Aileen Donnelly facts for kids
Aileen Donnelly is an important Irish judge. She has been a judge in the Supreme Court of Ireland since June 2023. Before that, she was a judge in the Court of Appeal from 2019 to 2023. She also served as a judge in the High Court from 2014 to 2019.
Quick facts for kids
Aileen Donnelly
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Donnelly in 2023
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| Judge of the Supreme Court of Ireland | |
| Assumed office 2 June 2023 |
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| Nominated by | Government of Ireland |
| Appointed by | Michael D. Higgins |
| Judge of the Court of Appeal | |
| In office 17 June 2019 – 2 June 2023 |
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| Nominated by | Government of Ireland |
| Appointed by | Michael D. Higgins |
| Judge of the High Court | |
| In office 22 September 2014 – 17 June 2019 |
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| Nominated by | Government of Ireland |
| Appointed by | Michael D. Higgins |
| Personal details | |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Spouse |
Susan Miner
(m. 2016) |
| Alma mater |
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Contents
Becoming a Lawyer
Aileen Donnelly studied at University College Dublin. She earned a law degree in 1986. Later, in 1995, she completed a master's degree. She also studied at the King's Inns, a famous law school in Ireland.
In 1988, she became a barrister. A barrister is a type of lawyer who represents people in court. From 1996 to 2002, she was a leader at the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL). This group works to protect people's rights in Ireland. In 2004, she became a Senior Counsel. This is a special title for experienced barristers. She has also written books about different areas of law. These include tax law and human rights law.
Her Work as a Judge
High Court Judge
Aileen Donnelly became a judge of the High Court in September 2014. In this role, she handled many important cases. She was in charge of cases about extradition. This is when a person is sent from one country to another to face legal action.
In 2018, she made a big decision about sending a man to Poland. She paused the order because of some changes happening in Poland's courts. She asked the Court of Justice of the European Union for advice. Her final decision was that the man's right to a fair trial was not specifically at risk. Some media in Poland criticized her early decision. But judges' groups in Ireland and Europe supported her.
Court of Appeal Judge
In June 2019, Judge Donnelly moved to the Court of Appeal. This happened after another judge, Mary Irvine, moved to the Supreme Court. The Court of Appeal reviews decisions made by lower courts.
Supreme Court Judge
In May 2023, the Irish Government chose Judge Donnelly for the Supreme Court of Ireland. This is the highest court in Ireland. She officially became a Supreme Court judge in June 2023.
Personal Life
Aileen Donnelly is married to Susan Miner.
