Nicholas Kearns facts for kids

Nicholas Kearns is a well-known retired Irish judge. He was born on December 12, 1946. He held important roles in the Irish legal system. From 2009 to 2015, he was the President of the High Court. He also served as a judge in both the High Court and the Supreme Court for many years.

Early Life and Education

Nicholas Kearns grew up in Ireland. He went to St Mary's College, Dublin for his early education. After that, he studied at University College Dublin. He also attended King's Inns, which is a special place where people train to become barristers (lawyers). He even earned a diploma in European law from University College Dublin.

Becoming a Lawyer

Nicholas Kearns started his legal career in 1968. This is when he was "called to the bar" in Ireland. This means he officially became a lawyer. In 1981, he was also allowed to practice law in England and Wales.

Just a year later, in 1982, he became a senior counsel. This is a special title for experienced lawyers. He mostly worked on cases involving personal injuries.

His Time as a Judge

Serving in the High Court

Nicholas Kearns became a judge in the High Court in 1998. The High Court deals with serious legal cases. At one point, he was in charge of cases related to competition law. This area of law makes sure businesses compete fairly. He also helped start a group for judges who work on European competition law.

From 2000 to 2009, he was a special judge for the European Court of Human Rights. This court helps protect human rights across Europe.

In 2004, he led the Referendum Commission. This group gives information to people before they vote in a referendum. He also oversaw cases in the Special Criminal Court and the former Court of Criminal Appeal.

Moving to the Supreme Court

In 2004, Nicholas Kearns was promoted to the Supreme Court of Ireland. This is the highest court in Ireland. It hears appeals from other courts.

Leading the High Court

In October 2009, he became the President of the High Court. This means he was the main judge in charge of that court. He retired in 2015. He chose to retire early to spend more time with his family.

Important Case: Doherty v. Ireland

One important case Nicholas Kearns handled was Doherty v. Ireland. In 2010, a politician named Pearse Doherty asked the High Court to review why a special election (called a by-election) was not being held. A seat in the Irish Parliament had been empty since June 2009.

On November 2, 2010, Judge Kearns ruled that the delay in holding the election was too long. He said it was "unprecedented" and went against the rights of citizens. He explained that elections should happen within a reasonable time.

Even though he didn't order the government to set a date, they announced two days later that the election would be on November 25. Pearse Doherty won that election.

After His Judicial Career

After retiring as a judge, Nicholas Kearns continued to work in public service. In 2017, he was chosen to lead the Personal Injuries Commission. This group looked at how personal injury claims are handled in Ireland.

He also became the deputy chairperson of the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin in 2015. He is also a trustee for the Gate Theatre, a famous theater in Dublin.

Personal Life

Nicholas Kearns is married to Eleanor Kearns. They have four sons together.