An examination of evidence admissibility rulings in trials on indictment in Ireland

Evidence is the lifeblood of a trial in the common law world and the admissibility of evidence in criminal trials is, in particular, an area of immense tension and import. This thesis endeavours to shine a light upon a selection of rulings made in criminal trials on indictment in Ireland by a variety of trial judges from the Circuit Criminal Court, the Central Criminal Court and the Special Criminal Court. These rulings are analysed within the context of how discretion is used by the trial judge. The field-work undertaken involved interviewing some of the participants involved, including practitioners and trial judges. The following also assesses whether the appellate courts in Ireland can be relied upon to curb the more egregious effects of judicial discretion.