The Gazette 1985

GAZETTE

APRIL 1985

BOOK REVIEW

1984) is set out in full, after which come notes and questions which seek to tease out basic considerations for reform leading to a Family Court. In the next chapter, dealing with nullity of marriage, attention is focussed on the two cases of R.S.J, -v- J.S.J. (1982 reported case, Barrington J.) and D. -v- C. (unreported, 19 May 1983, Costello J.) developing the law of nullity in cases of psychiatric disability. The following two chapters consider the family outside marriage and a number of aspects of marriage such as the taxation of married couples {Murphy -v- Attorney General ), the seldom met question of restitution of conjugal rights (D. - v- D., 20 December 1966, Butler J.), and the matter of privilege for communications between spouses and marriage counsellor (1981 reported case of E.R. -v- J.R., Carroll J.). Of the remaining twelve chapters, those dealing with such bread and butter issues as family maintenance, the recognition of foreign divorces, family property, the Family Home Protection Act 1976, separation agreements and guardianship will be of immediate practical interest to the practitioner.

A Casebook on Irish Family Law by William Binchy (Professional Books). 487 pages, 1984. The term "family law" describes a comprehensive and well-ordered system of laws and procedures relating to spouses and parents and children and which is particularly responsive to their needs in marriage breakdown: obviously a statement of the ideal rather than the actual state of things. Amongst the many difficulties encountered by the family law practitioner is the absence of reliable and up- to-date information on the judicial development of the law. This book remedies this problem, at least up to mid- 1984. To leave it at that would be a poor compliment to Mr. Binchy. Very considerable research was needed to discover all of the judgments (unreported as most of them are) and then there was the marshalling of the material and the preparation of the introductory passage in each chapter and of the notes and questions which follow each case. Practitioners and students have good cause to be grateful to Mr. Binchy's capacity for hard work, his knowledge of the subject and the deep reflectiveness which his book evinces. The opening chapter deals with the constitutional and judicial framework. After the passing of the Courts Act 1981, there was question of the constitutionality of the apparent removal of jurisdiction from the High Court. Tlie judgment of Gannon J. in E.R. -v-D.R. (16 February

But the appeal of Mr. Binchy's Casebook on Irish Family Law is not limited to the practitioner. The case histories recorded in the judgments present an authentic picture of the reality of marriage problems in contemporary Irish society. Legislators and their advisers and those interested in social and legal reform, as well as students whether of law or the behavioural sciences, will find this book a unique source of much valuable material. • Laurence Branigan INCORPORATED LAW SOCIETY OF IRELAND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIVISION The Society proposes recruiting two solicitors to augment the professional staff in the Professional Services Division. This Division is particularly concerned with solicitor/client relationships and the interaction between such relationships and the public image of the profession, as voiced by the media. The Division is also concerned wtih relationships between members of the profession and the development of a high ethical standard within the profession at a time when long held beliefs are being seriously questioned within and without the profession. The post will appeal to a solicitor who - has wide experience and who now seeks a satisfying and challenging assignment, - is a good communicator, able to speak well in public, whether to solicitors, the press or on television or radio, - is capable of undertaking the examination of individual practice situations and where necessary, the re-organisation of established practices. Experience in word processing, time costing and computerised accounts will be an advantage. Salary will be by negotiation c. £17,500 with the usual fringe benefits. SECOND POST This will appeal to a solicitor with some practice experience, who in the short term, is interested in broadening his experience of the administration of the profession. The assignment will be for a period of two years and will attract a salary of c.£ 10,000. Either post may be filled on a secondment or consultancy basis. Candidates should send comprehensive personal career and salary details to the undersigned (marked PERSONAL) not later than 12.00 noon, on 15th June, 1985. JAMES J. IVERS, DIRECTOR GENERAL, THE LAW SOCIETY, ^ BLACKHALL PLACE, DUBLIN 7.

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