University of Leicester lecturer scoops prestigious law prize

A Leicester Law School lecturer has been awarded a prize for her research paper exploring the laws of war and armed conflict.

Dr Sarina Landefeld has scooped the Best Paper Prize 2024 from the Society of Legal Scholars. 

Her winning report, titled “Inter-war interactions in the development of the protection of civilians: a historical perspective”, was one of two papers to receive the award this year. 

Each year a panel of judges from the Society of Legal Scholars offers the prize to the best paper presented at its Annual Conference. The winning ones will appear in the Legal Studies journal. 

In the paper Dr Landefeld took an interdisciplinary and unconventional approach, combining historical research with legal studies. 

Commenting on the win, she said: “I am honoured to have received this award and feel proud that the paper stood out for its interdisciplinary approach to legal research. 

“My research lies at the interstices between international law, internal relations and history, and ever since I studied the uncensored histories of international law during my Masters, I have been inspired to take an unconventional approach to my research.” 

Dr Landefeld is an international legal scholar and her work explores the history of international humanitarian law, focusing in particular on conceptual developments, law-making processes, and the protection and regulation of individuals in armed conflicts. 

Professor Teela Sanders, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, said: “I would like to congratulate Sarina on this brilliant success. This recognition not only highlights her exemplary scholarship but also underscores Leicester’s commitment to advancing critical discussions on international humanitarian law.”