Featuring major figures and cases from the past 100 years, the podcasts celebrate the centenary of when the Courts of Justice Act was passed in 1924.

The full set of five podcasts now available free to download at all popular podcast sites and the courts.ie website.

It is hoped that the podcast will have broad appeal not only to those in the legal community, but also to members of the public.

From revolution to a new courtsystem

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 in to celebrate the radical spirit that shaped the nation’s legal landscape!

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 storied retelling with Dr Eoin O’Sullivan, School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin; Pól Ó Murchú, solicitor; Judge Patricia Cronin, District Court judge; and Maura O’Looney, retired probation officer.

Healy v Donoghue and 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 Mr Justice Frank Clarke, retired Chief Justice; Mr Justice John MacMenamin, retired judge of the Supreme Court; 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.

The Julia Clarke case: Gaol for a Kiss

Here we delve into the intriguing and controversial Julia Clark 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.

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 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.

Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell said: “The coming into force 100 years ago of the Courts of Justice Act 1924 marked a really significant milestone in the life of the new State and was, by all accounts, a remarkable achievement worthy of celebration.

“The aim, when we set out to brainstorm the topics for these podcasts, was to curate a series which would capture the human-interest side of law and bring to life some of the stories, big and small, which have taken place against the backdrop of our courts system, and in their own ways have impacted Irish society.”