Leading voices from Ireland and around the world came together in June to explore the topical theme of “Defending Democracy: Legal Responses to Emerging Threats”. These included former Director of the CIA, John Brennan, Michael McGrath, EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, and Dr Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, Minister for Health.

Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, international human rights lawyer, highlighted the urgent need to take action against the issue of transnational repression. The UK’s Commissioner for Countering Extremism, Robin Simcox, warned that we should be vigilant against weakening the right to freedom of expression in the pursuit to counter extremism. Various expert panels addressed complex issues including electoral integrity, the rise of extremism, and balancing the right to protest with the need to maintain public order.

Video highlights

View the highlights in our two-minute video below to get a flavour of the energy, ideas, and passion that filled Blackhall Place on 26 and 27 June.

In the news

The Summer School’s speakers and programme garnered significant attention across media channels and media, including The Irish Times, RTÉ, Newstalk and Irish Legal News. You can also read coverage of the event in Gazette.ie

New Centre for Justice & Law Reform

The school marked the official launch of the research centre which has been established by the Law Society to help shape law reform and bring about improvements in the justice system.

Guided by an expert advisory board, the work of the centre is dedicated to improving the public’s experience of the Irish justice system by publishing evidence-based research, engaging with policymakers, and advocating for meaningful law reform. Look out for its first paper which will be published in the coming weeks:

• About the Centre for Justice & Law Reform

If you have any queries or feedback, please contact solicitorservices@lawsociety.ie.