Paul Anthony McDermott facts for kids

Paul Anthony McDermott (4 February 1972 – 10 December 2019) was a well-known Irish lawyer and teacher. He was born in England but spent most of his life in Ireland.

Paul was a very important criminal lawyer. He often worked on big cases in Ireland's highest courts. He was also a law lecturer at University College Dublin (UCD). Many people knew him from his regular comments on legal topics in the Irish news.

Early Life and Learning

Paul McDermott was born in London. His family later moved back to Ireland. He went to school at St Paul's College, Raheny.

He then studied law at University College Dublin. He also studied at Gonville and Caius College at the University of Cambridge. Later, he studied at the King's Inns, which is a place where lawyers train in Ireland. He earned a PhD from UCD. In 1996, he won the Irish Times Debate while representing the King's Inns.

His Work as a Lawyer

Paul became a lawyer in 1996. In 2015, he became a Senior Counsel. This is a special title for experienced lawyers.

He was a very important criminal lawyer. He worked on many cases for the Director of Public Prosecutions. This office decides if someone should be charged with a crime. For example, he worked on cases related to a big bank collapse.

Paul also successfully argued in a High Court case. This case was the first in Ireland to decide if CCTV camera footage could be used as evidence.

He often worked for the Data Protection Commissioner. This is the office that protects people's personal information. In 2017, he argued a case in the European Court of Justice. This case decided that things like exam papers count as personal data.

Paul also helped the Law Society of Ireland and the Medical Council of Ireland. He worked on cases where professionals might have made mistakes. He also worked with the Central Bank of Ireland on investigations. These included issues with insurance and how some bank loans were sold.

Teaching and Writing

Paul taught criminal law at University College Dublin. He also taught the law of evidence at the Law Society of Ireland.

He wrote several books about law. He co-wrote a book on Irish criminal law with Peter Charleton and Marguerite Bolger. He also co-wrote a book about contract law with his brother, James McDermott. For over 10 years, he wrote a regular column for The Sunday Times newspaper.

Media Appearances

Paul often appeared on Irish television and radio. He would explain legal topics to the public. He was a frequent guest on shows like Morning Ireland and Today with Seán O'Rourke. He also appeared on RTÉ News: Six One and Newstalk.

He was known for his clear explanations of complex legal issues. He helped people understand things like changes to the Irish Constitution. For example, he talked about the vote to create the Court of Appeal. He also discussed the vote to change the Eighth Amendment.

Family and Passing

Paul was married to Annick and they had two sons. He passed away on 10 December 2019 after an illness.

Many people shared tributes to him. Charles Flanagan, who was the Minister for Justice, called him a "talented barrister, popular lecturer & entertaining newspaper columnist." Micheál P. O’Higgins, who led the Bar Council of Ireland, said Paul was "unparalleled" in his ability to explain legal subjects simply. The Irish Times newspaper said he was "destined" to become a judge.

His funeral was held on 14 December 2019. Important people like President Michael D. Higgins attended. The Chief Justice Frank Clarke and the Attorney General Séamus Woulfe were also there.