Kennedy, Helena (1950–)
Kennedy, Helena (1950–)
Scottish lawyer. Name variations: Lady Helena Kennedy, Baroness Helena Kennedy; Baaroness Kennedy of the Shaws. Born May 12, 1950, in Glasgow, Scotland; m. Dr. Iain Hutchinson (surgeon); children: 1 daughter, 2 sons.
Barrister, broadcaster, feminist and writer of the left, grew up in working-class family; was called to bar (1972); practiced predominantly criminal law, arguing high-profile cases, including Brighton Bombing Trial and Guildford Four Appeal; created BBC tv drama series "Blind Justice" (1987); served as chair of British Council to develop closer cultural relations between UK and other countries (1998–2004); hosted various tv programs, including "Heart of the Matter" (1987), "Raw Deal" (1990), "Time, Gentlemen, Please" (1994) and "After Dark" (2003); co-produced documentary Mothers Behind Bars (1990) which helped change penal policy on women's prisons; became Queen's Counsel (1991); wrote Eve Was Framed (1992) and Just Law: The Changing Face of Justice-And Why it Matters to Us All (2004); chaired constitutional reform group Charter 88 (1992–97); was 1st chancellor of Oxford Brookes University (1993–2001) and later president of School of Oriental and African Studies at London University; appointed chair of Humane Genetics Commission (2000). Received Lifetime Achievement in the Law award from Women Lawyers' Conference (1996); life peerage (1997).