William Binchy facts for kids
William Binchy is a well-known Irish lawyer and professor. He taught law at Trinity College Dublin, a famous university in Ireland, from 1992 to 2012. He was known as the Regius Professor of Laws during that time.
Early Life and Education
William Binchy studied at University College Dublin. After his studies, he became a Barrister-at-Law, which means he was qualified to argue cases in court. He worked as a lawyer in Ireland from 1968 to 1970.
Working as a Lawyer
William Binchy has had an important career in law. He worked as an advisor for the Irish Law Reform Commission, helping to suggest changes to laws. He also advised the Department of Justice on new rules for family law.
He represented Ireland at international meetings, like the Hague Conference on Private International Law, which deals with legal issues between different countries. Professor Binchy is also a member of the Irish Human Rights Commission, which works to protect people's rights.
He is an expert in several areas of law, including:
- Private international law: This deals with legal problems that involve more than one country.
- Law of torts: This covers civil wrongs, like injuries or damages, where one person can sue another.
- Family law: This deals with legal matters related to families, such as marriage and children.
In 2010, he received a special honor from the Honourable Society of King's Inns, a place where lawyers are trained.
Involvement in Public Issues
Professor Binchy has been involved in several public discussions about changes to the Constitution of Ireland, which is the main set of rules for the country. He shared his views on important topics:
- In 1983, he supported a change to the Constitution that put rules in place about protecting unborn life. This change was approved.
- He spoke against allowing divorce in Ireland. His views were supported in 1986, but a similar proposal was approved in 1995.
- In 2004, he was against changing the rule that automatically gave citizenship to everyone born on the island of Ireland. This change was approved.
- In 2015, he spoke against a law that would allow same-sex marriage. This law was approved.
Since 2012, Professor Binchy has returned to working as a lawyer in Ireland. He also holds the title of Professoriate Emeritus at Trinity College Dublin, which means he is a retired professor who is still highly respected by the university.
Family Life
William Binchy comes from a family with other well-known members. His uncle, D. A. Binchy, was a famous historian. His sister was the popular novelist Maeve Binchy. His daughter, Sarah Binchy, is a producer for RTÉ, which is Ireland's national broadcaster.
