The Offences Against the State Act 1939 at 80: A Model Counter-Terrorism Act

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This timely edited collection brings together experts in the fields of legal history, criminal justice, human rights and counter-terrorism law to appraise Irelands Offences Against the State Act on the eightieth anniversary of its enactment. The origins, development, invocation and extension of the powers contained in the legislation are analysed and critiqued using a broad range of methodologies. The book engages fully with the 1939 Acts scope and complexity including consideration of the impact of the Act on issues as diverse as trial by jury, paramilitary organisations, organised crime, disclosure, the rules of evidence, freedom of expression and association, parliamentary oversight of legislation and adherence to international human rights norms. In addition, the interplay of the Act with the universal themes of normalcy, exceptionalism, contagion and due process are explored throughout. This book will appeal to an audience beyond those with a particular interest in the Act itself. It combines historical and contemporary insights with theoretical and practical perspectives that will enrich the readers understanding of emergency law, wherever it arises.

Reviews

A deeply intriguing and arresting read from start to finish particularly timely in light of the advent of emergency legislation pertaining to the Covid-19 pandemic an essential read for all scholars and enthusiasts of Irish constitutional law, Irish politics and modern Irish history for many years to come. -- Michael Carmody, University of Limerick * Irish Jurist *

Author Bio

Mark Coen is Lecturer in Law at University College Dublin, Ireland