Claire Palley

Claire Dorothea Taylor Palley (born 17 February 1931) is a South African academic and lawyer who specialises in constitutional and human rights law. She was the first woman to hold a Chair in Law at a United Kingdom university when she was appointed at Queen's University Belfast in 1970.

Quotes

• The objection that one cannot legislate to change "the hearts and minds of men" is a red herring, when the law seeks to hit at actions not at attitudes.
• Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law.
  • [1]
• We are not satisfied that complaints against the security forces are always investigated with the vigour which they deserve if public confidence in the general conduct of the security forces is to be maintained.
  • [2]
• I was soon to learn that Manchester was unusual in its favourable gender balance in 1968.
• In my year at Manchester about 10% of the class were women. Many had been discouraged from applying to do law.
• [3]