Law Society honours Higgins for justice work
The Law Society’s Centre for Justice and Law Reform has honoured President Michael D Higgins for his exceptional contribution to advancing justice, promoting thoughtful legal reform, and cultivating a society grounded in fairness, inclusion, and equality.
The inaugural Medal of Excellence was presented to President Higgins by the President of the Law Society Eamon Harrington (small picture) on behalf of its Centre for Justice and Law Reform at a special event at Áras an Uachtaráin on 14 October.
Principled advocacy
President Harrington commented: “Throughout five decades of public service, President Higgins has combined scholarship, political leadership, cultural vision, and principled public advocacy to shape the law, policy, and public attitudes.
“Elected President of Ireland in 2011, and re-elected in 2018 with an exceptional personal mandate, he brought to the role a distinctive combination of compassion, intellectual rigour, and sustained commitment to social justice and democratic norms.
“A true leader in every sense of the word, President Higgins is a tireless champion of reforms that deepen democratic participation, protect the vulnerable, and advance equality. His legacy will undoubtedly be grounded in strengthened civil society, cultural renewal, and an unwavering defence of human dignity.”
Shaping law reform
President Higgins said that he was honoured to receive the medal, adding his praise for the goals of the Centre for Justice and Law Reform.
“The centre, a research initiative by the Law Society, which aims to improve the justice system through evidence-based research and advocacy, is such an important and worthwhile initiative, helping to shape law reform and bring about improvements in the justice system through fostering debate among the legal community and beyond, and advocating for positive changes to improve the public’s experience of the Irish justice system,” the outgoing President said.
“The centre’s focus on access to justice, economic, social, and cultural rights, democratic norms, and evolving legal services demonstrates a strong emphasis on equity, fairness and a rights-based approach.”
Legal problems
He added that such an approach places a correct emphasis on the marginalised and vulnerable in society – the homeless, the poor, those with a disability or who suffer from mental illness, immigrants, lone parents and those living or growing up in disadvantaged communities, including Travellers.
These cohorts encounter many more legal problems than the rest of the population, he said.
“For some, the justice system is seen as a threat, an adversary, while for others it is there to protect and to ensure peace and order.
“It is worrying to know that recent figures from the Irish Penal Reform Trust to the Oireachtas Education Committee showed that the majority of those currently in Irish prisons have never sat a State exam, with over half having left school before the age of 15.
“It is also revealing that prisoners in Ireland are 25 times more likely to come from deprived communities – indicating a very clear link between social disadvantage and crime and punishment,” he added.
Rights-based approach
The rights-based approach of the Centre for Justice and Law Reform echoed his own advocacy style, the President added, and highlighted “how human rights are based on the recognition of the inherent dignity of every person”.
This human dignity requires active protection and promotion within a society that aims for inclusivity and equity, and recognising and honouring such rights, he said.
“We must always remember that humans’ inherent worth and dignity are the basis for human rights and equality, where everyone is respected and their rights upheld,” the President added.
A shared blueprint
“The exercise of rights is linked to responsibilities towards others and the broader global community,” President Higgins said. Support for international frameworks, such as the UN 2030 Agenda and the Council of Europe’s work on human rights, reflects the belief in multilateralism – in a shared blueprint for peace and development founded on human-rights ethics.
“I have every confidence that the Centre for Justice and Law Reform will play an important part in the achieving of a more equal and just society, a thriving and flourishing democracy at peace within a fair and inclusive legal system,” the President concluded.
“Gabhaim buíochas libh go léir arís as an onóir seo, agus guím gach beannacht agus rath oraibh i bhur n-iarrachtaí amach anseo. Beir beannacht,” a deir sé.
“I thank you all once again for this award for which I am most grateful, and I wish you all well in your endeavours.”