David Mead

David Mead is Professor of UK Human Rights Law at the University of East Anglia School of Law. He holds a BA from Cambridge and LLM from University College London, and is qualified as a solicitor.

Research Focus

Professor Mead's research examines the legal regulation of protest, policing powers, and domestic human rights protection under the Human Rights Act. His work analyzes the tension between public order legislation and civil liberties, particularly regarding protest spaces, police discretion, and the constitutional implications of rights-based claims. Current projects investigate protest law under Conservative governments and defenses for environmental activists.

Professional Activities

He served as Parliamentary Academic Fellow to the Joint Committee on Human Rights (2021-22) and contributes to public debates on protest rights. Professor Mead leads the Law School's Social Justice research cluster and co-leads UEA's Democracy and Activism research group.