This Introduction to Irish law booklet is a handy little number, it is compiled so that the most difficult and challenging terminology, rules and principles are explained, leaving you to enjoy learning about the law in Ireland without the headache of first learning terminology and confounding principles. Law and the legal system are at the heart of all aspects of life in Ireland, from buying a cup of coffee on the way to work to investing in your first (or any home), getting a job to opening a new business, law surrounds our every move, yet most people living in Ireland are unaware of its impact on their daily lives. The first time most people encounter the law is either, in a small civil matter, like contract issues, or minor road traffic offences, such as parking illegally or speeding etc. This basic introductory booklet is just that, a laymans guide, it is not meant to be an academic text book, it is merely a guide, however, saying that, many first year law students on the CPA, ATI and ACCA courses as well as year one legal proactive and LLB students find it invaluable as it introduces all the rules and principles in plain English and they can then get on with the important task of learning the terminology once they come to grasps with the principles. There is a self-test MCQ at the end of the book AND answers. **Warning; another disclaimer ** This booklet has at its core, terminology which is aimed at a novice, it has some terminology explained in plain English in brackets (like this) and explanations of core rules and principles (at the end of paragraphs), it has icons and also humorous pictures (to remove the staunchness of legal reading), and at the end it has some court humour excerpts and the lighter side of law, a look at some old, strange and by modern standards, weird laws, if you dont want to see these when you are reading your legal book, probably best for you not to buy/read this one. So whats inside What is a legal system What is a crime The distinction between criminal and civil cases The burden and standard of proof Classification of Laws Substantive Law Procedural Law Civil Law Criminal law Natural Law Canon law The Rule of Law Common law compared to Civil law Common Law Civil Law Pre Common Law in Ireland Brehon Law Sources of law in Ireland European Community Law The Doctrine of Supremacy The European Community Treaties Regulations Directives The EC institutions The Organs of the EC The Irish Constitution Fundamental personal rights guaranteed under the Irish constitution Common Law Acts of the Oireachtas or Legislation Primary Legislation Delegated Secondary legislation Associated Statutory Instruments The Rule of Law The Separation of Powers The Attorney General The Organs of State The President The Executive The Legislative The Judiciary Judicial Independence The legislative process in Ireland Statutory Interpretation Aids to Interpretation Intrinsic aids Extrinsic aids Interpretation Acts The Law of Equity Equitable Remedies An Introduction to the Irish Court System The District Court in Ireland The Small Claims Court The Circuit Court in Ireland The High Court in Ireland Structure of the High Court of Ireland The Court of Appeal in Ireland The Supreme Court in Ireland The lighter side of the law Multiple Choice Questions

About the Author

Teresa is a civil rights advocate, and lecturer in law. In recent years, she has taught at a number of private colleges throughout Ireland, where she was a lecturer in law, specialising in CPA and ATI. In addition to her lecturing & advocacy experience, Teresa has worked as a private investigator where she specialized in miscarriage of justice and human rights issues. Teresa is a graduate of the University of Portsmouth. Although still lecturing, she currently devotes much of her time to freelance writing; public speaking; consulting with advocacy organisations committed to ending human rights violations; such as womens rights and miscarriage of justice and, most important, her family-the most challenging and rewarding job of all.