The Law Society (University College Dublin)

Infobox_University |
name =UCD Law Society
native_name =An Cumann Dlí


motto =Ar son na córa
established =1911
membership =3,304
auditor =Niall Ó hUiginn
president =Dr Hugh R. Brady
patron =Professor Joseph McMahon
city = flagicon|Ireland Dublin
country =Republic of Ireland

website =http://www.lawsoc.ie
address =Roebuck Castle, Belfield
Dublin 4
telephone =[phone]
logo =

The "UCD Law Society" is one of the largest student societies in Europe. Indeed, it is among the oldest and most heavily subscribed debating unions in the entire world. Established in 1911 as 'The Legal and Economic Society', it has over 3600 members drawn from the various faculties of the University. The Law Society continues to retain and discuss the central ideals and precepts of our civilisation. Weekly Tuesday night debates during term are the society's core activity. Individuals who have addressed the Society include President of Ireland Mary McAleese, Former Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister), Bertie Ahern and Former President of the E.U. Commission, Jacques Santer. The society's motto is "Ar son na córa" (in the pursuit of justice).Now in its 98th Session, the current Auditor is Niall Ó hUiginn.

Activities

Debating

The Law Society is primarily a debating society which gathers once a week to discuss topical motions. House debates generally take place on Tuesdays and topics often range from abortion to US Foreign Policy to the European Union. The society is also heavily involved in competitive debating and has a proud record in the Irish Times National Debating Championship and various inter-varsities through Ireland and indeed, the World.

Mooting

Over recent years the Society has established a reputation as one of the best Moot court institutions in the country. It hosts its own mooting competition with the winners taking part in the National Moot Court Final.

Accolades

Vice-Presidencies and Honorary Life Members

The Honorary Vice-Presidency and the Honorary Life Membership are the highest accolades which the Law Society can bestow upon an individual and are arguably the most prestigious awards any student society can confer. Only members of the judiciary or legal academics can become Vice-Presidents, while the Honorary Life Membership is bestowed upon any individual who has excelled in his or her chosen vocation. People who have been honoured by the society include US Supreme Court Judge, Antonin Scalia, Baroness Hale of Richmond,former Irish President, Mary Robinson and internationally renowned author, Jung Chang.So far in this academic the UCD Law Society have added Jeremy Irons and PJ Gallagher to its distinguised list of Honorary Life Members. It has also seen the enormously successful return of John C. McGinley who accepted a HLM in 2006.The current HLM Conveners are Éamonn Ó Ciagain and Ciarán D. Fitzgerald. was recently made an Honorary Life Member.

International celebrities and sports stars have also been honoured by the society and include Hollywood Actors Leslie Nielson and John C. McGinley as well as international soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo and Irish comedian Tommy Tiernan.

Administration

Auditor

The society is run by an Auditor who is elected on a yearly basis by the enrolled membership of the Society. The auditor is the head of the committee and is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Society.

Committee

The committee is chosen by the Auditor. The Treasurer maintains the finances of the society while the Librarian has the responsibility of archiving the society's records. Current incumbents are Garry Wynne and Maria McHenry respectively. Debates convenors are charged with organising the weekly house debates, the current debates convenor is Stephen McCrea. The Society also appoints a Senior Treasurer (a staff member) to overlook Society affairs and to ensure its general wellbeing. Former Auditor, Rossa Fanning, now a lecturer in the Law School, currently holds this position

Patron and President

These are largely ceremonial roles. The patron of the Society is the Dean of the Law School, currently Professor Joseph McMahon. Dr Hugh R. Brady, the President of UCD is the President of the Society.

Funding

The Society receives far less funding from College authorities than its yearly calendar of events demands, and as such seeks corporate sponsorship to cover the costs of each Session. Currently, it receives generous sponsorship from its title sponsors, A&L Goodbody Solicitors.

Notable Auditors

* Michael McDowell, Former Tánaiste, Minister for Justice and Attorney General
* Thomas A. Finlay, Former Chief Justice of Ireland
* Tom F. O'Higgins, Former Chief Justice of Ireland
* Hugh Geoghegan, Current Irish Supreme Court Judge
* Vivian Lavan, Current Irish High Court Judge
* Dónal Barrington, Former Irish Supreme Court Judge
* Hugh O'Flaherty, Former Irish Supreme Court Judge
* Cecil Lavery, Former Irish Supreme Court Judge
* Harry Whelehan, Former Attorney General and President of the High Court
* Declan Costello, Former Attorney General and President of the High Court
* Cathbar Davitt, Former President of the High Court and son of Michael Davitt
* Arthur Cox, Founder of Arthur Cox Solicitors

References

[http://www.ucd.ie/news/mar07/030807_justice.html Justice Scalia at the Law Society]

[http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/index.asp?locID=365&docID=1413 Taoiseach's address to the Law Society]