Retired judge wins right to practice as a barrister

Following Mr Justice Max Barrett’s ruling, Mr White, 71, will be allowed to practice before the Circuit Courts and beyond once more, without having to be a member of the Law Library.

The Justice Minister’s decision to exclude Mr White from a panel of barristers eligible for criminal legal aid work has been quashed.

However, a disputed Bar Council rule which prevents him from being readmitted to the Bar has not been overturned.

Mr Justice Barrett also declined to award damages or to find there had been a breach of Mr White’s rights under the European Convention on Human Rights.