The School of Law was proud to be represented by law student Katherine Ahern, at the annual Justice Week Intervarsity Debate. Not only did Katherine succeed as part of the winning team at the debate, hosted by The Bar Council of Ireland, but she was also singled out by the panel of prestigious judges as the recipient of the Best Speaker award.

Justice Week is an annual joint awareness campaign of the legal professions across the four jurisdictions (Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, England & Wales). It aims to promote an understanding and awareness of access to justice and the rule of law, particularly among young people. The theme for this year was ‘Law and Technology’ and students representing the Law Schools of UCD, UCC, UL, MU, NUIG, DCU, TCD and TU Dublin, appeared before the panel of judges to debate the motion; 

"This house believes that international human rights law and international humanitarian law provide adequate protections in respect of the use of autonomous weapons and systems in warfare."

The expert judging panel for the event comprised of The Hon. Ms. Justice Nuala Butler, Maura McNally SC, Chair of the Council of The Bar of Ireland, Mark de Blacam SC, Member of the Inner Bar and Dr Tom Clonan, Columnist and Security Analyst.

The debate can be viewed at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L97VRPT0Fo