Per Incuriam
Per Incuriam is the flagship journal of the Cambridge Law Society, showcasing the most incisive legal scholarship from within and beyond our community. Published termly, it brings together the best of student writing alongside contributions from distinguished figures in the legal world, exploring the most pertinent issues of the day through the prism of thought-engaging topics.
Publication Highlights
At its core, Per Incuriam aims to enrich the study of law in two main ways. First, it is a study resource to complement the course curriculum. Our 'Tripos' section publishes first-class essays across a diverse range of subjects, giving students a clear and practical sense of what first-class legal writing actually looks like.
Second, the magazine is a platform for students to write about the legal issues that matter to them beyond the curriculum. These articles engage with the most pressing questions in law and society today, offering contributors a valuable first experience of academic writing and a wider audience for their ideas. All perspectives are welcome!
Looking ahead
Last year we ran the inaugural Per Incuriam essay competition which was generously sponsored by One Essex Court, on the topic of good faith in contract. We aim to run it again this year, so do look out for updates during Michaelmas!
We are also relaunching the Per Incuriam blog - a more informal space where students can share their opinions and reactions on legal topics throughout the term, complementing the termly print journal with something livelier and more immediate.
Podcast
The Podcast Department is one of CULS' newest initiatives, designed to create engaging, accessible, and informative content that complements students' legal education. Through a range of podcast series, the department aims to connect students with one another, showcase distinguished legal professionals, and provide insight into contemporary legal scholarship. The department combines communication, interviewing, production, and collaboration to produce content that is both educational and engaging.
Our first initiative is CULSCast Conversations, a student-focused series that provides an informal platform for discussions on life as a law student. Episodes cover topics such as dissertation choices, selecting optional modules, revision and examination strategies, career planning, and navigating the law degree more generally. These conversations reflect the advice and experiences that students naturally share with one another, making them an accessible resource for current and prospective law students alike.
The second initiative is Speakers Select, produced in collaboration with the Speakers
Department. This series records and publishes conversations with the distinguished guests invited to speak at CULS events, allowing members who are unable to attend in person to benefit from these discussions. Previous guests have included leading legal figures such as Lord Richards and Lady Rose, offering listeners valuable insights into the judiciary, legal practice, and the wider profession. As the Society continues to attract high-profile speakers, this series has significant potential for continued growth.
Our third initiative is Beyond Doctrine, an interview series dedicated to exploring legal
research and academic thought. In this series, podcast hosts interview leading academics about their recent publications, research interests, and career journeys.
Episodes may also feature panel discussions examining significant legal developments and milestones, such as the centenary of the Law of Property Act 1925. Beyond Doctrine seeks to make academic scholarship more accessible to students while encouraging engagement with legal ideas beyond the classroom.
As one of the Society's newest departments, the Podcast Department offers considerable scope for innovation and development. It provides an opportunity to preserve valuable discussions, amplify the voices of students and legal professionals, and create a lasting educational resource for the CULS community. By combining student engagement, professional insight, and academic discussion, the department continues to develop as a distinctive and valuable part of the Society's wider mission.