Court of Appeal ‘most important’ legal development

The establishment of a new Court of Appeal marks the "most important development" in the structure of the courts since the foundation of the State, the Chief Justice said yesterday.

Noting that the need for a Judicial Council has been considered for the last 16 years and recommended since 2000, Chief Justice Susan Denham also said establishment of a council would be a “most welcome development”.

In a statement marking the start of the new legal year, the Chief Justice said the new Court of Appeal, set between the High and Supreme Courts and due to open later this year, heralds “a historic year” in our courts and will enable civil and criminal appeals to be heard in “a timely fashion”.