The Inner Temple Debating Society has a proud and distinguished history. It was founded by Sir Ivan Lawrence KC (first Chair) and His Honour Judge Roger Sanders (first ITDS Secretary) (at the time both Inner Temple students) in April 1961. We shall be celebrating our 65th anniversary in 2026.
“The support was rapid and overwhelming. Ivan Lawrence, who no doubt saw a chance to enhance his parliamentary career, joined me and we formed a founding committee with himself acting as chairman and with me acting as secretary. We obtained the Benchers’ blessing and the services of the young Jean Morris who had our first letter head made and who all the typing and copying of leaflets and posters at the Inn’s expense. Through her kind permission we were permitted to use the Niblett Hall for our meetings and debates.
By April 1961 the Society was fully launched. We held debates on every topic of the day, including Capital Punishment and the Common Market. Practising barristers and Benchers were as numerous as the many students that attended.
I still remember all the students with whom I used to spar in debate and many of them have become my colleagues, judges, and lifelong friends”
- HHJ Roger Sanders, 1995 Inner Temple Yearbook
