The classic formulation of the duty of care by Lord Atkin in Donoghue v Stevenson includes a reference to Jesus’ famous parable of the Good Samaritan. Lord Atkin wrote: ‘The rule that you are to love your neighbour becomes in law, you must not injure your neighbour; and the lawyer’s question, Who is my neighbour? Receives a restricted reply’. That’s the case in the legal realm. But what about in the rest of life? Can we so restrict Jesus’ words?

If you are in or around Newcastle, join us at our next Newcastle City Legal where I will be reflecting on this famous story that Jesus told, its impact on the law of negligence, and what it means for us today. This will be a breakfast seminar, run by the Newcastle Christian Lawyers Fellowship, in partnership with “City Legal”, Wednesday 20 August, 7:30 am- 8:30 am, in room X703, Nuspace Building, University of Newcastle, Cnr Hunter St and Auckland St, Newcastle. More details and registration here. Charge is $5 (and free coffee), or $10 for pastries with coffee. Everyone is welcome to come: lawyers, law students, or those just interested in the law and the Bible!