Donal O'Donnell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Donal O'Donnell
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
O'Donnell in 2022
|
|
| Chief Justice of Ireland | |
| Assumed office 11 October 2021 |
|
| Nominated by | Government of Ireland |
| Appointed by | Michael D. Higgins |
| Preceded by | Frank Clarke |
| Judge of the Supreme Court | |
| Assumed office 20 January 2010 |
|
| Nominated by | Government of Ireland |
| Appointed by | Mary McAleese |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Donal Gerard O'Donnell
25 October 1957 Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Spouse |
Mary Rose Binchy
(m. 1992) |
| Children | 4 |
| Parent | Turlough O'Donnell |
| Education | St. Mary's School |
| Alma mater |
|
Donal Gerard O'Donnell was born on October 25, 1957. He is an important Irish judge. Since October 2021, he has been the Chief Justice of Ireland. This is the highest judicial position in the country. Before that, he served as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Ireland starting in January 2010. For many years, from 1982 to 2010, he worked as a barrister. Barristers are lawyers who represent people in court. He specialized in business law and public law.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Donal O'Donnell was born in Belfast in 1957. He went to St. Mary's Christian Brothers' Grammar School, Belfast. After school, he studied at several universities. These included University College Dublin, King's Inns, and the University of Virginia.
While at University College Dublin, he won a debate competition in 1978. He studied law and wrote a paper comparing how equality works in the US and Irish constitutions. His family has a strong background in law. His father, Turlough O'Donnell, was also a judge. He served on the High Court and Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland. Donal's brother, Turlough O'Donnell, is also a Senior Counsel. This means he is a very experienced lawyer.
Legal Career as a Barrister
Donal O'Donnell became a barrister in Ireland in 1982. He also became a barrister in Northern Ireland in 1989. In October 1995, he became a Senior Counsel. This is a special title for experienced barristers.
He worked in courts across Ireland and Northern Ireland. He also appeared in European courts, like the European Court of Justice. He was well-known for his work in constitutional law. This is the law that deals with the country's main rules. He often represented the Irish State in important cases.
He worked on many significant cases. For example, he represented the Irish Blood Transfusion Service in a case in 1995-96. He also represented police officers in a case that limited the power of the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament) to investigate. He acted for the State in cases like Zappone v. Revenue Commissioners. He also represented politicians in various legal challenges. His work also included commercial law, which deals with business matters. He represented tobacco companies and the estate of famous writer James Joyce.
Donal O'Donnell was also a member of the Law Reform Commission. He served there from 2005 to 2012. This group works to improve and update Ireland's laws.
Judicial Career
In 2010, Donal O'Donnell was appointed to the Supreme Court of Ireland. This was a special appointment because he went directly from being a barrister to the highest court. This doesn't happen very often.
His judgments on the Supreme Court have been unique. He sometimes wrote joint opinions with other judges. He also sometimes delayed when a law was declared unconstitutional. This gave the government time to fix the issue before the judgment took full effect. People say he writes very well and has a "socially liberal" way of thinking.
Becoming Chief Justice of Ireland
In July 2017, Donal O'Donnell was considered for the role of Chief Justice. However, Frank Clarke was chosen at that time. On May 28, 2021, the Irish government nominated him to become the 13th Chief Justice of Ireland. This happened after Chief Justice Clarke retired.
He officially became Chief Justice on October 11, 2021. President Michael D. Higgins appointed him at a special ceremony.
Personal Life
Donal O'Donnell is married to Mary Rose Binchy. She is an artist. They have four children together.
