About the Journal

The Irish Judicial Studies Journal is a peer-reviewed legal publication interfacing between the judges, legal practitioners, and academics. It is published under the auspices of the Office of the Chief Justice of Ireland. While the primary purpose of the Journal is to provide Irish judges with analyses and opinions pertinent to their work, it also provides a platform for all judges, practitioners and academics to engage in dialogue on legal issues.

Established in 2001, the IJSJ is published on a bi-annual basis. The Journal was originally published volume by volume, each containing two editions spaced six months apart. While the Journal is still published on a bi-annual basis, editions are now available free online and identified by the year of publication (e.g. 2008 No. 2 and 2009 No. 1). 

The Journal was not published between 2010 and 2017 but pre-2010 volumes are available in the Archive section of the website.

The Journal is indexed on Scopus and vLex Justis and, since 2017, has been produced in association with the University of Limerick under an independent academic editor.

Mission Statement

The primary purpose of the Journal is to provide Irish judges with analyses and opinions relevant and useful to them in their work. It also aims to provide a forum where academics and practitioners can communicate views on legal and judicial policy matters. It recognises that judges operate not only within the context of black-letter law but also within broader human, social, and economic frameworks.

The IJSJ publishes articles on substantive law, legal reform, and research into areas like sentencing and family law. It particularly values pieces that explore ethics, decision-making, and judicial support services. Judges are encouraged to contribute and express opinions, and book reviews are also included.

The Journal publishes in English, Irish, and French, and occasionally includes historical or philosophical content.

Contributions are welcomed from judges, practitioners, academics, and non-lawyers. The Journal also encourages international submissions and may commission contributions on needed topics.

See here for our publication ethics and publication malpractice statement.

Editor in Chief

Professor Jennifer Schweppe, School of Law, University of Limerick

Deputy Editor

Dr Una Woods, School of Law, University of Limerick

Book Review Editor

Professor Susan Leahy, School of Law, University of Limerick

Editorial Team

• Dr Stefano Angeleri, School of Law, University of Limerick
• Professor LucyAnn Buckley, School of Law, University of Limerick
• Professor Laura Cahillane, School of Law, University of Limerick
• Dr Alan Cusack, School of Law, University of Limerick
• Dr Luke Danagher, School of Law, University of Limerick
• Dr Laura Donnellan, School of Law, University of Limerick
• Professor Raymond Friel, School of Law, University of Limerick
• Dr Eddie Keane, School of Law, University of Limerick
• Professor Rónán Kennedy, School of Law, University of Galway
• Professor Paul McCutcheon, School of Law, University of Limerick
• Dr Liam O'Driscoll, School of Law, University of Limerick
• Dr Kathryn O'Sullivan, School of Law, University of Limerick
• Eoin Quill, School of Law, University of Limerick
• Dr Michelle Stevenson, School of Law, University of Limerick

Copy Editors

• Carrie Anne O’Kelly
• Alessandra Grosariu
• Majella Votta
• Adam Connolly
• Eoin D. Ryan
• Adam O’Carroll
• John Blundell
• Ryan Greaney

Judicial Editorial Board

• Mr Justice Donal O'Donnell, Chief Justice, ex officio
• Mr Justice Brian Murray, Supreme Court
• Ms Justice Niamh Hyland, Court of Appeal
• Judge John O'Connor, Circuit Court
• Judge Fiona Lydon, District Court

Disclaimer

Please note the following:

• The views and opinions expressed in the articles published in this Journal are personal to the author(s) and do not represent their professional views.
• Articles do not represent the views of the Journal, its Editor in Chief, Editorial Board, Judiciary, Judicial Council, or the Courts Service of Ireland.
• The Journal accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions and its contents are not intended to be relied upon as legal authority.