Credit: Edinburgh Law School

Professor Boyle was professor of public international law at the University of Edinburgh between 1995 and 2017. During this time, he made an immense contribution to the scholarly life of Edinburgh Law School. He was also recognised as a leading pillar of the broader community of public international lawyers in the United Kingdom and beyond. 

Whilst he is best known for his pioneering work on international environmental law, his interests were far wider and he preferred to be considered as a general international lawyer, albeit with a particular interest and expertise in environmental matters and the law of the sea. 

Indeed, he wrote much more widely on international law and by the end of his career he had produced an impressive bibliography of books, chapters and journal articles on topics as diverse as the law of treaties, dispute settlement, state responsibility, international institutional law, and international law-making more generally. 

Alan also combined a prolific academic career with a busy professional practice as a barrister, regularly appearing before international courts and tribunals. The combination of academic rigour, practical insight and sharp wit that runs throughout his work is a key reason why he became such a loved and respected figure in international law circles. He passed away, aged 70, at his home in Perthshire on 14 September 2023. 

The event is co-sponsored by the Essex Court Chambers and the Global Justice Academy. 

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