Main topics of study:

Introduction:

• Irish Legal System - a Common Law System

Sources of Law:

• Development of the Irish Legal System
• The Arrival of English Law
• Establishment of Northern Ireland & the Irish Free State

The Legal Profession:

• Solicitors
• Barristers
• Law Officers
• Legal Education

The Court System:

• Introduction & Development
• The Court System
• The Judiciary
• Appointment
• Judicial Independence
• Vacating Office
• Court Officers
• The Management of the Court System
• Civil & Criminal Procedure
• Appellate Jurisdiction

The Government:

• Administrative Law
• Adjudicative Bodies

Access to the Law:

• Remedies
• Enforcement
• Law Reform
• Precedent
• Stare Decisis
• Ratio Decidendi
• Obiter Dicta
• Legislation
• Interpretation of Legislation

Legislative Process:

• Delegated Legislation
• Interpretation of Legislation
• The Constitution & Its Interpretation
• European Community Law
• International Law

Reading List

Main Text:
The Irish Legal System - Byrne & McCutcheon (Butterworth)