Top judge to open new courts for public viewing

One of the country’s top judges will open the doors to Ireland’s criminal justice system during the first tour of the capital’s iconic new courts complex, it emerged today.

Supreme Court Judge, Mrs Justice Susan Denham, will mark the first week of the new legal year by revealing how the courts operate.

The open day, to be held this Saturday, includes tours of the historic Four Courts, of the new Criminal Courts of Justice (CCJ), information sessions and a guided walk through the historical legal quarter which links the two landmark buildings.

“This is the first time the new Criminal Courts of Justice will open to the public for a tour,” said a spokesman for the Courts Service.

“It is also the first open day in the Four Courts with organised short sessions on various aspects of the courts work.”

Events will start at noon in the main hall of the Four Courts with separate presentations given in each of the four courtrooms on an introduction to the courts system, probate and the importance of wills, crime and the courts and civil law.

Acclaimed Dublin historian Pat Liddy will give a walking tour through the legal quarter from 1pm, visiting several historical sites including Collins’ Barracks, Arbour Hill and Arbour Hill Prison.

At 2.30pm, Mrs Justice Denham will make a presentation in the CCJ at the Phoenix Park on the new building, its work and its unique 21st century features.