Law Society

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

The UCD Law Society is one of the largest student societies in Europe.^{[citation needed]} Indeed, it is among the oldest and most heavily subscribed debating unions in the world.^{[citation needed]} Established in 1911 as 'The Legal and Economic Society', it has over 3900 members drawn from the various faculties of the University.^{[citation needed]} 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 99th Session, the current Auditor is Conor O'Hanlon.

Activities

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.^{[citation needed]}

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

Mooting

Over recent years the Society has established a reputation as one of the best Moot court institutions in the country.^[who?] Each year, it hosts its own internal mooting competition, the Cecil Lavery Moot. This competition normally attracts over 50 participants with members of the judiciary and senior barristers adjudicating the final. The winners take part in the National Moot Court Final.

Accolades

Vice-Presidencies and Honorary Life Members

The Honorary Vice-Presidency and the Honorary Life Membership are the highest accolades which the Law Society can bestow upon an individual and are arguably the most prestigious awards any student society can confer. Only members of the judiciary or legal academics can become Vice-Presidents, while the Honorary Life Membership is bestowed upon any individual who has excelled in his or her chosen vocation.

Auditor of the 98th session, Niall Ó hUiginn (right), conferring the Vice-Presidency on Professor Joseph Raz

People who have been honoured by the society include US Supreme Court Judge, Antonin Scalia, Baroness Hale of Richmond, Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers, former Irish President Mary Robinson, former US President Bill Clinton and internationally renowned author, Jung Chang. In the 98th Session, Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney received the Honorary Life Membership.

Most recently, during the 98th session, one of the most prominent living legal, moral and political philosophers, Professor Joseph Raz received the Vice-Presidency.

International celebrities and sports stars have also been honoured by the society and include Hollywood Actors Leslie Nielson, John C. McGinley and Jeremy Irons as well as international soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo and Irish rugby players Brian O'Driscoll and Paul O'Connell.

Administration

The President and Patron are largely ceremonial roles. The president of the Society is ex-officio the Dean of Law, currently Professor John Jackson. Dr Hugh R. Brady, the President of UCD is the Patron of the Society.

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. The current auditor is Mr. Conor O'Hanlon. 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. 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 well-being.

The Society is partly funded by the College authorities but also seeks corporate sponsorship to cover the costs of each session.

Notable auditors

• Declan Costello, Former Attorney General and President of the High Court.
• Hugh Geoghegan, Current Irish Supreme Court Judge.
• Cecil Lavery, Former Irish Supreme Court Judge.
• Michael McDowell, Former Tánaiste, Minister for Justice and Attorney General.

References

• The Taoiseach's address to the Law Society
• Justice Scalia presented with a Vice-Presidency of the Law Society
• Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, Lord Philips presented with a Vice Presidency of the Society
• Jeremy Irons awarded an Honorary-Life Membership of the Law Society
• Seamus Heaney awarded an Honorary-Life Membership of the Law Society
• Seamus Heaney's visit to the UCD Law Society

External links

• http://www.lawsoc.ie/
• http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2257757601
• http://www.bebo.com/LawSoc