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Full-Text Articles in Law

Development Of A Dna Database In Ireland — Assessing The Proposed Legislation, Liz Campbell Apr 2010

Development Of A Dna Database In Ireland — Assessing The Proposed Legislation, Liz Campbell

Liz Campbell

The collection and retention of DNA samples are seen universally as crucial for purposes of criminal investigation and prosecution, as a means of excluding innocent suspects, and of exonerating the wrongfully convicted. However, there is less consistency across jurisdictions regarding whose DNA should be obtained by the state and for how long it should be stored. The need for a measured approach in this context is underlined by the “exceptionalism” of genetic material, given the depth and sensitivity of the information contained within, and the potential for “function creep”, whereby state powers insidiously increase and data gathered for one purpose …


From Due Process To Crime Control: The Decline Of Liberalism In The Irish Criminal Justice System, Liz Campbell Jan 2007

From Due Process To Crime Control: The Decline Of Liberalism In The Irish Criminal Justice System, Liz Campbell

Liz Campbell

At all stages of the Irish criminal process, from pretrial detention and investigation, through the courthearing and at sentencing, a shift in focus from the due process rights of the accused towards the crime control aims of the State is apparent. Due process values, which seek to establish a degree of parity between the State and the accused, are increasingly seen in popular and political discourse as inconveniences to be overcome, rather than vital safeguards.


Taxing Illegal Assets: The Revenue Work Of The Criminal Assets Bureau, Liz Campbell Jan 2006

Taxing Illegal Assets: The Revenue Work Of The Criminal Assets Bureau, Liz Campbell

Liz Campbell

This article considers the powers of the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) in the context of revenue law, as this lesser-known aspect of the Bureau’s work is often overshadowed by its ability to seize and confiscate the proceeds of crime. Although the taxing of illegal profits was traditionally precluded in Ireland, this situation was altered in the early-1980s, thereby facilitating CAB’s revenue work. Despite CAB’s significant powers in this regard, the courts have overturned its tax assessments in a number of cases, on the basis that certain criteria pertaining to its tax powers have been breached. Nevertheless, CAB’s ability to pursue …


The Evidence Of Intimidated Witnesses In Criminal Trials, Liz Campbell Jan 2006

The Evidence Of Intimidated Witnesses In Criminal Trials, Liz Campbell

Liz Campbell

The issue of witness intimidation has gained currency in the Irish criminal justice system in recent years with the increase in so-called “gangland” crime. The brutal treatment used by organised criminals to resolve gangland feuds is echoed in the threats received by individuals who seek to testify against suspected organised criminals. This article examines various approaches have been adopted by the State to ensure that the evidence of threatened witnesses may be used in court. While some witnesses may participate in the Witness Protection Programme (WPP), others may give evidence by means of video-camera. In addition, even if an intimidated …


Decline Of Due Process In The Irish Justice System: Beyond The Culture Of Control?, Liz Campbell Jan 2006

Decline Of Due Process In The Irish Justice System: Beyond The Culture Of Control?, Liz Campbell

Liz Campbell

Legislation in Ireland that pertains to serious and organised crime is characterised by a favouring of public protection over the rights of the accused; by an increased concern for security with a concomitant diminution of the significance of liberty. Throughout the pre-trial stage of the criminal process, the court-hearing and sentencing, a shift in focus from the due process rights of the accused towards the result-oriented aims of the State is apparent. Furthermore, the fight against organised crime has extended into the civil domain with the creation of the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB), with its low burden of proof and …


Garda Diversion Of Young Offenders: An Unreasonable Threat To Due Process Rights?, Liz Campbell Jan 2005

Garda Diversion Of Young Offenders: An Unreasonable Threat To Due Process Rights?, Liz Campbell

Liz Campbell

Diversion programmes play a significant role in the field of youth justice, as an alternative to the conventional court process, which aim to prevent the entry of the child into the formal justice system. This article seeks to establish whether the purported benefits of the pre-trial police diversion programme in Ireland outweigh any infringements on the rights of the child. Firstly, the salient legislative provisions are briefly elucidated, and then the application of the Programme to date is examined. Next, the issue of whether traditional due process rights are relevant or necessary in the context of the Garda diversion programme …