International Child Abduction: too much national law, not enough international justice?

Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - 18:45 to 21:00
Phoenix Building, North Campus

'International Child Abduction: too much national law, not enough international justice?'

 An address by Mr Justice John MacMenamin, Supreme Court Justice and Honorary Adjunct Professor of Law at Maynooth University Department of Law.

In Ireland, when dealing with child abduction cases, judges now frequently have to consider the Constitution, statute law, international conventions, and European Union law all in the one case. There is a risk that this complexity may defeat the ends of justice. Yet, globally, many states have failed to sign up to the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction. Other states pay lip service to or do not implement the conventions, so parents whose children have been abducted are left without any effective remedy. The resolution of this worldwide problem can only come about by initiatives taken by international organisations.  The lecture considers what steps can be taken to address this worldwide problem.

Mr Justice MacMenamin's talk will be followed by a networking reception, to include refreshments.

The event is free to attend, however, spaces are limited. To secure your place and avoid disappointment, please RSVP to law@mu.ie by 3pm on Monday, 10 March.

Policy, Law & Governance