent developments in Poland's transition back to rule of law principles, the conference provides a timely opportunity to explore judicial activism as a form of resistance and communication in response to democratic backsliding.

Key Themes

The conference welcomes empirically-grounded contributions addressing:

• Judicial self-reflections on activism and resistance
• Academic perspectives on judicial independence
• Challenges in transitioning from authoritarianism
• Comparative perspectives from beyond Europe

How to Apply

Interested scholars should submit an extended abstract (750 words) by 25 January 2025 to Dr. Agnieszka Kubal (agnieszka.kubal@csls.ox.ac.uk). Abstracts should outline:

• Methodological approach
• Key findings
• Contribution to existing scholarship

Selected papers will have the opportunity for publication in a special issue or edited volume with a leading academic publisher.

Conference Details

• Dates: 5-6 June 2025
• Venue: Room Kant, Institut d'études européennes, Université libre de Bruxelles
• Deadline: 25 January 2025

This conference represents an excellent opportunity for scholars to contribute to crucial discussions about judicial independence and democratic governance in challenging times. We particularly encourage submissions that offer fresh perspectives and robust empirical evidence on these vital themes.

For more information, please download the CFP Judicial Activism Conference 2025 Announcement or contact Dr. Agnieszka Kubal at agnieszka.kubal@csls.ox.ac.uk.