Postgraduate Research Student & Graduate Teaching Assistant
Liverpool Law School
Biography
Jessica achieved a first-class law degree from Liverpool John Moores University. She then completed a Masters in Equality Law at Manchester Metropolitan University achieving a distinction. Around her studies Jessica worked in a Legal Aid charity and at the LGBT Foundation. Jessica started in October 2018 and teaches on Contract Law and Equity alongside her research.
Research
Jessica’s research is in the legal recognition of transgender identities. This interest stems from her undergraduate dissertation looking at the barriers to trans participation in sport. This interest continued into her master’s dissertation looking at the cross-border recognition of trans relationships across the EU. This in turn formed the basis of the PhD research.
The central aims and questions that will guide this research concern whether Section 2(c) of the Gender Recognition Act (2004)1, the ‘until death clause’, is a means of government controlling the familial relationships of transgender and non-binary people in the United Kingdom. This is relevant as the trans community becomes more visible and diverse family formats are visible it is important these relationships and identities are legally recognised.
Jessica is also an active member of several research clusters that inform and shape her research including the Health Law and Regulation Unit, International Law and Human Rights Unit and European Children’s Rights Law Unit.
Thesis title
Until Death: The Impact of the Gender Recognition Act on Trans Relationships.
Supervisors
Professor Nicola Barker (Liverpool Law School) and Professor Marie Fox (Liverpool Law School)
Publications
2018 - Response to the UK government consultation on the reform of the Gender Recognition Act in association with the Health Law and Regulation Unit at University of Liverpool.
2019 - ‘The Importance of Trans Positive Research in a Time of Great Criticism’ Wiley Sociology Lens Blog.