Talking History – Petty Sessions: Weird and Wonderful Court Cases from Victorian Ireland
- Saturday 26 October 11:00am
- Four Courts
- Free but ticketed
free
literary
talks
The Duties of Clerks of Petty Sessions in Ireland was Bram Stoker’s second book of nonfiction. For many years this book was considered to be the standard reference work for petty sessions (local courts dealing with minor criminal and civil cases) clerks in Ireland – the equivalent of today’s District Courts. In this recording of Newstalk’s Talking History programme, we’ll explore these fascinating tales from the Petty Sessions of the 19th century and how they help us understand the Ireland of Bram Stoker’s time as well as the author himself.
Join us in the Supreme Court at the Four Courts for this special recording of Talking History, presented by Dr Patrick Geoghegan of Trinity College Dublin. Talking History unravels the gritty, sometimes uncomfortable, side of our past and what we can learn from it. This special event will focus on The Duties of Clerks of Petty Sessions in Ireland – Bram Stoker’s second book of nonfiction. For many years this book was considered to be the standard reference work for petty sessions (local courts dealing with minor criminal and civil cases) clerks in Ireland – the equivalent of today’s District Courts.
With guests Paul Kelly, President of the District Court, Zoe Reid, Keeper at The National Archives of Ireland and Professor Jarlath Killeen, Head of the School of English, Trinity College Dublin. The panel will dive into the weird, wonderful and fascinating tales from the Petty Sessions of the 19th century and how they help us understand the Ireland of Bram Stoker’s time as well as the author himself.
| Duration | 60 mins |
|---|---|
| Doors | 10.30am |
| Age Suitability | 12+ (Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult). |
| Latecomers | Latecomers will not be admitted. |
| Accessibility | Venue is wheelchair accessible. The accessible bathroom is located on the ground level. More info |
Four Courts, Inns Quay, Smithfield, Dublin 7, Ireland
Luas
The closest Luas stop is the Four Courts on the Red Line.
Bus
The closest Dublin Bus route stops to the Four Courts are:
Stop 1615, Church Street, Southbound – Bus numbers 83, 83A
Stop 1616, Church Street, Northbound – Bus numbers 83, 83A
Stop 1478, Inns Quay, Eastbound – 26, 37, 39, 39A, 70, 83, 83A, 145
Stop 7856, Inns Quay, Eastbound – Bus numbers 52, 60, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, P29
Accessibility Information
Ticketing
Wheelchair accessible tickets will be available at the time of booking. Tickets will be available from Tuesday 1 October.
Arrival
Heading towards the Four Courts via the Quays, some pavements may be uneven or narrow due to tree roots. Some of this pavement may also be obstructed due to roadworks or repairs. The immediate surroundings of the Four Courts are paved with smooth flagstones, but please note that Luas tracks run across the pedestrian crossings close to Greek Street and Chancery Place, and close to Church Street.
The closest step-free Luas stop is the Four Courts (280m away) on the Red Line.
The closest Dublin Bus route stops to the Four Courts are:
Stop 1615, Church Street, Southbound – Bus numbers 83, 83A
Stop 1616, Church Street, Northbound – Bus numbers 83, 83A
Stop 1478, Inns Quay, Eastbound – 26, 37, 39, 39A, 70, 83, 83A, 145
Stop 7856, Inns Quay, Eastbound – Bus numbers 52, 60, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, P29
Limited accessible parking bays are located on Greek Street beside the Hampton by Hilton hotel complex.
Drop off and pick up is possible at a taxi rank on Greek Street, beside the Legal Eagle pub.
Entry
This event is taking place on a weekend, which means that the step free access via the security hut will be closed, but members of staff and volunteers will be available to assist at the Four Courts main entrance. The Four Courts building is accessed by two stone steps but a portable ramp is available for those who require it.
Once you get through the main entrance, three steps lead you up to the lobby, known as the Round Hall. A wooden ramp specifically designed for these steps will be provided here. The Supreme Court itself is accessed by two steps with a railing on either side. There is a key-operated platform ramp located beside these steps that wheelchair users can use to access. A member of staff will be there to operate it.
Double wooden doors lead into the courtroom and they will be kept open at the start and end of the event. They will be kept closed during the event as it is a recorded event.
Space
The Four Courts has three floors. There is step-free access to the ground floor during the week, but for this event it will be accessible via ramp. The Supreme Court is on the ground floor, but it has two steps up to it. There is a key-operated platform ramp located beside these steps that wheelchair users can use to access. A member of staff will be there to operate it. The other floors are accessible via a public lift.
Ground floor: Supreme Court, High Courts, District Court, gents, ladies and accessible toilets
Lower level: High Courts, Circuit Courts, gents, ladies and accessible toilets
First Floor: Courts, High Courts, Master’s Court, gents, ladies and accessible toilets
Accessible Bathroom / WC
The accessible bathroom is located on the ground level. When facing the doorway to the Supreme Court, it is located at the end of the hallway on the left, close to the ladies and gents. The door is heavy, but the bathroom is large and is fitted with handrails.
Bar
There will be no bar at this event.
Performance Space
The panellists will be sitting at the judge’s benches facing the audience. The courtroom is supplied with court benches, almost like church pews, and they have padded seats. They are long and have arm rests at either end. Benches will be reserved for people with access requirements, and the barrister desks will be reserved for wheelchair users. These desks have an under clearing of approximately 80cm. The benches behind will be reserved for their essential companion.
There is seating available upstairs in a viewing gallery. While it is accessible by steps and lift, the seats themselves are accessed by steep steps so it is advised that people with access requirements sit on the ground level.
Seating
There are a number of wooden benches in the Round Hall. They are against the wall and have no arm rests
Sound
Each of the panellists will be using a microphone and this will be played through a PA system within the Supreme Court.
Lighting
The public spaces of the venue will be brightly lit, but within the performance space, there will be some stage lighting. No strobe lighting will be used.
Quieter Room
There is no designated quiet space in the Supreme Court. However, the hallways leading to the bathroom will be less busy than the Round Hall.