The Gazette 1992

Implement Martin Report - Law Society

Technology News (Cont'd from page 69) Further Reading

is a procedure to correct miscarriages of justice, however rare these might be. It is unsatisfactory that, at present, if normal appeals procedures have been exhausted there is no mechanism by which a case can be re-opened if fresh evidence comes to light. " The Law Society suggests that in addition to the Attorney General, the Houses of Oireachtas, acting on a joint resolution, should also have the power to refer a case to the proposed enquiry body. " The Law Society also fully supports the second main recommendation of the Martin Committee i.e., that the questioning of suspects by the Gardai should be audio-visually recorded. The Law Society believes that such procedures would allay the fears of innocent persons on their first experience of being questioned by the Gardai. It would also lessen the opportunities for experienced members of the criminal fraternity to successfully challenge at the subsequent trial statements made by them to the Gardai during questioning. The Society therefore urges the Minister to introduce a pilot scheme of audio-visual recording without delay." •

The Criminal Law Committee of the Law Society has requested the new Minister for Justice, Mr. Padraig Flynn, to implement without delay the main recommendations of the Report of the Martin Committee of Enquiry into certain aspects of Criminal Procedure. " The "Martin Report" published in March 1990, - almost two years ago - concluded that there was a real need to introduce a procedure for the review of cases where new evidence raised questions about an earlier verdict. While noting that such cases were rare, the Martin Report concluded that the use of normal court procedure was not appropriate for any such review. The Martin Committee, therefore, recommended the establishment of an enquiry body to which cases could be referred by the Attorney General in circumstances where fresh evidence was available that merited consideration. " The Law Society supports this recommendation as it considers that it is an essential feature of the fair administration of justice that there In a statement to the press the committee said:-

Show down at the WP Corral: Charles Christian New Law Journal 12th July 1991. The Windows of Opportunity: Julian Patterson The Independent (London) 23 April, 1991. Is this a Gooey Wimp I see before me?: Charles Christian New Law Journal 8 February, 1991. Windows are opened on a Wider World: Brian TYench Sunday Business Post 12 January, 1992. This column is contributed by members of the Technology Advisory Group, an informal grouping of solicitors who, with the approval of the Technology Committee of the Law Society, seek to promote awareness and use of technology within the profession. Further details from the Honorary Secretary, John Furlong, c/o William Fry, Solicitors, Fitzwilton House, Wilton Place, Dublin 2. • Solicitors Benevolent Association (Continued from page 64) We are always grateful for donations and are on the receiving end of the proceeds of many functions organised by various societies within the profession without which we would run into a serious deficit. Last year Pat Treacy ran a pilot golf outing in Nenagh and Cathy O'Donnell and Oonagh Sheridan organised a "scramble" in Newlands both of which were successful and enormously enjoyable. There are four outings being organised this year, in Waterford, the Connemara Golf Course, Dundalk and Dublin (Newlands), the idea being that solicitors' clients, friends or relatives would be included.

Keep up the support.

Clare Leonard, BCL, LLB, solicitor, is principal of the firm of Leonard Solicitors, 40 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2. |—I

At a Presentation to William A. Crowley, Solicitor, Killorglin, Co. Kerry to mark his 5 years in practice were: - Standing L-R: Michael Connell, Chairman, Kerry Law Societ Angela Condon, Solicitor, Killorglin, (daughter of Mr. Crowley); and Joseph & Mannix Honorary Secretary and TYeasurer, Kerry Law Society. Seated LrR: Louise McDonag County Registrar; William A. Crowley; Donal E. Browne, President, Kerry Law Societ

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