Next we moved onto smaller courts where we witnessed a few trials where people were suing various companies for littering & such. The trials were extremely quick, each one lasting only about one minute. There was no jury for these minor offences, just a judge who when given a quick summary & told whether they plea guilty or not guilty, gave his verdict eg. €200 fine to be paid in 90 days.
After this, we went to the newer courts...the building was amazing; ultra modern with glass lifts...as opposed to the old-style four courts. Here we had a listen in on several minor cases on the ground floor, before moving on to a more serious offense....the Stephen Collins trial! It was really interesting to see such a high profile, serious case in motion! I heard snippets from the case on the radio on the way home :)
Next it was time for lunch :D so we took a trip to liffey valley & got mc donalds.
Our last visit of the day was to the garda museum where a tour guide showed us around & told us about how the guards we have in Ireland today, evolved since about 1922. We saw all the different types of uniforms & badges throughout the ages & saw the vault from which the crown jewels were stolen!
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