Members of the Supreme Court visited the University of Limerick this week and met with UL President, Dr Des Fitzgerald, as part of their historic first sitting in Limerick.
To mark the opening of the new court house, the Supreme Court heard three cases in the city and made a ruling in a landmark case concerning the extend to the rights of the unborn.
It is only the second time the Court has ever sat outside Dublin.
Dr Laura Cahillane, lecturer in UL’s School of Law, outlined the significance for UL law students of the visit to the university by members the Supreme Court.
“On Tuesday, some of the Supreme Court judges, held an exclusive seminar with PhD and postgraduate students where they discussed some criminal and evidence cases. On Wednesday, Mr Justice Donal O'Donnell gave a legal history talk on the Howth Gun Running before officially opening the School of Law refurbishment,” she explained.
“Mr Justice O’Donnell was joined by colleagues on the court and held a unique session with the undergraduate law student population. This event offered undergrads a unique and rare chance to discuss important legal issues with Ireland's pre-eminent judicial figures and was a fantastic opportunity to gain an insight into the thinking of Supreme Court Judges as well as a deeper understanding of their role,” Dr Cahillane added.
“It is very generous for members of the Court to take time out of their busy schedule to engage with our students and the School of Law is very grateful for their kindness,” she concluded.