Analysis

A new book explores how and why governments have failed to tackle money laundering, writes Robert Shiels. Without money laundering, it appears, few major crimes of acquisition would be worth the trouble. In the old days, in other words, shops, post offices and banks were robbed for their cash, and v

Professor Kevin J. Brown of Queen's University Belfast examines the detail of proposed new sentencing law in Northern Ireland. The recent introduction of the Criminal Justice (Sentencing, etc.) Bill to the Northern Ireland Assembly marks the most significant legislative change in sentencing policy s

Northern Ireland barrister James Stitt examines the detail of a significant UK Supreme Court ruling on "lost years" compensation for seriously injured young children. The United Kingdom Supreme Court recently delivered judgement in CCC v Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust [2026]

Dear Editor, I agree with my colleague Darren Lalor whose letter points to the absence of dealing with the outstanding unpaid eight per cent due to criminal practitioners under the legal aid scheme amongst other matters.

Niall Pelly questions whether Ireland will meet the transposition deadline for new EU pay transparency rules. In just three months’ time by 7 June 2026, member states are required to have transposed the provisions of the EU Pay Transparency Directive (PTD) into national law.

Dear Editor, I am deeply concerned that our District Courts will become the discount stores for justice. 

Frank Flanagan, Aaron Garavaglia and Daragh O'Shea of Mason Hayes & Curran set out practical steps for Irish companies to improve their sanctions compliance programs. The EU has operated its own sanctions regimes since the 1980s,[1] but they have expanded dramatically in the last four years. Whi

Robert Shiels reviews a new book on a man now seen as fascism's first adherent. Antoine de Vallombrosa, Marquis de Morès, was the first late modern politician in the West to emerge politically as a populist, an antisemite, and what might now be called a fascist militiaman.

Pádraig Langsch sets out proposals to improve efficiency in the District Court without sacrificing fairness. In my last opinion published on 26 February in Irish Legal News, I commented on the minister for justice’s proposal to introduce a flat‑fee system in District Court criminal le

Dear Editor, The State, the Judiciary and the legal professions have been most fortunate in having benefitted from the wisdom and professionalism, as well as the courteous and considerate manner, of the past and current incumbents of the Master’s Court.

Catherine Allen, Aoiffe Moran and Lauren McCausland of Mason Hayes & Curran examine developments on the powers of the courts to restrict serial and vexatious litigation. The recent Supreme Court decision of M v M [2026] IESC 2 provides welcome clarity, and reaffirmation of the law concernin

Since its inauguration in 1911, International Women's Day has evolved into much more than a symbolic diary date. It’s now an annual event that not only celebrates the achievements of women, but also sharpens the focus on inequality, calls for the acceleration of progress and challenges organis

Louise Heren reviews a new book on the headline-grabbing trial of Gayle Newland.

Jude Copeland of Northern Ireland firm Cleaver Fulton Rankin highlights two instructive cases on lawyers' use of AI. The Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) has provided a clear warning about AI misuse, use of public AI and false citations.

RDJ LLP's Diarmaid Gavin and Scion Flanagan consider proposed changes to company law. The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE) is considering responses to a public consultation on proposed amendments to the Companies Act 2014.