Dr Emma J. Breeze

Emma joined Birmingham Law School in 2021 as an Assistant Professor in International Criminal Law. Her association with the School, however, extends much further back. Emma completed the LLM in International Law, Crime, Justice and Human Rights at Birmingham in 2016 before undertaking a PhD under the supervision of Professor Rob Cryer and Professor Alexander Orakhelashvili. Professor Cryer described Emma as one of his finest doctoral students. She successfully completed her PhD in June 2020 while also contributing to the School as a postgraduate teaching assistant.

Throughout her academic career, Emma developed a distinctive expertise in the technological challenges facing the law of armed conflict, positioning herself at the intersection of international criminal law, international humanitarian law, technology, and intelligence studies. While she described herself as a doctrinal lawyer, her scholarship combined rigorous legal analysis with socio-legal insight and a keen awareness of practical realities, making her a truly distinctive voice in the field. Her work was highly original and increasingly influential, addressing issues of growing contemporary relevance and enabling her to translate academic research into policy-relevant advice, including on the use of drones by law enforcement agencies in England and Wales.

Emma was also a dedicated and inspirational teacher. At Birmingham, she taught across a range of subjects, including International Criminal Law and Justice, Criminal Law, Transnational Criminal Law, and International Humanitarian Law. She was approachable and deeply committed to her students. Her ability to engage students with complex and challenging issues, while encouraging critical thinking and curiosity, left a lasting impression on all those she taught.

A much-valued colleague, Emma was respected not only for her academic achievements but also for her warmth, kindness, and collegiality. Emma always prioritised people. She possessed a strong sense of justice and fairness yet was never judgmental. Open-minded, generous, enthusiastic, and unfailingly supportive, she brought out the best in those around her. At the same time, she was humble and authentic, with a sense of humour and a subtle wit that endeared her to colleagues and students alike. Emma made an enormous contribution to the life of Birmingham Law School and her loss will be felt deeply across our community and far beyond it. Her passing was untimely, with so much still to offer and enjoy.

Emma was a cherished colleague and friend and will remain a part of Birmingham Law School's story. We loved her, and we will not forget her.

Tributes to Emma for inclusion on this page can be sent to deanofbls@contacts.bham.ac.uk. Please include your name and any institutional affiliation that you would like to appear alongside your tribute.