The Irish Courts Podcast

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 explore the history of criminal conversation, a tort that remained part of Irish law until 1981 and revealed deep-rooted attitudes towards marriage, gender and property. Join Professor Niamh Howlin of University College Dublin, Dr Michael O'Connor and Professor Diane Urquhart of Queen's University Belfast as they examine the origins of criminal conversation, the role of women in these cases, and the social attitudes that allowed the practice to endure for centuries. From headline-grabbing court cases and jury awards to changing views on marriage, equality and women's rights, this episode explores a little known area of legal history and what it tells us about Irish society Episode lead: Judge Grainne Malone of the District Court and member of the Irish Courts Podcast editorial team.

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 law, from early Irish legal traditions to modern sporting disputes and international arbitration. Join Professor Paul Rouse of University College Dublin, County Registrar Aoife Farrelly and Senior Counsel Louise Reilly as they examine how law has influenced sport throughout history and why fair procedures remain at the heart of modern competition. From disputes on parish pitches and GAA disciplinary hearings to match-fixing investigations and the Court of Arbitration for Sport, this episode explores how the law helps protect the integrity of sport at every level. Episode lead: The Hon. Mr. Justice Conor Dignam, Judge of the High Court, member of the Irish Courts Podcast editorial team

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 after a wrongful conviction linked to the murder of Una Lynskey. Join Professor Clare Hamilton of Maynooth University, journalist Mick Clifford, and Senior Counsel Remy Farrell as they explore the investigation, the failures that led to a miscarriage of justice, and the profound personal cost for those involved. From witness coercion and undisclosed evidence to the introduction of the Criminal Procedure Act 1993, this episode examines how wrongful convictions occur, the safeguards designed to address them, and why vigilance remains essential to protecting justice. Episode lead: The Hon. Mr. Justice Sean Gillane, Judge of the High Court, member of the Irish Courts Podcast editorial team

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 remains vital for democracy. Join Professor Rachael Walsh - School of Law, Trinity College Dublin, Mary Carolan - Legal Affairs Correspondent, The Irish Times, Dave O’Connell - Editor, Connacht Tribune, and Dr. Carol Coulter - Director of the Child Law Project as they unpack the constitutional foundations, ethical challenges, and the realities of reporting in a digital age. From contempt rulings and in camera restrictions to the rise of social media and the enduring appetite for true crime, this is the story of how court reporting shapes public trust in justice.

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 legal research to sentencing algorithms and deep fakes. This episode examines the promise and peril of AI in Irish courts, asking whether technology can truly support justice without compromising fairness, dignity, or judicial independence. We unpack the ethical, legal, and societal implications of AI in the courtroom. This is the story of innovation, caution, and the enduring need for human judgment.

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 legal history. From its early use in the 17th century to its role in the Constitution today, this episode looks at how the remedy continues to serve citizens and uphold the rule of law.

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 safeguard against State overreach, and how its transformation reflects Ireland’s changing values, from colonial legacies to constitutional rights. This is the story of fairness, representation, and the power of ordinary citizens to deliver justice.

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 to the British Empire. In this episode, we’ll unpack the personal and legal journey of David Norris, who fought against outdated and unjust legislation in the courts, and changed the hearts and minds of a nation.  This is the story of courage, visibility, and the fight for equality in a society where love, until then, was criminalised.

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 Professor at the UCD Sutherland School of Law) and Mary McAuliffe (historian, lecturer, and Director of Gender Studies at University College Dublin) as we unpack the legal intricacies and social context surrounding this remarkable case, shedding light on a different era and its enduring impact on contemporary Ireland.

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 Court, The Hon. Ms. Justice Aileen Donnelly; Supreme Court Judge and James Dwyer SC, discover how these seemingly small cases established crucial rights for defendants and set the stage for modern justice practices.