Fifth edition of Law in Northern Ireland out now

First published by Professor Brice Dickson over four decades ago, a version of this book has long been used by students, practitioners and others seeking a clear introduction to the legal system of Northern Ireland.

This new edition is now jointly authored by Professor Brice Dickson and Dr Conor McCormick, marking a process of renewal as well as continuity. It retains the book’s established structure and accessible style, while having been substantially revised across its full breadth in light of numerous legal developments since the fourth edition.

The book explains how Northern Ireland became a separate legal jurisdiction, outlines its current constitutional arrangements, and introduces readers to its legislative processes, courts and judges. It then considers the significance of international law in Northern Ireland, including the Windsor Framework and the European Convention on Human Rights. Further chapters address the law applying to public bodies, criminal law and criminal justice bodies, criminal proceedings, key areas of private law, civil proceedings, and the role of lawyers and legal aid.

Among the developments reflected in the new edition are the restoration of devolved government, the constitutional transition from the Protocol to the Windsor Framework, new arrangements for democratic scrutiny over certain laws originating from the European legal order, the adoption of “assimilated law” in place of “retained EU law”, reforms to committal proceedings, the statutory criminalisation of coercive control and related abuse, legal developments concerning legacy and reconciliation, emerging challenges in data protection and covert surveillance, and recent changes in the regulation of the legal profession. These examples give only a flavour of the updates made throughout the text.

The book states that “Irish Legal News has established itself as a reliable source for short daily legal news updates”.

ILN readers can get a 20 per cent discount on the book by using the code GLR BD8. Order your copy here.