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THORNY ISSUES
from The Bar Review
by Th!nk Media
This final edition of the legal year contains a fascinating collection of articles.
Helen Murray BL Editor The Bar Review
Welcome to the final issue of The Bar Review for the 2022/2023 legal year.
We have a fascinating interview with award-winning journalist and author Susan McKay, who was recently appointed as Ireland’s Press Ombudsman. Her writing on Northern politics is heartfelt, poignant and never jaded despite the fact that she has been covering the issues for three decades. Deirdre Ní Fhloinn BL examines the legislation and regulatory framework of defective buildings, and offers an insightful comparison with our British neighbours in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster.
Sarah Jane Judge BL and James McGowan SC provide an excellent overview of juvenile justice in Ireland and in particular the pros and cons of the Garda Youth Diversion Programme. This is important reading for practitioners and in particular anyone starting out at the criminal Bar. The thorny issue of religious speech and its potential criminalisation is placed under the spotlight by Grace Sullivan BL in her article on the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill 2022 and the Safe Access to Termination of Pregnancy Services Bill 2021.
And if that doesn’t raise your blood pressure, Julia Fox’s closing argument on the lack of provision for counsel in the new Legal Aid Scheme for applications under the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015, definitely will. It’s time for a vacation. See you in October.
