This volume brings together academics and judges to consider ideas and arguments flowing from the often complex relationships between law and politics, adjudication and policy-making, and the judicial and political branches of government.

Contributors explore numerous themes, including the nature and extent of judicial power, the European Court of Human Rights decision in O'Keeffe v Ireland, the process of appointing judges and judicial representation, judicial power and political processes. Contrasting judicial and academic perspectives are provided on the role of the European Court of Human Rights and the nature of exhausting domestic remedies, including a contribution from the late Mr. Justice Adrian Hardiman. The role of specific judges, social and political disputes and case law are examined and socio-economic rights, the rule of law and electoral processes are all addressed.

‘Each chapter contains much of note. Dublin City University’s school of law and government and Manchester University Press have done a great public service by preparing and bringing out this excellent book. It will be read by anyone with an interest in how the judicial power of the State should function in a modern democracy.’
Mr Justice Richard Humphreys is a judge of the High Court, The Irish Times April 2017

‘It is a highly readable collection containing contributions from Ireland’s leading voices on the Constitution that will be of interest to lawyers, historians, political scientists and the general reader alike.’
Alan Greene, Durham University, Irish Jurist

Laura Cahillane is a Lecturer in the School of Law at the University of Limerick, James Gallen is a Lecturer in Law in the School of Law and Government at Dublin City University, Tom Hickey is a Lecturer in Law in the School of Law and Government at Dublin City University