Keir is a leading silk who represents clients facing heavyweight criminal allegations. Keir also sits as a Recorder [part-time Crown Court judge] and is a training tutor for the Judicial College. He has been instructed in numerous murders, industrial scale Class A drug importations and conspiracies, escape from custody cases and appeals against conviction and sentence. Keir is ranked for criminal law in Chambers UK and the Legal 500. He is ranked in Tier 1 for Fraud in the Legal 500 2024.

Keir co-authored the report ‘Racial Bias and the Bench’ (University of Manchester, 2022) and is now an Honorary Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Manchester. He is a founding member of Art Not Evidence. He currently represents a total of 4 defendants who are appealing convictions for murder or conspiracy to commit GBH. In each case the prosecution relied on rap or drill music to help prove gang membership.

Renowned defence barrister and part-time Crown Court judge, Keir Monteith, shares insights from his extensive career spanning over 30 years. He discusses his involvement in, ‘Racial Bias and the Bench’, a comprehensive report on institutional racism within the justice system, co-authored with academics at the University of Manchester.

Together, Shereen & Keir discuss the following issues:

Evidence of Institutional Racism in the Justice System

Keir highlights the findings of the report, revealing shocking statistics from surveys sent to lawyers and judges. He emphasizes the prevalence of racial bias in court decisions, citing examples where judges trivialized the experiences of Black individuals and perpetuated harmful stereotypes.

Challenges to Addressing Racial Bias

Keir challenges the notion that increased representation alone can mitigate racial bias, advocating instead for structural reforms and accountability measures for prosecutors and judges.

Campaign Against Music Evidence in Court

Keir shares his involvement in the campaign against the use of music evidence in criminal trials, urging legal professionals to actively combat racial bias and dismantle systemic inequalities within the justice system.

In conclusion, Keir emphasises the importance of calling out racism in court proceedings and advocating for anti-racist approaches to effect positive change. Despite the challenges, he remains hopeful that with continued efforts, the legal profession can work towards a more equitable and just society.

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