Courts / Ireland / Report

Covid-19 laws amount to 'suspension of constitutional rights', High Court told

Date
2020-05-05
Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Summary

John Waters and Gemma O'Doherty have applied to the High Court to challenge a range of Covid‑19 laws, arguing that they amount to an "effective suspension" of constitutional rights. They contend that the legislation, enacted in response to the pandemic, violates articles covering travel, bodily integrity and the family, and that it keeps people confined to their homes, closing parks and beaches. Waters cites Lord Sumption's comparison of the restrictions to those of World War II and warns of an economic downturn akin to 1929. O'Doherty, a journalist, claims the laws grant Gardai powers to harass citizens and liken the restrictions to "living in Nazi Germany," arguing they are scientifically fraudulent and harm health by limiting vitamin D.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Covid-19 laws amount to 'suspension of constitutional rights', High Court told. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • High Court
  • The High Court
  • British Supreme Court
Address Area
  • Wall Street

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report

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