A Legal Look

When we read about the political and legal matters facing the north, we regularly see the political parties being mentioned as well. The representatives speaking on behalf of their parties will state their party’s perspective on the issue, usually with an unequivocal voice. Beyond the immediate statements they make on the issues concerning the day, where do these political parties stand on issues that extend beyond the day? Where do they stand on Irish unification, the economy and Brexit, and the Legacy Act? To find out we need to review their party manifestos and positions.

The Legacy Act effectively “legalized” the violation of the fair, impartial, and reasonable treatment of victims and their families by shielding the accused from judgment, denying victims access to the courts, and barring any other related form of judicial inquiry.

Twenty-seven years ago, an agreement was entered into by the British and Irish governments, along with key unionist and nationalist political parties, which brought...

Twenty-seven years ago an agreement was entered into by the British and Irish governments, along with key unionist and nationalist political parties, which brought an end to the Troubles. The agreement was the Good Friday Agreement (the “GFA”).

On April 3rd of this year, the Court of Appeals Belfast ruled that the Secretary of State must conduct an independent public inquiry into the murder of Seán Brown, and it must be established without further delay. The appellate court decision came twenty-eight years after Seán Brown’s murder. Regrettably, the case does not end here. ...