The ECHR Act 2003
The Convention binds Ireland in international law but is not part of Irish law. This note explains the four routes the 2003 Act opens, and what the Supreme Court has said about their limits.
Human Rights LawAdmissibility at Strasbourg
Most applications to the European Court of Human Rights never reach the merits. This note sets out the tests every applicant must pass, and how they have applied to Ireland.
Human Rights LawArticle 3 ECHR
Article 3 is one of the few absolute rights in the Convention. This note covers the threshold, the three categories, why no balancing is allowed, and the State’s duty to protect.
Human Rights LawArticle 8 ECHR
Article 8 is the Convention’s widest right. Three Irish losses in Strasbourg changed Irish law. This note explains the structure and those cases.
Human Rights LawArticle 10 ECHR
Article 10 protects even ideas that offend, but carries duties and responsibilities. This note explains how the Court sets the margin by the type of speech, with the three Irish cases.
Human Rights LawThe Margin of Appreciation
Every qualified-right question turns on the same three-stage test and the width of the margin. This note explains how the Court sets it.