The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple is one of the four barrister Inns of Court of England and Wales. The Inner Temple celebrated its 400th anniversary of the granting of its Royal Charter in 2008. In 1608, the charter was granted by King James I under the condition that the lands be used for educational purposes for those studying the law. This had already been a major aspect of the work of the Inns of Court from as early as the 14th century and remains fundamental to what the Inns do today.
The Inner Temple is well known for its academic and progressive ethos. Many of the leading legal academics have been members of the Inn as well as senior barristers, judiciary and international leaders.