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This interdisciplinary conference will examine the authority of experts, the authority of law, and the relations between them.Speakers will include:•   James Connelly, University of Hull•   Miranda Fricker, Birkbeck, University of London•   Claire Grant, University of Warwick•   Scott Hershovitz, University of Michigan•   Dimitrios Kyritsis, University of Sheffield•   Paul Roberts, University of Nottingham.The general aim of the conference is to explore the bearing of contemporary developments in the area of social epistemology on the study of the institution of law. More specifically we are interested in exploring the interrelations between epistemic and practical authority with special reference to the authority of law. The conference will address both theoretical and applied issues.We welcome papers on the following themes from legal, philosophical, historical, sociological and any other relevant perspectives.The nature of theoretical and practical authority. What are the parallels and differences between the authority accorded to ex:perts and the practical authority of legislators and judges?Expertise as a basis of political authority. To what extent does the legitimate authority of legislators and judges depend on their claim to expertise on the20matters about which they pronounce?Establishing and contesting expert authority in legal settings. How do (or should) courts decide which experts to trust and what weight to give their evidence? Is the authority claimed by experts a threat to the claims of courts (and in particular juries) to make fair and authoritative determinations of questions of fact? Experts in the democratic process. What is the proper role of experts in making law and policy? To what extent can legal procedures provide a model for lay decision-making based on expert knowledge (e.g. citizens’ juries)?Please send abstracts (c. 200 words) by 17 July 2009 to: Dr Tony Ward, School of Law, University of Hull, e-mail A.Ward@hull.ac.uk.The conference fee will be £30 inclusive of lunch and light refreshments but not including evening meals or accommodation. For further details please contact Tony Ward (above) or Dr Antony Hatzistavrou, Department of Humanities, University of Hull, e-mail A.Hatzistavrou@hull.ac.uk.