The Law Society (University College Dublin)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

UCD Law Society
An Cumann Dlí
Motto:	Ar son na córa
Established:	1911
President:	Dr Hugh R. Brady
Location:	Dublin, Republic of Ireland
Website:	http://www.lawsoc.ie

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.

[edit] Activities

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Accolades

[edit] Vice-Presidency

The Honorary Vice-Presidency is the highest accolade which the Law Society can bestow upon an individual. While any individual may be proposed for the position, it has generally been reserved for persons who have excelled in the legal field. Vice-presidents of the society include US Supreme Court Judge, Antonin Scalia, Baroness Hale of Richmond and former Irish President, Mary Robinson.

Auditor of the 96th session, Richard Mulrooney (right), conferring the Vice-Presidency on Justice Antonin Scalia

Most recently, during the 98th session, the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers received the award.

[edit] Honorary Life Membership

An Honorary Life Membership (HLM) of the society remains one of the most prestigious titles any student organisation can confer on an individual. Past recipients have come from a vast range of vocations; from international sports stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Brian O'Driscoll through to bestselling authors like Jung Chang to Hollywood actors such as John C. McGinley & Leslie Nielsen. In 2006, during the 96th session of the society, former US President Bill Clinton was made an Honorary Life Member of the society. The current convenors are Éamonn Ó Ciagáin and Ciarán Fitzgerald.

[edit] Administration

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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 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

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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

[edit] References

Justice Scalia at the Law Society

Taoiseach's address to the Law Society