Liam Hamilton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Liam Hamilton
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| 8th Chief Justice of Ireland | |
| In office 22 March 1994 – 1 June 2000 |
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| Nominated by | Government of Ireland |
| Appointed by | Mary Robinson |
| Preceded by | Thomas Finlay |
| Succeeded by | Ronan Keane |
| Judge of the Supreme Court | |
| In office 1 March 1994 – 1 June 2000 |
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| Nominated by | Government of Ireland |
| Appointed by | Mary Robinson |
| President of the High Court | |
| In office 22 July 1985 – 1 March 1994 |
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| Nominated by | Government of Ireland |
| Appointed by | Patrick Hillery |
| Preceded by | Thomas Finlay |
| Succeeded by | Harry Whelehan |
| Judge of the High Court | |
| In office 12 May 1974 – 1 March 1994 |
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| Nominated by | Government of Ireland |
| Appointed by | Patrick Hillery |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 8 September 1928 Mitchelstown, County Cork, Ireland |
| Died | 29 November 2000 (aged 72) Donnybrook, Dublin, Ireland |
| Resting place | Shanganagh Cemetery, Shankill, Dublin, Ireland |
| Political party | Labour Party |
| Spouses | Maeve Hamilton (m. 1948; d. 2000) |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater |
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Liam Hamilton (born 8 September 1928 – died 29 November 2000) was an important Irish judge. He served in several high-ranking legal positions. From 1994 to 2000, he was the Chief Justice of Ireland. This is the highest judicial role in the country.
He also served as a judge on the Supreme Court during that time. Before that, he was the President of the High Court from 1985 to 1994. He started his career as a High Court Judge in 1974.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Liam Hamilton was born in Mitchelstown, a town in County Cork, Ireland. His parents were Richard and Mary Ellen Hamilton. He went to school in Mitchelstown.
He continued his studies at University College Dublin and King's Inns. King's Inns is a special place where people train to become barristers (lawyers who argue cases in court). Before becoming a lawyer, he worked for the government.
Legal Career and Public Service
Liam Hamilton became a barrister in 1956. This means he was qualified to argue cases in court. Later, in 1968, he joined the Inner Bar, which is a group of more experienced barristers.
He was a member of the Labour Party and gave them legal advice. In 1973, the Labour Party formed a coalition government with another political party. After this, Liam Hamilton was appointed as a judge to the High Court.
Leading the High Court
In 1985, he was chosen to be the President of the High Court. This is a very important role where he helped manage how the court worked. He was very good at making court processes better and faster. He helped clear up many cases that were waiting to be heard.
Important Investigations
From 1991 to 1994, Liam Hamilton led a special investigation called the Beef Tribunal. This tribunal looked into claims of wrongdoing in the beef industry. It was a big and important job.
After finishing the Beef Tribunal, he was chosen to become the Chief Justice of Ireland. This is the top judge in the country. In 1999, he was asked to investigate another important matter by the Minister for Justice.
Later Years
Liam Hamilton retired as Chief Justice in 2000. He passed away on 29 November 2000.
