Marie Baker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marie Baker
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Baker in 2014
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| Judge of the Supreme Court | |
| In office 2 December 2019 – 15 April 2024 |
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| Nominated by | Government of Ireland |
| Appointed by | Michael D. Higgins |
| Judge of the Court of Appeal | |
| In office 28 June 2018 – 2 December 2019 |
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| Nominated by | Government of Ireland |
| Appointed by | Michael D. Higgins |
| Judge of the High Court | |
| In office 8 January 2014 – 28 June 2018 |
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| Nominated by | Government of Ireland |
| Appointed by | Michael D. Higgins |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 6 February 1954 Dublin, Ireland |
| Alma mater | |
Marie Baker is an important Irish judge. She was born on February 6, 1954. She served as a judge in Ireland's highest courts. This included the Supreme Court from 2019 to 2024. Before that, she was a judge in the Court of Appeal from 2018 to 2019. Her first role as a judge was in the High Court from 2014 to 2018.
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Becoming a Judge: Marie Baker's Journey
Marie Baker studied at University College Cork. There, she earned several degrees in arts and law. She then went to King's Inns to become a barrister. A barrister is a lawyer who argues cases in court. She became a barrister in 1984. Later, in 2004, she became a senior counsel. This means she was a very experienced and respected lawyer.
Her work as a lawyer focused on different areas. These included business law, property law, and family law. She also handled many court cases. Towards the end of her time as a barrister, she worked on cases involving the National Asset Management Agency. This agency helps manage property loans. Marie Baker also helped study pre-nuptial agreements. These are agreements made before marriage. She also taught law and worked for the Law Reform Commission. This group helps improve laws in Ireland.
Serving in the High Court
Marie Baker became a judge in the High Court in January 2014. The High Court deals with serious cases. It also hears appeals from lower courts. In December 2014, she was part of a special three-judge panel. They heard an important case called PP v. HSE.
Moving to the Court of Appeal
In June 2018, Marie Baker was appointed to the Court of Appeal. This court hears appeals from the High Court. It reviews decisions made in lower courts. As a judge here, she had a special role. She was the designated judge for laws about intercepting mail and phone calls. She wrote a yearly report about this for the Oireachtas. The Oireachtas is Ireland's parliament. She also talked with the Taoiseach (Ireland's Prime Minister) about privacy issues.
Joining the Supreme Court
Marie Baker was appointed to the Supreme Court in December 2019. This is the highest court in Ireland. Her appointment happened after another judge, Susan Denham, retired. On January 16, 2020, she sat on the Supreme Court for the first time. This was a special day because it was the first time four women judges sat together on the Supreme Court.
As a Supreme Court judge, Marie Baker had another important job. She was the assigned judge for Irish courts. Her role was to oversee how personal data is used when courts do their work. This helps protect people's information.
Leading the Electoral Commission
Marie Baker also served as the chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ireland. This commission was set up in 2023. It helps make sure elections in Ireland are fair and run smoothly. The Chief Justice, Donal O'Donnell, chose her for this important leadership role.
