Charles Meenan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Meenan
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|---|---|
| Judge of the Court of Appeal | |
| Assumed office 4 July 2023 |
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| Nominated by | Government of Ireland |
| Appointed by | Michael D. Higgins |
| Judge of the High Court | |
| In office 19 June 2017 – 4 July 2023 |
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| Nominated by | Government of Ireland |
| Appointed by | Michael D. Higgins |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Charles Francis Meenan
21 June 1957 Dublin, Ireland |
| Spouse | Anita Meenan (m. 1984) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Gonzaga College |
| Alma mater |
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Charles Francis Meenan is an important Irish judge. He was born on June 21, 1957. Since July 2023, he has been a judge in the Court of Appeal. Before that, he was a judge in the High Court from 2017 to 2023.
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Early Life and Education
Charles Meenan went to Gonzaga College and finished in 1975. He studied at University College Dublin (UCD) and King's Inns. King's Inns is a special place where lawyers are trained in Ireland.
While at UCD, he was the leader, or "auditor," of the UCD Literary and Historical Society from 1980 to 1981. Many important people spoke at his first speech, including former Irish leaders. His father and uncles were also leaders of this society. In 1981, he won the Irish Times Debate with his teammate, Gerard Stembridge.
Becoming a Lawyer
Charles Meenan became a lawyer, or was "called to the Bar," in 1980. This means he was officially allowed to practice law. In 1998, he became a "Senior Counsel." This is a special title for experienced lawyers.
He worked on many different types of cases. These included cases about professional mistakes, personal injuries, and government rules. He also helped people with business and administrative law issues.
He gave legal advice to the Irish Parliament's committee. This committee was looking into the banking crisis that happened after 2008. He also advised important health groups like the Irish Medical Council. From 2002 to 2015, he was the head of the Ethics Committee at the Temple Street Children's University Hospital.
His Work as a Judge
High Court Judge
In May 2017, Charles Meenan was chosen to be a judge in the High Court. He officially started this role in June 2017.
As a High Court judge, he heard many different cases. For example, he heard a case about personal injuries related to the singer Dolores O'Riordan. He also heard a case where Gerry Adams sued the BBC for defamation.
In 2018, he was asked to look into issues about a health matter called the CervicalCheck issue. His job was to find ways to help people without them having to go to court. He suggested creating a special tribunal, which is like a court but for specific issues. This idea led to a new law in 2019.
By 2020, Judge Meenan was in charge of important lists of cases in the High Court. In May 2020, he heard a case about the laws made during the COVID-19 pandemic. He decided not to allow the challenge to these laws.
Court of Appeal Judge
In May 2023, he was chosen to become a judge in the Court of Appeal. He started this new role in July 2023. The Court of Appeal hears cases that have already been decided in lower courts.
Personal Life
Charles Meenan is married to Anita Meenan. They have two children. Both of their children have also become solicitors, which are types of lawyers.
