Dr Sophie Doherty
LightNews LightNews
sophiedoherty.bsky.social
Dr Sophie Doherty
@sophiedoherty.bsky.social
500 followers 300 following 28 posts
Lecturer in Law: law and art/humanities, justice, VAWG/GBV, menstruation, visual constitutionalism, and feminism. QUB/ Durham Alumni. PhD FHEA. Belfast.
Posts Replies Media Videos
Pinned
sophiedoherty.bsky.social
Dr Sophie Doherty @sophiedoherty.bsky.social · Dec 2
An introductory post:
1. I'm a Lecturer in Law at The Open University
2. Passionate about all things Law and Art/Law and Humanities
3. Specialise in law, art, and feminism
4. Usually with Bruce, my Research Companion (pictured below)
5. Happily based in #Belfast

#newhere #lawandart
Photograph of Sophie and Bruce on a hike; Bruce is inside Sophie's coat ( very cold morning!) Photo of Sophie with Bruce sitting on her knee at a Parisian Brasserie.
sophiedoherty.bsky.social
📢Limited (free) tickets available for 'Breaking the Silence: Art, Law & the Journey of Reproductive Health' at The Black Box, Belfast, 7pm this evening.

⚖️Given the #womenshealthstrategy debate, this is one not to miss.

🎫Tickets: imaginebelfast.com/event/breaki... #lawandart #gynecologicaljustice
Breaking the Silence: Art, Law and the Journey of Reproductive Health - Imagine! Belfast
An interdisciplinary event exploring reproductive health.
imaginebelfast.com
March 26, 2026 at 11:56 AM
sophiedoherty.bsky.social
March best bits:
🎓OU graduation
🌟Finalising the 'Fanniversary' event with the Vagina Museum
⚖️Planning 'Breaking the Silence: Art, Law and Reproductive Health' for Imagine Festival
🩸Signing off on a menstruation project
🎨Working on 'Bag of Excuses' with Gemma Mae Halligan and Sinead O'Neill-Nicholl
Image of the 'Fanniversary' conference poster Image of red letter magnets on a fridge spelling out 'Bag of Excuses' Photo of Wee Nuls beside the 'Bloody Beautiful 2.0' mural
March 23, 2026 at 5:26 PM
sophiedoherty.bsky.social
Always an honour to be part of the Law Society of Ireland's 'Solicitors of the Future' Programme. Loved chatting to students about different modules and careers in law, and showcasing some contemporary issues in legal scholarship through Law and Humanities ⚖️🎨📚
February 23, 2026 at 11:38 AM
sophiedoherty.bsky.social
✨Call for papers✨

Very excited to announce that The Open University was invited to partner with the Vagina Museum for the Fanniversary Conference. The theme is 'Feminism, Gender, and Justice in an increasingly Reactionary World' (21st April 2026).

Details @ www.vaginamuseum.co.uk/fanniversary...
January 16, 2026 at 12:49 PM
sophiedoherty.bsky.social
Call for papers:
✨@law-and-humanities.bsky.social (one of my favourite journals) is hosting their 8th annual roundtable in Dublin, Ireland (one of my favourite places) on 19 June 2026
✨Theme: Visions of Democracy in Art & Literature
✨Deadline: 6 Feb '26
#lawandart #lawandliterature #lawandhumanities
January 13, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Reposted by Dr Sophie Doherty
law-and-humanities.bsky.social
CfP: announcing the 8th L&H Roundtable workshop 'Visions of Democracy in Art and Literature' @tcddublin.bsky.social on 19 Jun 2026. Submit abstracts to [email protected] by Fri 6 Feb @legalhumanities.bsky.social @sophiedoherty.bsky.social @dkennytcd.bsky.social @drelenacooper.bsky.social 👇
November 5, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Reposted by Dr Sophie Doherty
openuniversity.bsky.social
Periods are political… and here’s the proof 🩸

Dr Sophie Doherty @sophiedoherty.bsky.social and human rights campaigner Jo Atkins-Potts are leading ‘Periods are Political: The Politics of Menstruation in Activism, Art, and Law’, from 13:00 – 17:00. Open to all, register here: bit.ly/4nAKUQd
LinkedIn
This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn
lnkd.in
October 3, 2025 at 12:50 PM
sophiedoherty.bsky.social
📢Registration now open for the online 'Periods are Political' conference. Panels include:

✨Resistance, power, and representation
✨Rights, health, and justice
✨Stigma breakers and law makers

🔗More info & event link at: eventbrite.co.uk/e/periods-ar...
🩸DMs open for queries #menstruation #lawandart
Red background with text that reads: 'Periods are political: the politics of menstruation in activism, art and law.' 1-5pm Wednesday 15 October 2025. Free online conference. With the tagline 'Blood. Power. Justice.'
October 1, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Reposted by Dr Sophie Doherty
davidstoreygeog.bsky.social
"Through the removal of the piece, those in power have arguably added to the legacy and power of the image, further highlighting the silencing of those who wish to speak out against injustices and the violence of systems in power"
@sophiedoherty.bsky.social
www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
Banksy, the Royal Courts of Justice and the power of protest art
Through the removal of the mural, which appeared days after 900 people were arrested at a London protest against the ban on Palestine Action, those in power have arguably added to the legacy of the im...
www.rte.ie
September 12, 2025 at 8:19 AM
sophiedoherty.bsky.social
Hot off the press, my latest publication, 'Banksy, the Royal Courts of Justice and the power of protest art.' This piece asks 'are laws, legal systems and those acting within it, complicit in violence?' @rtebrainstorm.bsky.social
www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2... #PalestineAction #LawandArt #Censorship
Banksy, the Royal Courts of Justice and the power of protest art
Through the removal of the mural, which appeared days after 900 people were arrested at a London protest against the ban on Palestine Action, those in power have arguably added to the legacy of the im...
www.rte.ie
September 10, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Reposted by Dr Sophie Doherty
drelenacooper.bsky.social
Out in The Burlington soon: my review of Martinez & Roman 'Female Printmakers in 18th cent'. I ask if art of Maria Cosway (1760-1838) is forerunner to art as activism explored in Tate's 'Women in Revolt' reviewed in @law-and-humanities.bsky.social by @sophiedoherty.bsky.social here shorturl.at/UKZ1n
Framing Women in Revolt! as a feminist expression of women’s lived experiences of law
Published in Law and Humanities (Vol. 18, No. 2, 2024)
shorturl.at
September 4, 2025 at 6:23 PM
sophiedoherty.bsky.social
📢CFP: 'Periods are Political: The Politics of Menstruation in Activism, Art, and Law' - 15 October 2025📢

Delighted to announce the #CFP for the 'Periods are Political' conference. See poster for more details.
🩸🌟🩸
Abstract submission form: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
#menstruation #lawandart
We are delighted to announce the call for papers for the ‘Periods are Political: The Politics of Menstruation in Activism, Art, and Law’ conference hosted by The Open University. This conference is part of the ‘Free to Bleed: Data Driven Advocacy and Art for Menstrual Justice’ project, funded by the Open Societal Challenges, ‘Challenge Us!’ initiative. To celebrate the launch of the project, we invite you to submit an abstract to our online event taking place on Wednesday 15th October 2025. The aim of this conference is to bring together activists, artists, academics, and all those interested in menstruation to discuss menstrual issues arising in political, activist, artistic, and legal spheres. The event will be held online, but attendees will be invited to take part in future collaborative opportunities and invited to attend a face-to-face event in 2026 relating to the ‘Free to Bleed’ project. We invite you to submit a brief bio and abstract (up to 150 words) as part of a general submission form available in the post. Please note, the method of presentation is open i.e. we invite all mediums of communication in any format including conventional and creative methods. Each presenter will have up to 15 minutes as part of a panel, followed by a Q&A. The deadline for submissions is 5pm 19th September 2025 with acceptance notices sent by 24th September 2025. There will be no charge for those presenting at, or attending, the event.
August 26, 2025 at 2:56 PM
sophiedoherty.bsky.social
Delighted to be shortlisted in the Wider Collaboration category at the first FBL Recognising Excellence Awards for my work supporting international partnerships, in particular, the European Distance Education in Law Network (EDELNet) ⚖️ 🎓 ✨
Image of Sophie's nomination that reads: '“I am nominating Sophie for her work supporting international partnerships in the Law School, particularly EDELNet (the European Distance Education in Law Network). Sophie embodies the values of openness to people and places, understands the importance of strong external relationships and how to develop them, and approaches her work in a highly inclusive and collaborative way.
June 17, 2025 at 10:45 AM
sophiedoherty.bsky.social
On Friday I attended the OU degree ceremony at Croke Park, Dublin. Guest speaker and alumna, Gillian Quinn, delivered a powerful message: there's a pathway for everyone at the OU. Congratulations to all graduates and a massive well done to those behind the scenes who make it all happen✨🎓 #OUFamily
Photograph of Sophie with a glass of prosecco at the degree ceremony in Croke Park.
June 16, 2025 at 2:11 PM
sophiedoherty.bsky.social
My latest publication 'Bag of Excuses: Exploring Femicide Through Art' considers Gemma Mae Halligan and Sinéad O’Neill-Nicholl's exhibition @vaultartiststudios.bsky.social.
Article available via: www.wimbelfast.com/voices/bag-o... #FemicideinIreland #DomesticAbuse #LawAndArt
BAG OF EXCUSES: EXPLORING FEMICIDE THROUGH ART — Women in Media Belfast
Dr Sophie Doherty is a Lecturer in Law (Central Academic) and the Media Fellow for the Faculty of Business and Law at the Open University. Bag of Excuses installation photographs credit: Dr Sop...
www.wimbelfast.com
June 5, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Reposted by Dr Sophie Doherty
drelenacooper.bsky.social
OUT NOW: New Issue of @law-and-humanities.bsky.social! Do check out the 3 Arts Reviews: fiction, visual art & dance; interdisciplinary collaborations; new scholars too. See the editorial for details👇(in conversation with @sophiedoherty.bsky.social's arts review in last Issue) shorturl.at/ZZXCO
Law and Humanities, issue 19.1 (summer 2025)
Published in Law and Humanities (Vol. 19, No. 1, 2025)
shorturl.at
June 4, 2025 at 4:17 PM
sophiedoherty.bsky.social
Now that it's official, I'm over the moon to say I've been appointed the Faculty of Business and Law Media Fellow
@openuniversity.bsky.social ✨
Looking forward to developing media projects and strengthening links between the university’s broadcasting activity, including the BBC #irishwomeninmedia
Photograph of Sophie at the OU office in Belfast.
February 12, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Reposted by Dr Sophie Doherty
dohertylawteach.bsky.social
Having (ahem) carved out the time for this, am looking forward to exploring the art/law interface.
@sophiedoherty.bsky.social
Tony Hancock making a sculpture
January 27, 2025 at 4:46 PM
sophiedoherty.bsky.social
Tomorrow, I'll be talking about:
-my time @durhamuniversity.bsky.social
-how I created a visual textbook in Tort Law @qubelfastofficial.bsky.social
-responses to arts methods in Jurisprudence and Advanced Criminal Law @dublincityuni.bsky.social
-law and art @openuniversity.bsky.social #lawandart ⚖️🎨
connectinglegaled.bsky.social Connecting Legal Education @connectinglegaled.bsky.social · Jan 27
Free this Tues at 11am?
Join us for our first #CLE hangout of 2025! It’s going to be great. Hear from @sophiedoherty.bsky.social speak about 'Implementing Arts in Legal Education'. 🎨🖌️We hope to see you there! @parkendlydia.bsky.social @dohertylawteach.bsky.social @veronanid.bsky.social
Navy artwork post advertising a connecting legal education session. Details are: Sophie Doherty presenting on ‘implementing arts in legal education’ at 11am 28 Jan 2005 via the CLE teams space. Get in touch if you are not a member.
January 27, 2025 at 12:40 PM
sophiedoherty.bsky.social
Delighted to share my latest article, 'How the GAA Catfish podcast has highlighted legal issues around catfishing.' Thank you @rtebrainstorm.bsky.social 🌟

Really excited to continue researching in this area; if anyone would like to share their thoughts, please drop me a msg #gaacatfish #criminallaw
rtebrainstorm.bsky.social RTÉ Brainstorm @rtebrainstorm.bsky.social · Jan 23
How the 2 Johnnies' GAA Catfish podcast has highlighted legal issues around catfishing. The complex GAA Catfish story calls into question the relationship between criminal law and catfishing, writes @sophiedoherty.bsky.social @openuniversity.bsky.social www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
How GAA Catfish has highlighted legal issues around catfishing
The complex GAA Catfish story calls into question the relationship between criminal law and catfishing
www.rte.ie
January 23, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Reposted by Dr Sophie Doherty
rtebrainstorm.bsky.social
How the 2 Johnnies' GAA Catfish podcast has highlighted legal issues around catfishing. The complex GAA Catfish story calls into question the relationship between criminal law and catfishing, writes @sophiedoherty.bsky.social @openuniversity.bsky.social www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
How GAA Catfish has highlighted legal issues around catfishing
The complex GAA Catfish story calls into question the relationship between criminal law and catfishing
www.rte.ie
January 23, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Reposted by Dr Sophie Doherty
connectinglegaled.bsky.social
If you aren't already in our community (approaching 400 members in the UK and beyond💃), get in touch before Sophie's event and we'll make sure you can join in on the day. It's going to be a fab start to our new semester of events

bsky.app/profile/soph...
sophiedoherty.bsky.social Dr Sophie Doherty @sophiedoherty.bsky.social · Jan 16
Looking forward to presenting 'Implementing Arts in Legal Education' @connectinglegaled.bsky.social on Tuesday 28th January. If you're interested in coming along, get in touch with CLE or send me a DM ⚖️🌟🎨 #lawandart #legaleducation
Image of a note book alongside paint and paintbrushes. Note book contains details of talk.
January 23, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Reposted by Dr Sophie Doherty
theoryjustice.bsky.social
Hello Blue Sky! Follow for regular updates on upcoming and new posts on the Criminal Justice Theory Blog, where we discuss interesting ideas in simple terms. And while you are at it, skim through our back catalogue, and get in touch if you'd like to pitch us a piece. 🤓
January 20, 2025 at 9:29 PM
sophiedoherty.bsky.social
Looking forward to presenting 'Implementing Arts in Legal Education' @connectinglegaled.bsky.social on Tuesday 28th January. If you're interested in coming along, get in touch with CLE or send me a DM ⚖️🌟🎨 #lawandart #legaleducation
Image of a note book alongside paint and paintbrushes. Note book contains details of talk.
January 16, 2025 at 1:51 PM
sophiedoherty.bsky.social
Wonderful evening in Belfast at the 'Women In Revolt! Talk with the Exhibitions Curator, Linsey Young' @cqaf.bsky.social. Such an important exhibition and an inspirational curator. Looking forward to collecting my copy of the 'Women in Revolt!' book 📚 #womeninrevolt #lawandart #feminism
January 13, 2025 at 12:30 PM