UP TO 200 delegates, representing the judicial systems of more than 20 countries, are expected to attend the International Association for Court Administration Third International Conference in Dublin Castle on April 22nd and 23rd.
The theme of the conference is "Worldwide Innovations in Court Systems", and the agenda will include sessions on topics ranging from technological innovations in the courts to achieving justice in states torn by war and civil turmoil.
The conference will be formally opened by Mr Justice John L Murray, Chief Justice of Ireland, who will also host a reception in the Four Courts to welcome delegates and guests. The conference has been organised with the help of the Courts Service.
The International Association for Court Administration was founded in 2004, and promotes improved court management and administration in all countries. It fosters professionalism and collegiality among those who serve in courts worldwide.
Information about the association is available on its website:http://www.iaca.ws
'Committed Relationships' explored in new book
On Thursday, April 24th, in Trinity College, the attorney general will launch Committed Relationships and the Law. Edited by William Binchy and Oran Doyle, this book explores both sides of the moral, legal and pragmatic issues that arise when the State decides to recognise various forms of family relationships.
With expert contributors from Ireland and abroad, the book addresses the arguments for and against the recognition of non-traditional family types. Consideration is given to proposals for legislative reform, while the implications of both the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights are also considered. The book is published by Four Court Press.
Climate change talk
The Institute for International and European Affairs is holding a discussion on international security and climate change at 12.45pm on Thursday in its office in North Great George's Street.
Dr Elina Bardram, policy co-ordinator at DG External Relations from the European Commission, will speak.
She replaces Francois Roudie, DG External Relations from the commission, who had to cancel due to family circumstances. She will discuss the commission's paper which argues that "climate change is best viewed as a threat multiplier which exacerbates existing trends, tensions and instability".