Serving on a Criminal Jury
In her recent article here my colleague, Martina Larkin, wrote of the duty to comply with a jury summons. Today I want to examine the procedure involved in the selecting of and serving on a jury. A person called for jury service attends Court as part of a panel of potential jurors. There is usually […]
Welcome Protections for Online Customers
The 2011 Consumer Rights Directive was recognised in Irish law in December 2013 by the European Union (Consumer Information, Cancellation and Other Rights) Regulations 2013. The regulations introduce important changes to consumer law affecting e-commerce businesses and they will come into operation on 13th June 2014. The objective of the 2011 Directive is to increase […]
Nightmare Tenants – Landlord fined €30k for tenants’ actions
In December 2012, a landlord was ordered to pay almost €30,000 in damages after his tenants subjected neighbours to serious antisocial behaviour. The award, one of the highest of its kind by the Private Residential Tenancies Board, has serious implications for landlords. In this instance a group of 13 residents took two cases to the […]
Family Law: Your Legal Queries Answered
I separated from my wife almost four years ago. I can’t see us getting back together which is very unfortunate, particularly as we have three children aged 16, 11 and 7. I am thinking about formalising matters and think I may be eligible to apply for a divorce. However, I have recently seen in the […]
Bankruptcy under the Personal Insolvency Act 2012
By now many of you will be aware through the extensive media coverage of the matter in recent months that the new Personal Insolvency Act 2012 has introduced some significant changes in the area of Bankruptcy with the reduction in the term of Bankruptcy from 12 to 3 years being. There are a number of […]
Grandparents to be recognised in Child Guardianship Law Under Proposed Legislation
Grandparents often play a very important role in the lives of their grandchildren. However, where there has been a breakdown in communication or of the relationship between the parents, grandparents may find themselves excluded if one of the parents denies access to any extended family members of relatives of their ex-partner. This can lead to upset […]
Pre-nuptial Agreements – What is the legal position?
Pre-nuptial agreements have long been a mystifying area of family law. Despite pre-nuptial agreements being on the rise in recent years, many are unsure as to the legal significance of such agreements and whether they are recognised by the Irish family law courts. Pre-nuptial agreements as of yet lack legal footing, this article will endeavour […]
Insurance Questions Answered
If I am hurt in an accident where my husband is driving my car can I be compensated? Yes. It is unusual to get a clear answer from a Solicitor but this issue was decided in a famous case involving the actress Merle Oberon. In 1937 Ms. Oberon suffered facial injuries in an accident in […]
Tis the season…….The Gift Voucher Season
Gift vouchers are still one of the most popular Christmas gifts and let’s face it you can’t go too far wrong with a voucher – it is never the wrong shade or size! But it can go horribly wrong if the voucher can’t be used because the expiry date wasn’t displayed or it wasn’t used […]
New application process for a Driving Licence
From the 29th October 2013, a new “face to face” application process has been introduced if you are applying for either a new or replacement learner permit or driver licence. Motorists must now visit one of the 34 National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) Centres around the country rather than their local motor tax office when […]