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History Society Lecture
Event Details

Bookings will open on 31 March

‘The Reasonable Person’

Speaker: Dr Valentin Jeutner

The talk presents the recently published biography of the common law’s “reasonable person.” In the book, Valentin Jeutner traces the development of this legal figure across time, legal fields, and countries. Beginning with legal figures in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, the book explains how the reasonable person emerged during British industrialisation under the influence of Scottish Enlightenment thinking.

Following the figure into colonial courts, battlefields, and debates about self-driving cars, the book argues that the reasonable person encourages judges and jurors to assess conduct by adopting another person’s perspective through empathy.

The talk also highlights Sir Edward Hall Alderson, who introduced the standard in Blyth v. Birmingham Waterworks.

In person and livestreamed from The Inner Temple, London
Doors open: 5.30pm
Lecture: 6pm - 7pm
Reception: 7pm - 8pm

Not an Inner Temple Member? Please scroll beneath the Members Login box and click Add Ticket.

Please note that a recording of this lecture will be made available on www.innertemple.org.uk/historylectures

Cancel by: 27/04/2026
Please note: cancellations made after this may not be refunded.

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Start Date: 5th May 2026 at 6:00 pm

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End Date: 5th May 2026 at 7:00 pm

place

Inner Temple Lecture Theatre

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Open to: Members and the public

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