Chief Justice of Ireland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chief Justice of Ireland
Incumbent Donal O'Donnell since 11 October 2021
Member of	Council of State Presidential Commission
Nominator	Government of Ireland
Appointer	President of Ireland
Formation	24 June 1924; 100 years ago (1924-06-24)
First holder	Hugh Kennedy

The Chief Justice of Ireland (which is Príomh-Bhreitheamh na hÉireann in Irish) is a very important judge. They lead the Supreme Court of Ireland, which is the highest court in the country. This person is the most senior judge in Ireland. Their job includes helping with the country's rules and laws, as well as hearing court cases.

The person who holds this important job right now is Donal O'Donnell.

How the Chief Justice Role Started

The job of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court began in 1924. This was when a law called the Courts of Justice Act was passed. Before 1922, a different judge, called the Lord Chancellor of Ireland, was the most senior. Then, for a short time between 1922 and 1924, the Lord Chief Justice of Ireland held the top spot.

The Supreme Court meets in a famous building called the Four Courts in Dublin. Sometimes, the Supreme Court needs to use two courtrooms at once. The second courtroom is named the Hugh Kennedy Court. It is named after Hugh Kennedy, who was the very first Chief Justice.

How a Chief Justice is Chosen

The Chief Justice is chosen by the Irish government. The government's cabinet suggests a name. Then, the President of Ireland officially appoints that person. There isn't a strict law that says exactly how they must pick someone.

Usually, a few important people talk privately to decide. These include the Taoiseach (Ireland's Prime Minister), the Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister), the Attorney General, and the Minister for Justice. They suggest a person to the cabinet.

Sometimes, a special group is formed to help choose. For example, when Frank Clarke was chosen, a committee was set up. This group asked people who wanted the job to send in a short statement. They then made a list of three top judges for the government to consider.

Once a Chief Justice is chosen, they must make a special promise. This promise is made in front of the President. It shows they will do their job fairly and correctly.

If the Chief Justice is sick or the job is empty, another judge steps in. This is usually the president of the Court of Appeal.

A Chief Justice can serve for seven years. Or, they can serve until they reach the age of seventy, whichever comes first. After their term, they might still be a judge on the Supreme Court. They are still very respected. For example, John L. Murray continued to be a Supreme Court judge after his seven years as Chief Justice.

What the Chief Justice Does

The Chief Justice has many important duties. They lead the Supreme Court.

Leading Court Cases

The Chief Justice often leads cases that decide if new laws fit with the Constitution of Ireland. They also look at requests from the President. These requests happen after the President talks with the Council of State.

Important National Roles

The Chief Justice has special roles under the Irish Constitution.

• Presidential Commission: They are one of three people on the Presidential Commission. This group takes over the duties of the President of Ireland if the President is away, sick, or if the job is empty. If the Chief Justice can't do this, the president of the Court of Appeal steps in.
• Council of State: The Chief Justice is also a member of the Council of State. This group advises the President. Former Chief Justices can also be members if they are willing and able.
• Judges' Promises: All new Irish judges make their promise to do their job in front of the Chief Justice. If the Chief Justice is not available, the most senior Supreme Court judge takes their place.
• Updating the Constitution: The Chief Justice helps make sure the official copy of the Constitution is up to date. They sign the updated text along with the Taoiseach. Then the President signs it. This has happened several times throughout history.
• Presidential Inaugurations: When a new President takes office, the Chief Justice has a special role. They read out the promise that the new President must repeat. This happens at Dublin Castle.

Roles Set by Law

Many laws give the Chief Justice specific tasks.

• They appoint people called notaries public. These people can witness important documents.
• They also appoint commissioners of oaths. These people can officially witness statements.
• They help manage the rules for lawyers (solicitors and barristers).
• They choose the person who leads the Referendum Commission. This group gives information during national votes (referendums).
• They also pick a judge to lead the Constituency Commission. This group decides how voting areas are drawn.
• If the Minister for Justice asks, the Chief Justice can name a judge to look into complaints about the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission.

The Chief Justice is also a member of the Court of Appeal and the High Court. They can give directions on how the courts should operate.

Running the Courts

The Chief Justice is very important for how the courts in Ireland work. They lead the Board of the Courts Service. This board helps run all the courts. When Frank Clarke became Chief Justice, he wanted to make changes to improve the courts.

The Chief Justice also leads other groups that help manage judges. These include the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board and the Judicial Council. They also chair committees that set court rules and deal with how judges behave.

Often, the Chief Justice speaks for all the judges to the government.

List of Chief Justices