The study of the judiciary – its role, function, culture, and evolving place within constitutional democracies, has grown significantly in recent years. In Ireland, however, judicial studies remains an emerging and underdeveloped field of scholarly inquiry. The launch of the Irish Judicial Studies Network seeks to address this gap by fostering interdisciplinary engagement between scholars, practitioners, and members of the judiciary.

This inaugural event aims to bring together academics and practitioners to explore the Irish judiciary in its institutional, constitutional, and societal contexts. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the changing role of judges, the relationship between judiciary and academia, and broader questions concerning judicial independence, accountability, and legitimacy.

The conference will feature academic panels alongside a judges’ roundtable and keynote sessions.

The event is one of a number of events taking place at the University of Limerick this year as part of the School of Law’s Silver Jubilee celebrations.