The opening of the legal year at the Four Courts in Dublin is always an important moment for the legal profession. This year’s event was particularly significant, with an address by Judge Tomoko Akane, President of the International Criminal Court, who spoke about the importance of judicial independence and the challenges facing courts around the world. Read the post on Irish Legal News.
Her message was clear: independent courts and the rule of law should never be taken for granted. Judge Akane described the political pressure, sanctions and cyberattacks faced by the International Criminal Court, warning that these form part of a broader challenge to the rule of law.
Director Eoghan McKenna attended the opening of the legal year and believes those themes resonate well beyond international courts.
“It was inspiring to hear Judge Akane speak about the resilience of the International Criminal Court in the face of significant challenges. Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell also gave a powerful reminder that everyone involved in the justice system has a responsibility to protect access to justice and ensure our courts have the resources they need to serve the public effectively.”
For MSM Law, these principles are not abstract concepts. They influence the work carried out every day on behalf of clients across Criminal Law, Family Law and Civil Litigation.
Access to justice depends on more than legislation. It relies on independent courts, properly resourced legal services and a justice system in which solicitors, judges and court staff can carry out their work safely and without intimidation.
Those issues have particular relevance in Belfast, where Eoghan has been actively involved in the Law Society’s work highlighting the importance of improving protections for solicitors and other officers of the court. The need for greater court security and safeguarding those who work within the justice system was also recognised during the opening of the legal year in Dublin.
Eoghan added: “Whether we’re representing a client in Belfast, Dublin or elsewhere across the island of Ireland, our role is the same: to protect our clients’ rights while supporting a justice system that is independent, properly resourced and accessible to everyone. Those principles are fundamental to public confidence in the law.”
At MSM Law, we believe the rule of law is strengthened every day through careful preparation, independent legal advice and a shared commitment to fairness.
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Photo: Cate McCurry/PA