Inner Temple

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Grand Inner Temple

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Jean Froissart, Chroniques, 154v, 12148 btv1b8438605hf336, crop

Charles II of England

John Selden, Tracts Written by John Selden of the Inner-Temple, Esquire (1st ed, 1683, title page)

Samuel Ireland - Inner Temple - B1977.14.9481 - Yale Center for British Art

Inner Temple is one of the four Inns of Court which have the exclusive right to call their members to the English Bar as barristers. Located in the wider Temple area of London, near the River Thames, the Inner Temple, along with the Middle Temple, occupies a central place in the legal history of England. It serves not only as a professional body for barristers in England and Wales but also as an educational institution that provides legal training and scholarships.

History

The origins of the Inner Temple date back to the Knights Templar, who constructed the original Temple Church in the 12th century as their English headquarters. After the dissolution of the Templars, the Temple Church and the surrounding property were granted by King Edward II to the Knights Hospitaller. However, it eventually became a place of residence and training for lawyers, leading to the establishment of the Inner Temple (alongside the Middle Temple) as one of the Inns of Court.

Throughout the centuries, the Inner Temple has played a significant role in the legal and political history of England. Many notable figures, including Sir Walter Raleigh and Oliver Cromwell, were members of the Inner Temple. The Inn has also been the site of important legal developments and debates that have shaped English law.

Governance

The governance of the Inner Temple is overseen by the Parliament of the Inner Temple, which is composed of all members of the Inn who have attained the rank of Queen's Counsel (or King's Counsel, as the case may be), together with the Masters of the Bench (or "Benchers"), who are senior members elected to oversee the running of the Inn. The Inner Temple is led by the Treasurer, a position that rotates annually among the Benchers.

Functions and Responsibilities

The Inner Temple's primary functions include the education and training of aspiring barristers, the provision of scholarships, and the promotion of legal knowledge and practice. The Inn provides a range of educational activities, including Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) lectures, advocacy training, and legal research facilities. It also administers the qualifying sessions, which are a series of formal dinners that student members must attend as part of their training.

Buildings and Architecture

The Inner Temple estate comprises a collection of historic and modern buildings. The heart of the Inn is the Temple Church, a Norman and Gothic-style church that was originally built by the Knights Templar. The church is known for its effigy tombs and its role in the legal history of England. Surrounding the church are the Inner Temple's halls, libraries, and chambers, where barristers practice and students are trained.

Membership

Membership in the Inner Temple is divided into several categories: students, barristers (or practitioners), and honorary members. Students must pass the Bar Course Aptitude Test (BCAT) and be admitted to the Inn before they can begin their training for the Bar. Upon successful completion of their training and the BPTC, students are called to the Bar by the Inn and become practicing barristers.

Cultural and Social Activities

The Inner Temple also hosts a variety of cultural and social activities for its members, including moots (mock legal debates), lectures, and social events. These activities provide opportunities for networking, professional development, and community building among members.

Conclusion

The Inner Temple plays a crucial role in the legal profession in England and Wales, upholding traditions that date back centuries while also adapting to the modern needs of the legal community. Its commitment to excellence in legal education, training, and practice continues to contribute significantly to the development of the law and the legal profession.

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