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.
-------- Â
32:36
--------
32:36
AI and the Courts
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.
-------- Â
31:38
--------
31:38
Habeas Corpus - The Right to Liberty
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.
-------- Â
36:13
--------
36:13
Trial by Jury
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.
-------- Â
35:28
--------
35:28
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 TóibÃn, 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.Â
This is the story of courage, visibility, and the fight for equality in a society where love, until then, was criminalised.
Welcome to the Irish Courts Podcast. In our first series with the accompaniment of notable guests, we will explore seminal cases and key moments throughout the history and evolution of the Irish courts system.
Ireland