The legal and academic communities are in mourning following the passing of Professor Conor Gearty KC, a formidable barrister, prolific author, and revered Professor of Human Rights Law at the London School of Economics. He was 66.
Gearty, who died on 10 September after a determined fight against cancer, was celebrated for his brilliant mind, unwavering moral compass, and his unique ability to dissect complex legal principles with clarity and passion. His career was a powerful fusion of high-level legal practice and profound scholarly work.
From Humble Roots to Academic Greatness
Born in 1959 to Irish parents in County Clare, Gearty's intellect propelled him from a scholarship at Gonzaga College in Dublin to the halls of Cambridge University. It was there he began his deep, and often critical, engagement with English law and society, later earning a PhD from Trinity College, Dublin.
His early academic work was groundbreaking. His 1983 PhD thesis, which evolved into the book ‘Terror’, offered a fresh and critical perspective on the use of anti-terrorism laws in Northern Ireland, challenging mainstream narratives and establishing his reputation as a fearless thinker.
A Pillar of the LSE and a Public Intellectual
Professor Gearty’s 35-year tenure at the LSE left an indelible mark. He was a founding director of the Centre for the Study of Human Rights and later the Institute of Public Affairs, shaping the minds of countless students and colleagues.
Beyond academia, he was a vital public intellectual. He wrote extensively for publications like The Guardian and Index on Censorship, and co-ran the influential Notes on Liberty blog. He believed fiercely in making legal discourse accessible, arguing that human rights were tools for everyday people, not just for legal elites.
The Barrister and the Champion of Liberty
As a practicing barrister at Matrix Chambers, Gearty KC took on landmark cases that defined Britain’s legal landscape. He was a leading authority on civil liberties and played a significant role in notable public inquiries, including the Bloody Sunday Inquiry and the Al-Sweady Inquiry into alleged UK military abuse in Iraq.
His 2016 book, On Fantasy Island: Britain, Europe, and Human Rights, was prescient, critiquing the populist attacks on human rights frameworks and warning of the dangers of isolating Britain from international legal cooperation.
Professor Conor Gearty is survived by his wife, Liz, his children, Rosie and Matt, and his grandchildren. He is remembered not only for his colossal professional contributions but for his warmth, humour, and profound humanity. A memorial event is planned to celebrate his extraordinary life and legacy.
