Episodes
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Women as property: The tort of criminal conversation
For centuries, a husband in Ireland could sue another man for having an affair with his wife. Known as "criminal conversation", this legal action treated adultery as a civil wrong against the husband and reflected a legal system in which women had few rights of their own. In this episode, we...
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Sport and the Law
Sport is often associated with competition, community and fair play. However, behind every game, from local club matches to international events, is a framework of rules and laws that help shape how sport is played and governed. In this episode, we explore the relationship between sport and the...
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Miscarriages of justice: Martin Conmey and the Lynskey case
Miscarriages of justice raise difficult questions about power, accountability, and what happens when the wrong person is convicted. In this episode, we examine one of Ireland's most significant miscarriage of justice cases: the case of Martin Conmey, who spent decades trying to clear his name…
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Media and the Courts
Every day, headlines and social media feeds carry stories from our courts. However, court reporting is more than news, it’s a constitutional imperative and a cornerstone of transparency in Irish justice. In this episode, we explore why reporting the law matters, how it has evolved, and why it...
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AI and the Courts
Join Ms. Justice Eileen Roberts of the High Court, Dr Brian Barry, Associate Professor, School of Law, Trinity College Dublin and Karlin Lillington, Irish Times Technology Journalist as they explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the legal landscape; from courtroom transcription and…
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Habeas Corpus - The Right to Liberty
In this episode of The Irish Courts Podcast, we explore Habeas Corpus, a legal remedy that protects the right to liberty in Ireland. Hear from Dr. Bláthna Ruane SC, Mr. Justice Gerard Hogan, and Associate Professor Dr. Kevin Costello as they trace the development of Habeas Corpus through Irish...
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Trial by Jury
Join Professor Niamh Howlin, Patrick Gageby SC, and Ms. Justice Caroline Biggs as they trace the evolution of jury trials, from packed juries and exclusionary laws to landmark cases that opened the courtroom to women and broadened public participation. We’ll uncover how the jury system acts as a...
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The David Norris Case
In this episode, we’re exploring the David Norris case—a pivotal legal battle that challenged the constitutionality of laws criminalising male homosexuality. Join author Colm Tóibín, former President Mary McAleese, and David Norris himself as they recount the struggle to overturn laws dating back...
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The Julia Clarke Case; Jail for a Kiss
Today we delve into the intriguing and controversial Julia Clarke case - a story that challenges our perceptions of justice and morality in 1930s Ireland. Imagine a summer evening in Dundalk, where a young couple’s innocent kiss leads to an unexpected turn of events. Join Niamh Howlin (Associate...
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Two seminal District Courts cases : The State (Healy) V Donoghue, DPP v Gary Doyle
Dive into the pivotal District Court cases of Healy v. Donoghue and DPP V Gary Doyle, which transformed the landscape of legal representation in Ireland. Featuring The Hon. Mr. Justice Frank Clarke, retired Chief Justice and The Hon. Mr. Justice John MacMenamin, retired Judge of the Supreme…
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Eileen Kennedy, Ireland's first woman Judge
Join us as we delve into the life of Eileen Kennedy, whose groundbreaking appointment in 1964 marked a turning point in Ireland's legal history. Learn about her pivotal role in reforming the treatment of vulnerable children and her lasting impact on the judicial landscape through a rich and…
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From Revolution to a New Court System
What does it mean to have a judicial system of your own? In this episode, Chief Justice Dónal O’Donnell and The Hon. Mr Justice Gerard Hogan; Supreme Court Judge, examine the sweeping reforms of the 1924 court system, highlighting its significance in fostering a fair and independent Ireland. Tune...
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The Irish Courts Podcast Teaser
This Podcast series has been created to commemorate the Decade of Centenaries. The series will delve into landmark cases, influential figures, and the evolution of our legal system, featuring insightful discussions with prominent judges, legal scholars, and historians. Each episode aims to...