Ruth Cannon BL, Barrister, Four Courts History
Sharing old stories from Ireland's historic centre of justice.
From The Weekly Freeman’s Journal, 24 July 1920:
“HELPLESS BARRISTERS
LEFT STRANDED IN THE FOUR COURTS
On Thursday last week, the action of D Coffey, Derrymilleen, Co. Cork, farmer, v Denis P O’Regan, Farransbesbary, Enniskeen, Co. Cork, farmer, was listed for hearing in the Chancery division before Mr Justice Powell. The plaintiff sought specific performance of an agreement for sale by the defendant.
When the case was called, Mr DB Sullivan BL said neither of the parties had turned up,
From the Evening Herald (Dublin), 13 May 1925
“STRANGE WESTERN WOOING
FARMER WHO COURTED BY PROXY MULCTED FOR BREACH
COMPACT WITH PARENTS
LESSONS ON MELODEON AND A PAIR OF GLOVES
MARRIED ANOTHER
DEFENDANT UNASHAMED OF HIS CONDUCT
A farmer of 42 years, who sent emissaries to arrange a marriage with a girl half his age, figured as defendant in a breach of promise action in Ballina Circuit Court. He was ordered to pay £220 damages.
One of the witnesses made the interesting statement that nine-tenths
Though the grounds and means of complaint may have changed over time, there is nothing new about criticism of Irish judges.
As far back as 1826, one Daniel O’Connell petitioned for the removal of Lord Norbury, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, on the ground that he was 85, afflicted with deafness, and lethargic stupor which rendered him entirely unfit for discharging the duties of his office, as he frequently fell asleep during the most important trials.
Throughout the 19th century, almost
In 1890, Irish Society (Dublin) decided, with the help of one ‘A M’Lud,’ to give its readers a day out in the Four Courts. The first part of the ensuing visit, featured here, took us to the Round Hall. Today, we accompany ‘M’Lud,’ a practising barrister, to the original Law Library located just behind. M’Lud’s piece gives us an intimate picture of the final days of
From Irish Society (Dublin), 8 November 1890:
“‘A DAY IN THE FOUR COURTS
BY A M’LUD
For those who cannot spare time for a corporeal visit to the Temple of Justice, let them come with me now in spirit, and I will be their guide, philosopher, and friend in an imaginary personally-conducted tour through the noble pile of buildings in Inns Quay, which forms the material home and domicile of Irish law.
Let us be at the courts by a quarter to eleven of the clock, and
