Family courts - Dickensian system must be revamped

CHILLING images of the family law court as a cold, crude and cruel environment are enough to make any victim of domestic violence shudder.

That a district court judge described this bleak scenario underlines the urgency of overhauling Ireland's Dickensian system.

According to Judge Mary Martin, there is urgent need for reform, including special training for judges and more public information on what goes on in the family courts.