This article explores the life and career of Patrick MacEntee SC QC, a prominent Irish criminal barrister renowned for his exceptional advocacy skills and representation of high-profile clients. It highlights his rise to prominence during a turbulent period in Irish history, marked by the Troubles and the evolving landscape of forensic science in criminal courts.
Patrick MacEntee SC QC, born in 1936 in Monaghan town to a middle-class family, became a prominent figure in Irish law, particularly in the realm of criminal defense. His legal journey began after graduating from St Macartan’s college in Monaghan and being called to the Bar in 1960. He started his practice with Herbert McWilliam, a distinguished barrister who later became a High Court judge.
MacEntee's early career focused on the Northern circuit, where he honed his skills as a junior counsel. The outbreak of the Troubles in Northern Ireland marked a turning point in MacEntee's practice. The surge in criminal activity, including armed robberies, kidnappings, and murders, shifted his focus towards the Dublin criminal courts and the non-jury Special Criminal Court, established in 1972. This court held powers of arrest and detention under the Offences against the State Act 1939 for scheduled offences. While these powers did not encompass many serious crimes like murder or robbery, they represented a significant change in the investigative landscape. Gardaí lacked general powers to arrest and detain individuals for serious offenses until the Criminal Justice Act 1984 came into effect in 1987. The year 1975 proved pivotal for MacEntee as he was appointed Queen's Counsel (QC) and witnessed the emergence of forensic science as a powerful tool in Irish criminal courtrooms. The opening of the State’s forensic science laboratory introduced complex scientific evidence, including firearms residue analysis, glass and paint examination, fiber analysis, explosives scrutiny, and DNA testing. MacEntee mastered these evolving fields, becoming a formidable cross-examiner who fearlessly defended clients in high-profile cases. His name became synonymous with high-stakes criminal defense in Ireland, representing clients in cases like the Malcolm Macarthur murder trial, the Fr. Molloy case, and the Catherine Nevin trial. These cases often dominated headlines, solidifying his reputation as the country's leading criminal advocate. MacEntee also had a significant extradition practice, handling cases like the Robert Trimbole and Evelyn Glenholmes extradition proceedings. His unwavering commitment to his clients and his mastery of legal strategy earned him respect and admiration within the legal profession, leaving an indelible mark on Irish criminal law.
CRIMINAL LAW FORENSIC SCIENCE IRISH BAR PATRICK MACENTEE SPECIAL CRIMINAL COURT
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