On 4th and 5th May (or 5th and 6th) a workshop on ’The Place of Apology
in Law’ was held at Onati’s International Institute for the Sociology
of Law. The workshop, convened by Professors Robyn Carroll and Prue
Vines from the Universities of Western Australia and New South Wales
respectively was attended by 20 scholars researching in the area of
apology in the legal system. Participants came from Canada, the
Netherlands, Belgium, England, Australia and the United States of
America. Many were members of the International Network of Law and
Apology Research. We were particularly delighted to have with us Basque
Scholars Magdalena Bobowik and Gema Varona, who added a specially
significant note to the issues being discussed. The workshop considered
the effectiveness and use of protected apologies in the legal system,
the use of apologies as remedies including their effect on damages,
considering this from legal, psychological, philosophical and
sociological points of view. The impact of the workshop on the
development of research in this area was incalculable. The beautiful
surroundings of the Institute in Onati and the hospitality offered us
created a wonderful atmosphere for discussion and thought. “Eskerrik
asko” (Basque for ‘thankyou’) to all involved.
.jpg)
