Description
Book SynopsisThis new edition includes the following: • A new chapter on the powers of government and the separation of powers which includes analysis of the landmark Supreme Court judgment in Kerins v McGuinness; • An expanded section on the impacts of Brexit on the constitutional position of Northern Ireland; • Recent judgments on the powers of government in interregnum periods; • Expanded analysis of journalistic protection in the wake of the Corcoran case; • Further analysis of current socio-economic rights issues such as the debate on the position of a right to housing in the constitution; • Detailed discussion on recent referendums such as Repeal the 8th, removal of blasphemy and time limits for divorce. Staying faithful to the First Edition the author has designed and written this text with the student in mind introducing and outlining the key principles of Irish constitutional law including the following: • The constitutional history of Ireland; • The concepts of the Nation and State with relation to the constitutional position of Northern Ireland, Ireland in the EU and International Relations; • A consideration of the doctrine of the separation of powers, the organisation and powers of the organs of government, including the Oireachtas, the Cabinet, the Courts and the President; • Constitutional Rights including Family, Life, Education and constitutional justice; • The process of constitutional interpretation, amendment and reform including a consideration of proposed referendums.
Table of Contents• Introduction • The History of the Irish Constitution • The Constitutional Powers of Government • Defining the Nation and State • The President • The Oireachtas • The Electoral Process • The Executive • The Judiciary and Access to Justice • Trial of Offences • Fundamental Rights and the Constitution • Civil and Political Rights • Family, Children’s and Education Rights • Social, Economic and Cultural Rights • Amending, Interpreting and Reviewing the Constitution
