Author: Cillian Blake

ISBN: 9781917134033

Format: Paperback

Extent: Approx 330 pages

Publishing:  October 2024

Use of Force: Law and Practice is the first Irish legal textbook dedicated to examining the legal rules regulating the permissible use of force by An Garda Síochána (the Irish police).

The use of force by Gardaí on a citizen is one of the most primitive methods to achieve compliance with the law. However such use of force by Gardaí on the citizens of the State has the potential to erode public confidence in the police service and can be controversial depending on the circumstances employed. Use of such force can create many legal, moral and social dilemmas especially when the law lacks the requisite clarity for its permissible use.

This book explores the legal rules that regulate and restrict the use of force by An Garda Síochána within the context of general policing in Ireland. Use of Force: Law and Practice also explores the international dimension of ‘use of force’ powers and the regulatory impact on them.

Content Includes 
Chapter 1: The Development of Policing in Ireland

Chapter 2: The Policing Function and its Boundaries

Chapter 3: Human Rights Obligations

Chapter 4: Statutory Non-Fatal Rules on Force

Chapter 5: Defending the Home

Chapter 6: Common Law Rules on Deadly Force

Chapter 7: An Garda Síochána and the Use of Force

Chapter 8: The Duty of Gardaí and the Common Law Defences

Chapter 9: Explicit Use of Force Powers

Chapter 10: International Human Rights and Police Use of Force

Chapter 11: The Domestic Legal Framework in Light of International Human Rights Law

Chapter 12: An Garda Síochána’s Use of Force Policies

Who Should Buy This Book?
Use of Force: Law and Practice will be of particular interest to members of An Garda Síochána as well trainee Gardai. Legal practitioners, academics, NGOs and members of the public will also find this work invaluable. This book will also be of great interest to policing services in other jurisdictions for comparative legal reasons and general interest.

About the Author
Dr Cillian Blake is a member of An Garda Síochána.