Sources of Irish Law
Sources of Irish Law
Constitution
The 1937 Constitution, containing 50 articles, is the cornerstone of the Irish legal system. It lays down the rules that govern interactions between organs of the state and between the state and the individual. The legal system is based on common law tradition. It may be invoked by individuals to challenge the constitutionality of laws passed by the Oireachtas. Under the terms of Article 6 of the Constitution, sovereignty is vested in the Irish people. However the State is separately sovereign in terms of its stance on international law. The State (Ireland) is answerable before the courts for breaches of an individual’s constitutional/legal rights. The Constitution may only be amended by a referendum (Article 46). Once passed by the people, the President (Michael D. Higgins) signs the bill into law. The Irish Supreme and High Courts exercise the right to review legislation and contest laws not consistent with the constitution. The constitution is written in two separate languages, Irish being listed as the official language and English listed as a secondary language. . Where a divergence occurs between both texts of the Constitution, the text in the Irish language will prevail.The written constitution is a uniquely distinguishing characteristic of the Irish legal system. Articles 40 and 44 of the constitution guarantee the fundamental rights of Irish citizens e.g. all citizens are to be held equal before the law. Expressed rights within the constitution include the right to freedom of expression, assembly and association. Rights not listed in the constitution (unenumerated) such as right to marry, right to earn a living etc. are granted ‘personal rights’.
Legislation
Primary Legislation: Irish legislation is made by the Oireachtas, a bicameral parliament made up of two separate political houses, The Seanad and The Dail. Approximately forty acts are passed by the Oireachtas each year. These are available in print
Constitution
The 1937 Constitution, containing 50 articles, is the cornerstone of the Irish legal system. It lays down the rules that govern interactions between organs of the state and between the state and the individual. The legal system is based on common law tradition. It may be invoked by individuals to challenge the constitutionality of laws passed by the Oireachtas. Under the terms of Article 6 of the Constitution, sovereignty is vested in the Irish people. However the State is separately sovereign in terms of its stance on international law. The State (Ireland) is answerable before the courts for breaches of an individual’s constitutional/legal rights. The Constitution may only be amended by a referendum (Article 46). Once passed by the people, the President (Michael D. Higgins) signs the bill into law. The Irish Supreme and High Courts exercise the right to review legislation and contest laws not consistent with the constitution. The constitution is written in two separate languages, Irish being listed as the official language and English listed as a secondary language. . Where a divergence occurs between both texts of the Constitution, the text in the Irish language will prevail.The written constitution is a uniquely distinguishing characteristic of the Irish legal system. Articles 40 and 44 of the constitution guarantee the fundamental rights of Irish citizens e.g. all citizens are to be held equal before the law. Expressed rights within the constitution include the right to freedom of expression, assembly and association. Rights not listed in the constitution (unenumerated) such as right to marry, right to earn a living etc. are granted ‘personal rights’.
Legislation
Primary Legislation: Irish legislation is made by the Oireachtas, a bicameral parliament made up of two separate political houses, The Seanad and The Dail. Approximately forty acts are passed by the Oireachtas each year. These are available in print