Late High Court justice believed purpose of law is ‘to treat everyone fairly and ensure voice of everyone is heard’

Minister for Justice expects Bill providing for such hearings to be passed by summer

Between 2009 and 2013 a row raged between Irish judges and the government over pay cuts. In this extract from ‘The Supreme Court’ Ruadhán Mac Cormaic recounts the power struggle

Document deals with Callinan resignation as commission continues to investigate taping

Retirees will not be replaced if proposal for new court of appeal is approved

Reforms will adjust long-established hierarchy in courts system

A four-year waiting list for appeals puts the Supreme Court under pressure and may discourage dissent

Court gave judgments in some 120 cases last year compared to 64 by US supreme court

It is the highest court in the land. Its eight judges rule on our rights, freedoms and Constitution: decisions that affect all our lives. A new ‘Irish Times’ series examines the personalities and politics of the court as it enters a period of major change