Former lecturer passes away

Professor Patrick McAuslan MBE.
Photo: Warwick Uni Insite

Professor Patrick McAuslan MBE, a former lecturer at Warwick Law School, passed away on January 11 after a short illness.

Prof McAuslan was a world expert in land law, sustainable development, and the alleviation of poverty.

During his career he advised 35 countries on land management and land law, as well as lecturing at Warwick University, the London School of Economics and University College London.

His interest in land law was sparked when he was sent to Nigeria as an officer during his national service, and during this time he witnessed perceived injustices, inspiring him to help bring about social change.

He was an active policy maker and worked for several different international organisations and governments.

Among other roles, he was land management co-ordinator for UN Habitat in the 1990s, as well as working as an advisor for the European Union.

In recognition of his role in instating legal and industrial reform in many of the countries he visited, and in particular his efforts in Uganda and the Commonwealth, he was made an MBE by the British Government in 2001.

Dorrette, his wife of 43 years, said: “He had a great sense of commitment to social justice. A lot of the work he did saw him commit to making changes, which he did in many countries all over the world.

“I think sometimes you don’t realise how important those closest to you are to the rest of the world, until you take a moment to think about it.”