High Court (Republic of Ireland)
Encyclopedia
The High Court of Ireland
is a court
which deals at first instance
with the most serious and important civil and criminal cases. When sitting as a criminal court it is called the Central Criminal Court
and there is a jury. It also acts as a court of appeal
for civil cases in the Circuit Court
. It also has the power to determine whether or not a law is constitutional, and of judicial review
over acts of the government and other public bodies.
As to the Supreme Court
, it is defined as the Court of Final Appeal, but usually hears appeals only on points of law. Its decisions as to the interpretation of the Constitution and the law are final.
, which grants it "full original jurisdiction in and power to determine all matters and questions whether of law or fact, civil or criminal", as well as the ability to determine "the validity of any law having regard to the provisions of this Constitution". Judges are appointed by the President
. However, as with almost all the President's constitutional powers, these appointments are made under "the advice
of the Government". In practice, this means that the judges are nominated by the government and automatically approved by the President.
There can be at most 32 ordinary High Court judges, however the president of the Circuit Court and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
are ex officio judges of the High Court. Cases are normally heard by one judge, but the President of the High Court may order that a particular case be heard by three judges sitting together — a so-called divisional court.
The court normally hears cases in the Four Courts
building in Dublin, although it also has regular sittings outside the capital.
Richard Johnson
succeeded Joseph Finnegan
as President of the High Court in December 2006, and was himself succeeded by Nicholas Kearns
in October 2009. Mella Carroll
was the first woman to serve on the court and did so between 1980 and 2005.
All Central Criminal Court cases are heard in front of a jury
of twelve. The defendant can be convicted on a majority verdict of ten jurors. Appeals from the Central Criminal Court can be made to the Court of Criminal Appeal, and the sentence can be appealed as well as the verdict.
38,092.14 (IR£30,000 late currency) in damages, this being the upper limit of the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court
. By virtue of its full original jurisdiction under the Constitution, however, theoretically a civil action of any value may commence in the High Court. The Court also has power of judicial review
over the acts of the government and other public bodies, including the decisions of all inferior courts, and decisions made by tribunals of inquiry.
Any non-criminal judgment or order of the High Court sitting as a court of first instance may be appealed to the Supreme Court
.
The High Court also hears civil and family law appeals from the Circuit Court
and when hearing such an appeal its decision is final and there is no right of further appeal. The High Court sits outside of Dublin to hear appeals from trials from circuits other than the Dublin Circuit and is known as the "High Court on Circuit".
The High Court can also hear an appeal on a point of law by way of case stated from the District Court in both civil and criminal matters and can decide consultative cases sent from judges of that court.
. This fused the administration of common law
and equity in Ireland (as had been done in England several years earlier under the Judicature Acts
). The existing four superior courts
, the Court of King's Bench (Ireland)
, Court of Chancery
, Court of Exchequer
, and Court of Common Pleas
were merged to form the High Court of Justice, although they remained as divisions of the new court. However, in Ireland, the divisions of the High Court other than the King's Bench Division and Chancery Division were abolished by 1907. The Government of Ireland Act 1920
split the court in separate courts for Northern Ireland
(the High Court of Justice in Northern Ireland
and the High Court of Justice in Southern Ireland). Judges of the existing Court became judges of the Southern Ireland court unless they elected otherwise. With the enactment of the Constitution of the Irish Free State
, the High Court became the High Court of Justice in Saorstat Éireann.
After the establishment of the Irish Free State
, the Courts of Justice Act 1924
created a new courts system. The High Court of Justice was the only court from the pre-independence era to keep its name (and substantially, the same jurisdiction). However, the divisions were now completely abolished and any judge of the High Court could now hear any suit at either common law
or equity. A new office of President of the High Court was established, as the previous judicial offices (Lord Chief Justice of Ireland, Vice-Chancellor, and Master of the Rolls
of Ireland) were abolished under this Act. Most of the existing judges retired at this time and new judges were appointed.
After the enactment of the Constitution of Ireland, the Courts Acts 1961 established a new High Court as required by the Constitution. However this Court was in both form and name substantially identical to that established under the 1924 Act. This court is simply known as the High Court.
and equity. When the High Court deals with criminal cases it sits as the Central Criminal Court.
Male judges of the Court are titled e.g. "The Honourable Mr Justice John Smith", while female judges are (depending on preference) "The Honourable Mrs/Ms/Miss Justice Jane Smith" or similar. Traditionally judges of the superior courts were addressed as "My Lord" in Court, although this was never contained in the Rules of the Superior Courts, which mandated that they be addressed by their respective titles or names, or as "The Court". Since 2006 use of the traditional form has been discouraged in favour of the form in the Rules, although continued use of "My Lord" is not unknown. In law reports, the President is cited e.g. "Smith P" while other judges are cited "Smith J". The President of the Circuit Court may sit as an additional High Court judge and occasional other Circuit Court Judges are temporarily assigned to sit ex-officio as High Court judges. The Chief Justice of Ireland is additionally an ex-officio judge of the High Court.
. Before 1924, the Master of the Rolls in Ireland
was the President of the High Court.
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
is a court
Court
A court is a form of tribunal, often a governmental institution, with the authority to adjudicate legal disputes between parties and carry out the administration of justice in civil, criminal, and administrative matters in accordance with the rule of law...
which deals at first instance
Court of first instance
A court of first instance is a trial court of original or primary jurisdiction.Specific courts called the Court of First Instance include:* European Court of First Instance, of the European Union* Court of First Instance...
with the most serious and important civil and criminal cases. When sitting as a criminal court it is called the Central Criminal Court
Central Criminal Court
Central Criminal Court may refer to:*Central Criminal Court, commonly known as the Old Bailey, London, England*Central Criminal Court, name for the High Court when it is hearing a criminal case, in Dublin or elsewhere, Republic of Ireland...
and there is a jury. It also acts as a court of appeal
Appellate court
An appellate court, commonly called an appeals court or court of appeals or appeal court , is any court of law that is empowered to hear an appeal of a trial court or other lower tribunal...
for civil cases in the Circuit Court
Circuit Court (Ireland)
The Circuit Court is an intermediate level court of local and limited jurisdiction in the Republic of Ireland which hears both civil and criminal matters. On the criminal side the Circuit Court hears criminal matters tried on indictment with a judge and jury, except for certain serious crimes...
. It also has the power to determine whether or not a law is constitutional, and of judicial review
Judicial review
Judicial review is the doctrine under which legislative and executive actions are subject to review by the judiciary. Specific courts with judicial review power must annul the acts of the state when it finds them incompatible with a higher authority...
over acts of the government and other public bodies.
As to the Supreme Court
Supreme court
A supreme court is the highest court within the hierarchy of many legal jurisdictions. Other descriptions for such courts include court of last resort, instance court, judgment court, high court, or apex court...
, it is defined as the Court of Final Appeal, but usually hears appeals only on points of law. Its decisions as to the interpretation of the Constitution and the law are final.
Structure
The High Court is established by Article 34 of the Constitution of IrelandConstitution of Ireland
The Constitution of Ireland is the fundamental law of the Irish state. The constitution falls broadly within the liberal democratic tradition. It establishes an independent state based on a system of representative democracy and guarantees certain fundamental rights, along with a popularly elected...
, which grants it "full original jurisdiction in and power to determine all matters and questions whether of law or fact, civil or criminal", as well as the ability to determine "the validity of any law having regard to the provisions of this Constitution". Judges are appointed by the President
President of Ireland
The President of Ireland is the head of state of Ireland. The President is usually directly elected by the people for seven years, and can be elected for a maximum of two terms. The presidency is largely a ceremonial office, but the President does exercise certain limited powers with absolute...
. However, as with almost all the President's constitutional powers, these appointments are made under "the advice
Advice (constitutional)
Advice, in constitutional law, is formal, usually binding, instruction given by one constitutional officer of state to another. Especially in parliamentary systems of government, Heads of state often act on the basis of advice issued by prime ministers or other government ministers...
of the Government". In practice, this means that the judges are nominated by the government and automatically approved by the President.
There can be at most 32 ordinary High Court judges, however the president of the Circuit Court and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
Supreme Court (Ireland)
The Supreme Court of Ireland is the highest judicial authority in the Republic of Ireland. It is a court of final appeal and exercises, in conjunction with the High Court, judicial review over Acts of the Oireachtas . The Court also has jurisdiction to ensure compliance with the Constitution of...
are ex officio judges of the High Court. Cases are normally heard by one judge, but the President of the High Court may order that a particular case be heard by three judges sitting together — a so-called divisional court.
The court normally hears cases in the Four Courts
Four Courts
The Four Courts in Dublin is the Republic of Ireland's main courts building. The Four Courts are the location of the Supreme Court, the High Court and the Dublin Circuit Court. The building until 2010 also formerly was the location for the Central Criminal Court.-Gandon's Building:Work based on...
building in Dublin, although it also has regular sittings outside the capital.
Richard Johnson
Richard Johnson (judge)
Richard Johnson was the President of the Irish High Court from November 2006 until October 2009. He was the second most senior Irish judge after the Chief Justice John L. Murray....
succeeded Joseph Finnegan
Joseph Finnegan (Irish jurist)
Joseph Gerald Finnegan is currently a judge of the Supreme Court of Ireland. He was previously President of the High Court...
as President of the High Court in December 2006, and was himself succeeded by Nicholas Kearns
Nicholas Kearns
Nicholas Kearns is the President of the High Court of Ireland, and ex-officio member of the Supreme Court. He was appointed a judge of the High Court in 1998 and was appointed to the Supreme Court in November 2004. He is the most senior Irish judge after Chief Justice Susan Denham. He was...
in October 2009. Mella Carroll
Mella Carroll
Mella Elizabeth Laurie Carroll was a judge of the High Court in the Republic of Ireland.Mella Carroll was born in Dublin, her parents were Patrick Carroll and Agnes Mary Caulfield...
was the first woman to serve on the court and did so between 1980 and 2005.
Criminal cases
The High Court is known as the Central Criminal Court when it is hearing a criminal case. The Central Criminal Court has original jurisdiction for the following criminal offences:- treasonTreasonIn law, treason is the crime that covers some of the more extreme acts against one's sovereign or nation. Historically, treason also covered the murder of specific social superiors, such as the murder of a husband by his wife. Treason against the king was known as high treason and treason against a...
, (as well as aiding or concealing treason) - murder (as well as attempted murderAttempted murderAttempted murder is a crime in England and Wales and Northern Ireland.-Today:In English criminal law, attempted murder is the crime of more than merely preparing to commit unlawful killing and at the same time having a specific intention to cause the death of human being under the Queen's Peace...
and conspiracyConspiracy (crime)In the criminal law, a conspiracy is an agreement between two or more persons to break the law at some time in the future, and, in some cases, with at least one overt act in furtherance of that agreement...
to murder) - capital murder of a GardaGarda Síochána, more commonly referred to as the Gardaí , is the police force of Ireland. The service is headed by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Irish Government. Its headquarters are located in the Phoenix Park in Dublin.- Terminology :...
or prison officer acting in the course of their duty - piracyPiracyPiracy is an act of robbery or criminal violence at sea. The term can include acts committed on land, in the air, or in other major bodies of water or on a shore. It does not normally include crimes committed against persons traveling on the same vessel as the perpetrator...
- genocideGenocideGenocide is defined as "the deliberate and systematic destruction, in whole or in part, of an ethnic, racial, religious, or national group", though what constitutes enough of a "part" to qualify as genocide has been subject to much debate by legal scholars...
- a severe breach of the Geneva ConventionsGeneva ConventionsThe Geneva Conventions comprise four treaties, and three additional protocols, that establish the standards of international law for the humanitarian treatment of the victims of war...
- anti-Competitive Behaviour or Abuse of Dominant Market Position
- rape and other serious sexual offences
All Central Criminal Court cases are heard in front of a jury
Jury
A jury is a sworn body of people convened to render an impartial verdict officially submitted to them by a court, or to set a penalty or judgment. Modern juries tend to be found in courts to ascertain the guilt, or lack thereof, in a crime. In Anglophone jurisdictions, the verdict may be guilty,...
of twelve. The defendant can be convicted on a majority verdict of ten jurors. Appeals from the Central Criminal Court can be made to the Court of Criminal Appeal, and the sentence can be appealed as well as the verdict.
Civil cases
The High Court is the court of first instance for all civil cases where the plaintiff is claiming more than €Euro
The euro is the official currency of the eurozone: 17 of the 27 member states of the European Union. It is also the currency used by the Institutions of the European Union. The eurozone consists of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,...
38,092.14 (IR£30,000 late currency) in damages, this being the upper limit of the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court
Courts of the Republic of Ireland
The Courts of the Republic of Ireland consist of the Supreme Court, the Court of Criminal Appeal, the High Court, the Circuit Court and the District Court. The courts apply the laws of Ireland. Ireland is a common law jurisdiction and trials for serious offences must usually be held before a jury...
. By virtue of its full original jurisdiction under the Constitution, however, theoretically a civil action of any value may commence in the High Court. The Court also has power of judicial review
Judicial review
Judicial review is the doctrine under which legislative and executive actions are subject to review by the judiciary. Specific courts with judicial review power must annul the acts of the state when it finds them incompatible with a higher authority...
over the acts of the government and other public bodies, including the decisions of all inferior courts, and decisions made by tribunals of inquiry.
Any non-criminal judgment or order of the High Court sitting as a court of first instance may be appealed to the Supreme Court
Supreme Court (Ireland)
The Supreme Court of Ireland is the highest judicial authority in the Republic of Ireland. It is a court of final appeal and exercises, in conjunction with the High Court, judicial review over Acts of the Oireachtas . The Court also has jurisdiction to ensure compliance with the Constitution of...
.
The High Court also hears civil and family law appeals from the Circuit Court
Courts of the Republic of Ireland
The Courts of the Republic of Ireland consist of the Supreme Court, the Court of Criminal Appeal, the High Court, the Circuit Court and the District Court. The courts apply the laws of Ireland. Ireland is a common law jurisdiction and trials for serious offences must usually be held before a jury...
and when hearing such an appeal its decision is final and there is no right of further appeal. The High Court sits outside of Dublin to hear appeals from trials from circuits other than the Dublin Circuit and is known as the "High Court on Circuit".
The High Court can also hear an appeal on a point of law by way of case stated from the District Court in both civil and criminal matters and can decide consultative cases sent from judges of that court.
History
The current High Court is the fourth court in Ireland to bear that name. The first High Court - the High Court of Justice in Ireland - was created by the Supreme Court of Judicature Act (Ireland) 1877Supreme Court of Judicature Act (Ireland) 1877
The Supreme Court of Judicature Act 1877 was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that brought about a major reorganisation of the senior courts in Ireland.-Provisions:...
. This fused the administration of common law
Common law
Common law is law developed by judges through decisions of courts and similar tribunals rather than through legislative statutes or executive branch action...
and equity in Ireland (as had been done in England several years earlier under the Judicature Acts
Judicature Acts
The Judicature Acts are a series of Acts of Parliament, beginning in the 1870s, which aimed to fuse the hitherto split system of courts in England and Wales. The first two Acts were the Supreme Court of Judicature Act 1873 and the Supreme Court of Judicature Act 1875 The Judicature Acts are a...
). The existing four superior courts
Four Courts
The Four Courts in Dublin is the Republic of Ireland's main courts building. The Four Courts are the location of the Supreme Court, the High Court and the Dublin Circuit Court. The building until 2010 also formerly was the location for the Central Criminal Court.-Gandon's Building:Work based on...
, the Court of King's Bench (Ireland)
Court of King's Bench (Ireland)
The Court of King's Bench was one of the senior courts of common law in Ireland. It was a mirror of the Court of King's Bench in England....
, Court of Chancery
Court of Chancery
The Court of Chancery was a court of equity in England and Wales that followed a set of loose rules to avoid the slow pace of change and possible harshness of the common law. The Chancery had jurisdiction over all matters of equity, including trusts, land law, the administration of the estates of...
, Court of Exchequer
Court of Exchequer
Court of Exchequer may refer to:*Exchequer of Pleas, an ancient English court, that ceased to exist independently in the late nineteenth century...
, and Court of Common Pleas
Court of Common Pleas (Ireland)
The Court of Common Pleas was one of the senior courts of common law in Ireland. It was a mirror image of the equivalent court in England...
were merged to form the High Court of Justice, although they remained as divisions of the new court. However, in Ireland, the divisions of the High Court other than the King's Bench Division and Chancery Division were abolished by 1907. The Government of Ireland Act 1920
Government of Ireland Act 1920
The Government of Ireland Act 1920 was the Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom which partitioned Ireland. The Act's long title was "An Act to provide for the better government of Ireland"; it is also known as the Fourth Home Rule Bill or as the Fourth Home Rule Act.The Act was intended...
split the court in separate courts for Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
(the High Court of Justice in Northern Ireland
Courts of Northern Ireland
The courts of Northern Ireland are the civil and criminal courts responsible for the administration of justice in Northern Ireland: they are constituted and governed by Northern Ireland law....
and the High Court of Justice in Southern Ireland). Judges of the existing Court became judges of the Southern Ireland court unless they elected otherwise. With the enactment of the Constitution of the Irish Free State
Constitution of the Irish Free State
The Constitution of the Irish Free State was the first constitution of the independent Irish state. It was enacted with the adoption of the Constitution of the Irish Free State Act 1922, of which it formed a part...
, the High Court became the High Court of Justice in Saorstat Éireann.
After the establishment of the Irish Free State
Irish Free State
The Irish Free State was the state established as a Dominion on 6 December 1922 under the Anglo-Irish Treaty, signed by the British government and Irish representatives exactly twelve months beforehand...
, the Courts of Justice Act 1924
Courts of Justice Act 1924
The Courts of Justice Act, 1924 was an Act of the Oireachtas that established the courts system of the Irish Free State pursuant to the Constitution of the Irish Free State...
created a new courts system. The High Court of Justice was the only court from the pre-independence era to keep its name (and substantially, the same jurisdiction). However, the divisions were now completely abolished and any judge of the High Court could now hear any suit at either common law
Common law
Common law is law developed by judges through decisions of courts and similar tribunals rather than through legislative statutes or executive branch action...
or equity. A new office of President of the High Court was established, as the previous judicial offices (Lord Chief Justice of Ireland, Vice-Chancellor, and Master of the Rolls
Master of the Rolls
The Keeper or Master of the Rolls and Records of the Chancery of England, known as the Master of the Rolls, is the second most senior judge in England and Wales, after the Lord Chief Justice. The Master of the Rolls is the presiding officer of the Civil Division of the Court of Appeal...
of Ireland) were abolished under this Act. Most of the existing judges retired at this time and new judges were appointed.
After the enactment of the Constitution of Ireland, the Courts Acts 1961 established a new High Court as required by the Constitution. However this Court was in both form and name substantially identical to that established under the 1924 Act. This court is simply known as the High Court.
High Court judges
Judges of the High Court deal with both civil and criminal matters, and have jurisdiction at both common lawCommon law
Common law is law developed by judges through decisions of courts and similar tribunals rather than through legislative statutes or executive branch action...
and equity. When the High Court deals with criminal cases it sits as the Central Criminal Court.
Male judges of the Court are titled e.g. "The Honourable Mr Justice John Smith", while female judges are (depending on preference) "The Honourable Mrs/Ms/Miss Justice Jane Smith" or similar. Traditionally judges of the superior courts were addressed as "My Lord" in Court, although this was never contained in the Rules of the Superior Courts, which mandated that they be addressed by their respective titles or names, or as "The Court". Since 2006 use of the traditional form has been discouraged in favour of the form in the Rules, although continued use of "My Lord" is not unknown. In law reports, the President is cited e.g. "Smith P" while other judges are cited "Smith J". The President of the Circuit Court may sit as an additional High Court judge and occasional other Circuit Court Judges are temporarily assigned to sit ex-officio as High Court judges. The Chief Justice of Ireland is additionally an ex-officio judge of the High Court.
High Court justices
| Name | Since |
|---|---|
| Paul Carney Paul Carney Paul Carney is a judge in the Irish High Court and the presiding judge of the Central Criminal Court. He is regarded as a leading expert on Irish criminal law and has presided over murder and rape trials since his appointment to the High Court in 1991... |
1991 |
| Declan Budd | 1991 |
| Mary Laffoy Mary Laffoy -Career:She is most notable for presiding over the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, known as the "Laffoy Commission", an inquiry into child abuse, before causing controversy by resigning as its chair.... |
1995 |
| Michael Moriarty | 1996 |
| Peter Kelly | 1996 |
| John Quirke | 1997 |
| Iarfhlaith O'Neill | 1999 |
| Roderick Murphy | 2000 |
| Daniel Herbert | 2000 |
| Paul Butler | 2000 |
| Henry Abbott Henry Abbott (Irish politician) Henry Abbott is a former Irish Fianna Fáil politician. A barrister by profession, he was first elected to Dáil Éireann as a Fianna Fáil Teachta Dála at the 1987 general election for the Longford–Westmeath constituency. He lost his seat at the 1989 general election. He is now a High Court... |
2002 |
| Éamon de Valera | 2002 |
| Mary Finlay Geoghegan | 2002 |
| Michael Peart | 2002 |
| Barry White | 2002 |
| Paul Gilligan | 2003 |
| Seán Ryan Seán Ryan (Irish judge) Seán Ryan is a judge of the Irish High Court.As a barrister, he was Senior Counsel to the inquiry into abuse in the Catholic diocese of Ferns , and was chairman of the Compensation Advisory Committee that prepared guidelines on compensation to be paid to abuse survivors at the Residential... |
2003 |
| Elizabeth Dunne | 2004 |
| Michael Hanna | 2004 |
| John Mac Menamin | 2004 |
| Frank Clarke Frank Clarke (judge) Frank Clarke is an Irish High Court judge. He was chairman of the Referendum Commission for the referendum on the Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland in 2009.- External Links :**... |
2004 |
| Kevin Feeney | 2005 |
| Brian McGovern | 2006 |
| Peter Charleton | 2006 |
| Maureen Clark | 2006 |
| John Hedigan | 2007 |
| Bryan MacMahon Bryan MacMahon Bryan M. E. MacMahon is a Judge of the Irish High Court and the author of textbooks on Irish law. He is the son of short story writer Bryan MacMahon, and a native of Listowel, County Kerry, Ireland.-Legal career:... |
2007 |
| George Birmingham George Birmingham George M. Birmingham is a High Court judge and former Irish Fine Gael politician.George Birmingham was born in Dublin in 1954. He was educated at St. Paul's College, Trinity College, Dublin and King's Inns where he qualified as a barrister. He first became involved in politics in 1979 when he... |
2007 |
| Mary C. Irvine | 2007 |
| John A. Edwards | 2007 |
| Patrick J. McCarthy | 2007 |
| Garrett Sheehan | 2007 |
| Daniel O'Keeffe | 2007 |
| John Cooke | 2007 |
| Gerard Hogan | 2010 |
Ex-officio members
| Name | Office |
|---|---|
| Susan Denham Susan Denham Susan Denham is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Ireland. She was appointed by the President of Ireland on 25 July 2011... |
President of the Supreme Court Chief Justice of Ireland The Chief Justice of Ireland is the president of the Supreme Court of Ireland.Under Constitution of Ireland, the Chief Justice of Ireland also occupies several positions ex officio, these include;* A possible judge of the High Court.... |
| Matthew Deery | President of the Circuit Court |
Previous High Court judges (from 1924)
| Name | Term of office |
|---|---|
| Timothy Sullivan Timothy Sullivan (Irish judge) Timothy Sullivan was Chief Justice of Ireland from 1936 to 1946.He was born in Dublin, the third son of Timothy Daniel Sullivan, a prominent Home Rule MP and Lord Mayor of Dublin. Through his sister Anne who married Dr. Thomas Higgins he was the uncle of Kevin O'Higgins and great-uncle of another... |
1924–1936 |
| James Creed Meredith James Creed Meredith James Creed Meredith K.C., LL.D. was an Irish nationalist of the early 20th century, who upheld Brehon Law. He was President of the Supreme Court of the Irish Republic, Chief Judicial Commissioner of Ireland and a Judge of the High Court and the Supreme Court of Ireland... |
1924–1936 |
| Thomas O'Shaughnessy Thomas O'Shaughnessy Sir Thomas Lopdell O'Shaughnessy was the last Recorder of Dublin in Ireland.-Early life:O'Shaughnessy was born on December 22, 1850 in Dublin and died at his home in Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin on March 7, 1933... |
1924–1925 |
| William E. Wylie | 1924–1936 |
| William J. Johnston | 1924–1939 |
| James A. Murnaghan | 1924–1925 |
| Henry Hanna | 1925–1943 |
| John O'Byrne | 1926–1940 |
| Conor Maguire Conor Maguire Conor Alexander Maguire was an Irish politician, lawyer and judge. He was a founding member of the Legal and Economic Society in UCD in 1911; now known as the University College Dublin Law Society... |
1936 |
| George Gavan Duffy George Gavan Duffy -Family:George Gavan Duffy was born in Rock Ferry, Cheshire, England in 1882, the son of Sir Charles Gavan Duffy and his third wife, Louise. His half-brother Sir Frank Gavan Duffy was the fourth Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia, sitting on the bench of the High Court from 1913 to... |
1936–1951 |
| William Black | 1939–1942 |
| Martin C. Maguire | 1940–1954 |
| Kevin Haugh Kevin Haugh Kevin O'Hanrahan Haugh was an Irish barrister and judge.He was born in Dublin and educated at Blackrock College and University College Dublin; called to the Bar 1925, Senior Counsel 1938. He was a leading junior prosecutor for the State and Attorney General 1940-1942. He was appointed a High... |
1942–1961 |
| Andrew Kingsbury Overend | 1943–1947 |
| Cahir Davitt Cahir Davitt Cahir Davitt was an Irish Judge.-Youth:He was born in County Dublin one 15 August 1894 as the second son of the Fenian and Land Leaguer Michael Davitt... |
1945–1966 |
| Kevin Dixon Kevin Dixon (Attorney General) Kevin Dixon was an Irish barrister and judge.He was born in Dublin and educated at Belvedere and University College Dublin. He was called to the Bar in 1926 and became a Senior Counsel in 1940... |
1946–1959 |
| T. C. Kingsmill Moore Theodore Conyngham Kingsmill Moore Theodore Conyngham Kingsmill Moore was an Irish judge, politician and author.T. C. Kingsmill Moore was educated at Marlborough College and Trinity College, Dublin. Whilst Auditor of the College Historical Society, W.B. Yeats spoke at the Inaugural meeting of his session... |
1947–1951 |
| Charles Casey Charles Casey Charles Casey was an Irish lawyer and judge.He was born in Dunlin in 1895 and educated at Castleknock College. During World War I he served in the 16th Division. He was called to the Bar in 1923 and made a Senior Counsel in 1941. John A. Costello chose him as Attorney General in 1950 to replace... |
1951–1952 |
| Frederick O. Budd | 1951–1965 |
| Richard McLoughlin | 1952–1969 |
| George D. Murnaghan | 1954–1979 |
| Thomas Teevan Thomas Teevan (Attorney General) Thomas Teevan was an Irish barrister and judge.He was born in County Cavan, the second son of Dr. Francis Teevan and his wife Anne. The family moved to Dundalk where he went to the Christian Brothers School and then to University College Dublin. He initially qualified as a solicitor in 1925; was... |
1954–1971 |
| Brian Walsh | 1959–1961 |
| John Kenny | 1961–1975 |
| Seán Butler | 1966–1980 |
| Alfred D. Pringle | 1969–1974 |
| Frank Griffin | 1971–1973 |
| Thomas Finlay Thomas Finlay (judge) Thomas Aloysius Finlay is a former Irish Fine Gael politician and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He is the second son of Thomas Finlay, a politician and senior counsel whose career was cut short by his early death in 1932. He was educated at Clongowes Wood College, University College Dublin... |
1972–1985 |
| John Gannon | 1973–1990 |
| Tom O'Higgins Tom O'Higgins Thomas Francis O'Higgins was an Irish Fine Gael politician, a barrister and a judge.Tom O'Higgins was born in Cork in 1916. He was the son of Thomas F. O'Higgins and the nephew of Kevin O'Higgins... |
1973–1974 |
| Kenneth Deale | 1974 |
| Liam Hamilton Liam Hamilton Liam Hamilton was an Irish lawyer and judge. He was educated at C.B.S. Mitchelstown, University College Dublin and King's Inns. He was called to the Bar in 1956 and to the Inner Bar in 1968.... |
1974–1994 |
| Weldon Parke | 1974–1976 |
| Thomas A. Doyle | 1974–1984 |
| James G. McMahon | 1975–1986 |
| Herbert R. McWilliam | 1976–1985 |
| Declan Costello Declan Costello Declan Costello was an Irish jurist and Fine Gael party politician, who served as a Teachta Dála for twenty years, as Attorney General for four years and as a High Court judge for another twenty years before his retirement.... |
1977–1998 |
| James A. D'Arcy | 1977–1986 |
| Ronan Keane Ronan Keane The Hon. Ronan Keane , S.C., was Chief Justice of Ireland from 2000 to 2004. Keane was educated at Blackrock College, Dublin, and graduated from University College Dublin in 1953 with a BA in Modern History. He was called to the Bar in 1954 and became a Senior Counsel in 1970. He was appointed... |
1979–1996 |
| William Ellis | 1979–1983 |
| Donal Barrington | 1979–1989 |
| Mella Carroll Mella Carroll Mella Elizabeth Laurie Carroll was a judge of the High Court in the Republic of Ireland.Mella Carroll was born in Dublin, her parents were Patrick Carroll and Agnes Mary Caulfield... |
1980–2005 |
| Roderick O'Hanlon | 1981–1995 |
| Edward Walsh | 1981–1982 |
| Henry Barron | 1982–1997 |
| Francis Murphy | 1982–1996 |
| Kenin Lynch | 1984–1996 |
| Seamus F. Egan | 1984–1991 |
| Robert Barr | 1985–2002 |
| Gerard Lardner | 1985–1993 |
| John Blaney | 1986–1992 |
| John McKenzie | 1986–1991 |
| Richard Johnson Richard Johnson (judge) Richard Johnson was the President of the Irish High Court from November 2006 until October 2009. He was the second most senior Irish judge after the Chief Justice John L. Murray.... |
1987–2009 |
| Frederick Morris | 1990–2001 |
| Susan Denham Susan Denham Susan Denham is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Ireland. She was appointed by the President of Ireland on 25 July 2011... |
1991–1992 |
| Feargus Flood | 1991–2000 |
| Hugh Geoghegan Hugh Geoghegan Hugh Geoghegan was a justice of the Supreme Court of Ireland of Ireland from 8 March 2000 , having been nominated by the Government of Ireland on 22 February 2000 until May 2010 when he retired. He replaced Mr Justice Donal Barrington... |
1992–2000 |
| Dermot Kinlen Dermot Kinlen Dermot Patrick Kinlen was best known for being the first inspector of prisons in Ireland. In his reports he was very critical of the way the prison service was being run and in particular of the lack of any focus on rehabilitation.He had previously been a High Court Judge, having been nominated by... |
1993–2002 |
| Brian McCracken Brian McCracken Brian Moore McCracken is a retired judge of the Supreme Court of Ireland. He is an officer of the Trinity College, Dublin - Visitor of the College.-Education and career:... |
1995–2002 |
| Peter Shanley | 1996–1998 |
| Catherine McGuinness Catherine McGuinness Catherine McGuinness , is a former President of the Law Reform Commission and a former judge of the Circuit Court 1994-1996 , justice of the High Court 1996-2000 and Supreme Court of Ireland 2000-2006... |
1996–2000 |
| Thomas C. Smyth | 1996–2008 |
| Diarmuid O'Donovan | 1996–2007 |
| Philip O'Sullivan | 1997–2006 |
| Kevin C. O'Higgins | 1997–2008 |
| Matthew P. Smith | 1998–2004 |
| Cyril C. Kelly | 1998–1999 |
| Nicholas Kearns Nicholas Kearns Nicholas Kearns is the President of the High Court of Ireland, and ex-officio member of the Supreme Court. He was appointed a judge of the High Court in 1998 and was appointed to the Supreme Court in November 2004. He is the most senior Irish judge after Chief Justice Susan Denham. He was... |
1998–2004 |
| Fidelma Macken Fidelma Macken Fidelma O'Kelly Macken is a judge of the Supreme Court of Ireland since 2005. She was appointed a High Court judge in 1998. She succeeded John L. Murray, Chief Justice since July 2004, as Ireland's appointee on the European Court of Justice from 5 October 1999 to 22 September 2004... |
1998–1999 |
| Aindrias Ó Caoimh | 1999–2004 |
| Joseph Finnegan | 1999–2001 |
| Liam McKechnie | 2000–2010 |
| Seán O'Leary Seán O'Leary Seán A. O'Leary was an Irish accountant, barrister and Fine Gael politician and Senator.O'Leary served as Lord Mayor of Cork for the 1972–73 term. In 1981, he was nominated by the Taoiseach, Garret FitzGerald as a member of the 15th Seanad. He was a political activist one of the group known... |
2003–2006 |
| Fidelma Macken Fidelma Macken Fidelma O'Kelly Macken is a judge of the Supreme Court of Ireland since 2005. She was appointed a High Court judge in 1998. She succeeded John L. Murray, Chief Justice since July 2004, as Ireland's appointee on the European Court of Justice from 5 October 1999 to 22 September 2004... |
2004–2005 |
Presidents of the High Court since 1924
The office of President of the High Court was created under the Courts of Justice Act 1924Courts of Justice Act 1924
The Courts of Justice Act, 1924 was an Act of the Oireachtas that established the courts system of the Irish Free State pursuant to the Constitution of the Irish Free State...
. Before 1924, the Master of the Rolls in Ireland
Master of the Rolls in Ireland
The office of Master of the Rolls in Ireland originated in the office of the keeper of the Rolls in the Irish Chancery and became an office granted by letters patent in 1333. It was abolished in 1924....
was the President of the High Court.
| Name | Term of office |
|---|---|
| Timothy Sullivan Timothy Sullivan (Irish judge) Timothy Sullivan was Chief Justice of Ireland from 1936 to 1946.He was born in Dublin, the third son of Timothy Daniel Sullivan, a prominent Home Rule MP and Lord Mayor of Dublin. Through his sister Anne who married Dr. Thomas Higgins he was the uncle of Kevin O'Higgins and great-uncle of another... |
1924–1936 |
| Conor Maguire Conor Maguire Conor Alexander Maguire was an Irish politician, lawyer and judge. He was a founding member of the Legal and Economic Society in UCD in 1911; now known as the University College Dublin Law Society... |
1936–1946 |
| George Gavan Duffy George Gavan Duffy -Family:George Gavan Duffy was born in Rock Ferry, Cheshire, England in 1882, the son of Sir Charles Gavan Duffy and his third wife, Louise. His half-brother Sir Frank Gavan Duffy was the fourth Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia, sitting on the bench of the High Court from 1913 to... |
1946–1951 |
| Cahir Davitt Cahir Davitt Cahir Davitt was an Irish Judge.-Youth:He was born in County Dublin one 15 August 1894 as the second son of the Fenian and Land Leaguer Michael Davitt... |
1951–1966 |
| Aindrias Ó Caoimh Aindrias Ó Caoimh (Attorney General) Aindrias Ó Caoimh , also known as Andreas O'Keeffe and Ayindries Ó Cuiv, was Attorney General of Ireland from 30 January 1954 to 21 June 1954, and again from 20 March 1957 to 15 March 1965. For the time between his terms, the position was held by Patrick McGilligan. He was President of the High... |
1966–1974 |
| Thomas Finlay Thomas Finlay (judge) Thomas Aloysius Finlay is a former Irish Fine Gael politician and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He is the second son of Thomas Finlay, a politician and senior counsel whose career was cut short by his early death in 1932. He was educated at Clongowes Wood College, University College Dublin... |
1974–1985 |
| Liam Hamilton Liam Hamilton Liam Hamilton was an Irish lawyer and judge. He was educated at C.B.S. Mitchelstown, University College Dublin and King's Inns. He was called to the Bar in 1956 and to the Inner Bar in 1968.... |
1985–1994 |
| Harry Whelehan Harry Whelehan Harry Whelehan is a former Irish Attorney general and for six days was President of the High Court.-X Case controversy:In 1992 as attorney general, Harry Whelehan sought an injunction in the X Case to prevent a 14 year old rape victim having an abortion... |
15–17 Nov 1994 |
| Declan Costello Declan Costello Declan Costello was an Irish jurist and Fine Gael party politician, who served as a Teachta Dála for twenty years, as Attorney General for four years and as a High Court judge for another twenty years before his retirement.... |
1995–1998 |
| Frederick Morris | 1998–2001 |
| Joseph Finnegan | 2001–2006 |
| Richard Johnson Richard Johnson (judge) Richard Johnson was the President of the Irish High Court from November 2006 until October 2009. He was the second most senior Irish judge after the Chief Justice John L. Murray.... |
2006–2009 |
| Nicholas Kearns Nicholas Kearns Nicholas Kearns is the President of the High Court of Ireland, and ex-officio member of the Supreme Court. He was appointed a judge of the High Court in 1998 and was appointed to the Supreme Court in November 2004. He is the most senior Irish judge after Chief Justice Susan Denham. He was... |
2009–present |
External links
- High Court – Irish government information website
- High Court – Courts Service of Ireland
- High Court of Ireland Decisions – British and Irish Legal Information Institute