Elizabeth Dunne (born 12 January 1956) is an Irish judge who has served as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Ireland since July 2013. She previously served as a Judge of the High Court from 2004 to 2013 and a Judge of the Circuit Court from 1996 to 2004.[1]

Elizabeth Dunne
Judge of the Supreme Court of Ireland
Assumed office
27 July 2013
Nominated byGovernment of Ireland
Appointed byMichael D. Higgins
Judge of the High Court
In office
15 November 2004 – 27 July 2013
Nominated byGovernment of Ireland
Appointed byMary McAleese
Judge of the Circuit Court
In office
1 December 1996 – 15 November 2004
Nominated byGovernment of Ireland
Appointed byMary Robinson
Personal details
Born (1956-01-12) 12 January 1956 (age 68)
Roscommon, Ireland
Spouse
James Dwyer
(m. 1984)
Children2
Alma mater

Early career

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Dunne was educated at University College Dublin and received a Bachelor of Civil Law degree and then subsequently studied at the King's Inns.[1] She was called to the Bar in 1977. She had a broad practice, encompassing family, commercial, chancery and banking law and defamation law proceedings.[2]

In 1986, she appeared on The Late Late Show with Harry Whelehan in a simulated court argument to advocate a vote in favour of the Fifteenth Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland.[3] She co-signed a letter in 1983 opposing the Eighth Amendment.[4]

She became a Bencher of the King's Inns in 2004.[5]

Judicial career

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Circuit Court

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Dunne was appointed a Judge of the Circuit Court in 1996.[2] She was primarily a judge on the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. She also heard cases involving personal injuries and employment law.[6]

High Court

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She became a Judge of the High Court in 2004.[7][8]

Dunne was the chairperson of the Referendum Commission established for the 32nd Amendment Bill 2013 and 33rd Amendment of the Constitution.[5]

Supreme Court

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She was appointed to the Supreme Court by President Michael D. Higgins, on the nomination of the Government of Ireland in July 2013.[8]

Personal life

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She is married to James Dwyer, a barrister.[6] Their two children Daniel and Lucy are both barristers.[9]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Two judges nominated for the Supreme Court". TheJournal.ie. 25 July 2013. Archived from the original on 23 August 2013. Retrieved 25 July 2013.
  2. ^ a b "Law Society welcomes judicial appointments of three solicitors". The Irish Times. 11 July 1996. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  3. ^ "'Late Late' divorce special tonight". The Irish Times. 20 June 1986. p. 8.
  4. ^ "98 barristers opposed to amendment". The Irish Times. 9 February 1983. p. 7.
  5. ^ a b "2018 Supreme Court Annual Report" (PDF). Supreme Court. Archived (PDF) from the original on 21 December 2019. Retrieved 21 April 2019.
  6. ^ a b "Ms Elizabeth Dunne". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 7 June 2016. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
  7. ^ "Iris Oifigiúil - 19 November 2004, No. 93, 1234" (PDF). Retrieved 17 July 2023.
  8. ^ a b "Two new Supreme Court judges announced". RTÉ News. 25 July 2013. Archived from the original on 23 August 2013. Retrieved 25 July 2013.
  9. ^ "Like mother, like daughter". Irish Independent. 17 July 2014.