Justice Minister Seeks Approval for «Jennie’s Law» Domestic Violence Register
The Justice Minister is introducing «Jennie’s Law» to Cabinet, creating a public register for domestic violence convictions. Named after Jennifer Poole, murdered by an ex-partner with a history of abuse, the law aims to inform the public and will require survivor consent for names to be listed.
The Justice Minister is presenting a bill to Cabinet today to establish a public register for individuals convicted of domestic violence against a current or former partner. Named «Jennie’s Law» after 24-year-old Jennifer Poole, who was murdered by her ex-partner Gavin Murphy in 2021, the legislation aims to provide public access to serious domestic violence convictions.
Jennifer Poole was unaware of Murphy’s prior conviction for assaulting a former partner and his history of abusive behavior. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan will seek Cabinet approval to publish the bill’s text and begin its passage through the Oireachtas. The register, hosted on the Courts Service website, will require survivor consent for a convicted person to be named and will link to domestic violence services.
Trial judges will have discretion to issue judgments containing conviction and sentence details, published under «Domestic Violence Register Judgments.» The bill is expected to be published and initiated in the Oireachtas soon.