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Emma-Rose McKeown LLB MSc

Miss Emma-Rose McKeown

(she/her)

LLB MSc

Teams and roles for Emma-Rose McKeown

Overview

I am currently a PhD researcher exploring the legal consciousness of Irish language and Ulster Scots communities in the North of Ireland.

My research examines how law, language and identity intersect in everyday life with a particular focus on how historical and contemporary forms of linguistic marginalisation shape people's experiences of rights, recognition and belonging. 

Through socio-legal ethnography, I investigate how these communities engage with legal and political structures in practice and how these intereactions influence understandings of authority, legitimacy and justice. 

More broadly, my work contributes to discussions on language rights, governance and the enduring legacy of colonial power structures in shaping present-day legal experiences. 

Research

My research sits at the intersection of law, language and society with a particular focus on how legal systems are experienced and understood in everyday life. I am especially interested in the relationship between language, identity and governance and how these dynamics shape perceptions of rights, recognition and belonging. 

Research interests 

  • Socio-legal studies 
  • Legal consciousness 
  • Language rights and policy 
  • Law and Identity 
  • Governance and Public Law 
  • Qualitative and ethnographic reserach methods 
  • Decolonial theory 

Current Research 

I am currently undertaking doctoral reserach examining the legal consciousness of minoritised language communities in the North of Ireland. This work explores how individuals and communities engage with legal and polticial structures in practice and how these interactions inform understandings of authority, legitimacy and justice. 

Funding and Awards 

  • ESRC-funded MSc in Socio-Legal Research Methods 
  • ESRC-funded PhD 

Collaborations and Engagement 

My research engages with interdisciplinary scholarship across law and sociology. I am interested in connecting with researchers, policymakers and practitioners working in areas such as language policy, legal theory and governance. 

Teaching

Experience in undergraduate teaching (Public Law) 

Currently working towards Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA)

Biography

Prior to commencing my doctoral studies, I completed a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a Master of Science in Socio-Legal Reserach Methods (SSRM) where I developed advanced training in qualitative and interdisciplinary research methodologies. Currently undertaking doctoral research. 

Honours and awards

Bachelor of Laws (LLB), First Class Honours 

Master of Science (MSc) Socio-Legal Research Methods, Distinction

Contact Details

Email [email protected]

Campuses 8-10 North Road, Room 1.02, Cathays, Cardiff, CF10 3DY

Research themes

Specialisms

  • Socio-Legal Studies
  • Decolonial theory
  • Language and law
  • Northern Irish government and politics