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John Toler, the first Earl of Norbury, earned his reputation as “the hanging judge” during his time as a particularly callous judge in Ireland in the late 18th and early 19th century. In a somewhat contradictory trait, Toler is often described as having those in his courtroom – inc

A round-up of human rights stories from around the world. Italy: Charities to be fined €5,500 for every migrant rescued from the Mediterranean Sea

A village mayor has proposed offering free Viagra to young couples to help repopulate local schools. In a decree, Jean Debouzy, mayor of Montereau in north-central France, said he is "in favour of the distribution of little blue pills".

The Sunday World has lost an appeal against the finding that two articles it published about a former GAA footballer were seriously defamatory and warranted an award of €310,000 in damages. Dismissing the Sunday World’s appeal, Mr Justice Michael Peart allowed the man’s cross-appeal

An Irish man whose access to a solicitor was restricted during questioning by gardaí on suspicion of murder did not suffer a violation of his right to a fair trial, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has ruled. The applicant, Barry Doyle, was arrested in February 2009 in connection wi

The Data Protection Commission (DPC) has opened a statutory inquiry into Google Ireland's processing of personal data. The inquiry will establish whether the processing of personal data as part of Google's personalised online advertising system is compatible with the EU General Data Protection Regul

Naas solicitor Brian Larkin has expressed concern over the planned temporary relocation of court sittings to Naas Racecourse. Mr Larkin, who is also a candidate in tomorrow's local elections, said plans to move the sittings from July until November could have an adverse impact on court users and loc

A rapist was given a suspended sentence in Newry Crown Court after his victim said she did not want his family to suffer. Eugene Gallagher, 44, admitted charges of rape and indecent assault between October 1990 and March 1991, when he was 16 and the anonymous victim was 15, BBC News reports.

Philip O'Leary, managing partner of FitzGerald Legal & Advisory, reflects on his recent appointment to the Irish Banking Culture Board (IBCB) and his role as chairman of the Legal Aid Board. I was appointed to the Irish Banking Culture Board, an industry initiative established to rebuild trust i

Limerick solicitors have been encouraged to attend a seminar next week on upcoming pension regulations and tax planning from a legal perspective. The Limerick Solicitors Bar Association (LSBA) event at the Savoy Hotel will welcome guest speakers Martin Harte from Tier One, Pension Investment and Fin

Lord Neuberger has warned that further cuts in the justice system will lead to a “breakdown of the rule of law”, The Times reports. The former president of the UK Supreme Court said the rule of law was “absolutely fundamental” but had been taken for granted in the UK followin

Newtownards and Belfast firm Worthingtons Solicitors raised more for Will Aid than any other law firm in Northern Ireland last year. The firm raised a total of £2,390 for the Will Aid scheme in its 30th anniversary year last November.

The next PSNI chief constable is set to be chosen by the Northern Ireland Policing Board tomorrow. The four candidates for the post are PSNI officers Steve Martin and Mark Hamilton and two police officers from Great Britain, Jon Boutcher and Simon Byrne, BBC News reports.

Washington has become the first US state to approve composting of human remains as an alternative to cremation. Governor Jay Inslee signed a new law allowing licensed facilities to provide “natural organic reduction”, which changes a body into roughly two wheelbarrows' worth of soil over

A dead woman was within her rights to disinherit two of her children who accused her of witchcraft. The late mother-of-three lawfully removed her sons Francisco and Jorge Javier from her will, the Supreme Court of Spain has ruled.