Jen Neller

Dr Jen Neller is a Senior Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University, specializing in public law, hate speech regulation, and socio-legal studies. Her research critically examines legislative frameworks around 'stirring up hatred' in England and Wales, focusing on identity politics, equality, and the preservation of British national myths. She co-edits the 12th and 13th editions of Pearson’s Law of the European Union and authored Stirring Up Hatred: Myth, Identity and Order in the Regulation of Hate Speech (2022). Neller holds a PhD from Birkbeck University of London, an LLM in International Human Rights Law, and a BA in Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and member of the Socio-Legal Studies Association.

Education:

• PhD in Law (2020), Birkbeck University of London
• LLM in International Human Rights Law
• BA Hons in Anthropology

Research Interests: Dr Neller’s work interrogates how legal systems perpetuate identity hierarchies through hate speech laws, particularly analyzing parliamentary discourse and legislative intent. She explores intersections between law, power dynamics, and societal change, with a focus on decolonial critiques of liberal legal frameworks. Her expertise spans public law, criminal justice reform, and EU legal systems.

Publications & Media: Over 15 scholarly outputs include genealogical studies of hate speech offenses and decolonial legal critiques. Recent media commentary addresses reforms to combat online abuse. Her 2023 article Race, religion, law applies intertextual analysis to legislative evolution.

Teaching & Engagement: Teaches public law, human rights, and research methods at MMU. Previously taught EU Law. Engages in global risk analysis through prior work in human rights consulting. Active in academic networks advocating for equitable legal education and policy.