Mary Laffoy facts for kids

Mary Eleanor Laffoy, born on June 17, 1945, is a retired judge from Ireland. She held many important roles in the Irish legal system. She was the President of the Law Reform Commission from 2018 to 2022. Before that, she was a judge in the Supreme Court from 2013 to 2017, and a judge in the High Court from 1995 to 2013. She also led the Citizens' Assembly from 2016 to 2018.

Early Life and Education

Mary Laffoy was born in Dublin, Ireland. She lived in different places like Manorhamilton and Swinford. After her father passed away, she moved back to Dublin, to Donabate. She went to Tourmakeady College for her schooling.

After finishing school, she first tried teaching at Carysfort College. She also worked in the civil service, which is a part of the government. Later, she studied at University College Dublin (UCD) and King's Inns. At King's Inns, she won the John Brooks Scholarship for getting the best grades. She earned a BA degree from UCD in 1968 and a BCL degree in 1971.

Legal Career

Mary Laffoy became a barrister in 1971. A barrister is a lawyer who argues cases in court. In 1987, she became a Senior Counsel, which is a more experienced and respected type of barrister. At that time, she was one of only four women to hold this title.

She was an expert in property law, which deals with who owns land and buildings. She was involved in important cases that helped explain Irish law. For example, she argued against a proposed law in 1983 and again in 1993. In both cases, the Supreme Court agreed with her arguments.

In 1986, she even appeared on a TV show called The Late Late Show. She took part in a pretend court case to discuss a change to the Irish Constitution.

Judicial Career

High Court Judge

Mary Laffoy was appointed as a judge of the High Court in 1995. She mainly handled cases related to chancery law, which involves things like property, trusts, and wills.

From 1999 to 2003, she led a very important investigation called the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse. This commission looked into cases of abuse against children. She resigned from this role before the report was finished. She explained that she felt the government's actions were making it hard for the commission to do its work independently. After she left, Judge Sean Ryan took over the commission.

She also made a significant decision in a case called A v Governor of Arbour Hill Prison. She ordered the release of a prisoner because the law he was convicted under was found to be against the Constitution of Ireland. However, this decision was later changed by the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court Judge

In July 2013, Mary Laffoy was appointed as a judge to the Supreme Court of Ireland. This is the highest court in Ireland. She retired from the Supreme Court on June 16, 2017. A portrait of her was revealed at the King's Inns in March 2020, honoring her contributions.

Other Important Roles

Leading the Citizens' Assembly

In July 2016, the Taoiseach (Ireland's Prime Minister) Enda Kenny chose Mary Laffoy to lead the Citizens' Assembly. This group brings together ordinary people to discuss important issues and make recommendations to the government. She chaired the Assembly until June 2018.

President of the Law Reform Commission

After her time with the Citizens' Assembly, she became the President of the Law Reform Commission in 2018. This commission works to improve and update the laws of Ireland. She served in this role until 2022.