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Dr. Charles O'Mahony

BA., LL.B., LL.M., LL.M., PhD

Contact Details

Lecturer in Law
No. 9 Distillery Road
University of Galway
T: +353 (0) 91 494391
E: charles.omahony@universityofgalway.ie
 
researcher
 

Biography

Charles is a lecturer at the University of Galway's School of Law, specialising in disability law and policy, mental health law and policy, and allied areas.  He uses the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) as a framework in his research, identifying gaps in existing law and policy, and to identify reforms that align with international human rights standards. 

At the University of Galway, Charles is responsible for delivering modules for both law students, and nursing, mental health, and midwifery students.  He delivers a range of modules, including Introduction to Law, International & Comparative Disability Rights, Law & Ethics, and Minority Groups & the Criminal Justice System.  Charles is dedicated to fostering a student-centred learning environment.  

Charles has published in leading peer-reviewed journals including, the International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, the Industrial Law Journal, the Northern Ireland Legal Quarterly, and the International Journal of Law, Crime and Justice.  He co-edited one of the first books on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Disability Law and Policy: An Analysis of the UN Convention, published by Clarus Press.  He has written on the disability law and policy, human rights law, and mental health law, which has been published as chapters in books by leading academic presses.  

He was Head of the School of Law from 2017-2021 and served two terms as President of the Irish Association of Law Teachers (IALT).  He completed a PhD at the Centre for Disability Law and Policy, the University of Galway entitled `Diversion: A Comparative Study of Law and Policy Relating to Defendants and Offenders with Mental Health Problems and Intellectual Disability'.  

Charles worked as a legal officer for Amnesty International Ireland, and as a legal researcher for the Law Reform Commission of Ireland.  He was awarded a LLM from University College London and a LLM in Public Law from the University of Galway.  He also completed a BA in Law and History and LLB at Galway.  

Research Interests

I am a recognised national and international expert in the fields of disability law and policy, with a specialisation in mental health law and the law on decision-making capacity.  My research is interdisciplinary, I am a socio-legal researcher using both doctrinal and qualitative methodologies. My work leverages international human rights law to advance the rights of disabled people.  

The 4 core themes to my research are as : 

1. Pioneering Human Rights-Led Reform of Mental Health Law (Challenging the Medical Model):  I have been at the forefront of using the human rights framework to critically analyse and challenge the dominance of the medical model and biomedical models in Irish mental health law and policy.  The medical model views mental health primarily as illness that requires treatment, prioritising clinical intervention over the rights of the person.  My work has impacted law reform processes. 

2  Facilitating Access to Justice and Employment Equality: My work critically examines and addresses the barriers that disabled people face in accessing both civil and criminal justice systems.  I have made practical recommendations to remove barriers.  Additionally, my research challenges workplace discrimination against disabled people.  Including identifying the use and potential misuse of genetic information in employment. 

3  Championing Decision-Making Rights: My scholarship has contributed to the international literature on interpreting the meaning of Article 12 of the UN Disability Convention (the right to make decisions, a right often denied to disabled people).  I have applied this work specifically to Ireland by critically analysing legislative proposals and influencing the development of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Acts, which were finally commenced in 2023. 

4  My Scholarship on the UN Disability Convention & Criminal Justice: My research critically examines disability and the criminal justice system, with a specific focus on identifying and challenging discriminatory practices (e.g. the insanity defence).  This work contributes to both national and international scholarship by exploring the under-explored implications of the UN Convention for criminal justice law and policy.  Additionally, I address the potential misuse of genetic information in criminal proceedings, (e.g. longer sentences for defendants who have the ¿warrior gene¿).

Peer Reviewed Journals

  Year Publication
(2024) 'A comparative analysis of the intersection of mental capacity laws and international human rights law in Northern Ireland and Ireland'
Charles O'Mahony (2024) 'A comparative analysis of the intersection of mental capacity laws and international human rights law in Northern Ireland and Ireland'. Northern Ireland Legal Quarterly, 75 (4):753-789 [Details]
(2024) 'The reform of Irish mental health law: Aligning with human rights obligations?'
Charles O'Mahony (2024) 'The reform of Irish mental health law: Aligning with human rights obligations?'. International Journal Of Law And Psychiatry, 95 (102004):1-13 [Details]
(2019) 'The Irish Supreme Court judgment in Nano Nagle School v Marie Daly: a saga of litigation'
Shivaun Quinlivan and Charles O'Mahony (2019) 'The Irish Supreme Court judgment in Nano Nagle School v Marie Daly: a saga of litigation'. Northern Ireland Legal Quarterly, 70 (4):505-510 [Details]
(2017) 'Responding to Defendants and Offenders with Mental Health Problems in Ireland: The Need for Reform'
Charles O'Mahony (2017) 'Responding to Defendants and Offenders with Mental Health Problems in Ireland: The Need for Reform'. Irish Criminal Law Journal, 27 (2) [Details]
(2017) 'The Impact of International Human Rights Law on Irish Mental Health and Mental Capacity Law Reform'
Charles O'Mahony & Catriona Moloney (2017) 'The Impact of International Human Rights Law on Irish Mental Health and Mental Capacity Law Reform'. Medico-Legal Journal of Ireland, [Details]
(2017) 'The use of behavioural genetics in the criminal justice system: A disability & human rights perspective'
Charles O'Mahony & Aisling de Paor (2017) 'The use of behavioural genetics in the criminal justice system: A disability & human rights perspective'. International Journal Of Law And Psychiatry, 54 :16-25 [DOI] [Details]
(2016) 'Genetic Testing of Employees for Mental Illness in Ireland: Law, Policy and Reform'
Charles O'Mahony & Aisling de Paor (2016) 'Genetic Testing of Employees for Mental Illness in Ireland: Law, Policy and Reform'. Irish Employment Law Journal, 13 (3):64-71 [Details]
(2016) 'The Need to Protect Employees with Genetic Predisposition to Mental Illness? The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Case for Regulation'
Charles O'Mahony & Aisling de Paor (2016) 'The Need to Protect Employees with Genetic Predisposition to Mental Illness? The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Case for Regulation'. Industrial Law Journal, :1-31 [Details]
(2016) 'Laws on unfitness to stand trial and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Comparing reform in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Australia'
Charles O'Mahony & Piers Gooding (2016) 'Laws on unfitness to stand trial and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Comparing reform in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Australia'. International Journal of Law Crime and Justice, 44 :122-145 [DOI] [Details]
(2015) 'Equal Recognition Before the Law: Legal Capacity as a Gatekeeper Right for Older Persons'
Charles O'Mahony (2015) 'Equal Recognition Before the Law: Legal Capacity as a Gatekeeper Right for Older Persons'. The Irish Community Development Law Journal, 4 (1):22-35 [Details]
(2012) 'Legal capacity and detention: Implications of the UN disability convention for the inspection standards of human rights monitoring bodies'
Charles O'Mahony (2012) 'Legal capacity and detention: Implications of the UN disability convention for the inspection standards of human rights monitoring bodies'. The International Journal of Human Rights, 16 (6):883-901 [Details]
(2008) 'Employment law and reform: what is coming down the tracks?'
Charles O'Mahony & Claire Bruton (2008) 'Employment law and reform: what is coming down the tracks?'. Irish Employment Law Journal, [Details]
(2007) 'Land Law Reform: Past, Present and Future'
Charles O'Mahony and Joanne Lynch (2007) 'Land Law Reform: Past, Present and Future'. Conveyancing And Property Law Journal, 12 (2) [Details]
(2006) '‘A Legal Analysis of the Doctrine of Anticipatory Self Defence’'
O’Mahony, C and Mulcahy, J (2006) '‘A Legal Analysis of the Doctrine of Anticipatory Self Defence’'. Hanse Law Review, 2 (2) [Details]

Published Reports

  Year Publication
(2025) Bridging the Gap: Local Authorities and Disability Inclusion.
Charles O'Mahony & Mary Keogh (2025) Bridging the Gap: Local Authorities and Disability Inclusion. Disability Federation of Ireland, Dublin. [Details]
(2024) Baseline Study: Right to Access to Justice, Article 13 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Charles O'Mahony (2024) Baseline Study: Right to Access to Justice, Article 13 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Irish Human Rights & Equality Commission, Dublin. [Details]
(2021) A Human Rights Analysis of the Draft Heads of a Bill to Amend the Mental Health Act 2001.
Charles O'Mahony & Fiona Morrissey (2021) A Human Rights Analysis of the Draft Heads of a Bill to Amend the Mental Health Act 2001. Mental Health Reform, Dublin. [Details]
(2020) Indonesia vs. Suzethe Margaret, Fairness Report, TrialWatch.
Charles O'Mahony (2020) Indonesia vs. Suzethe Margaret, Fairness Report, TrialWatch. Clooney Foundation for Justice, TrialWatch, New York. [Details]
(2014) Cage beds, restraints and seclusion in Czech Psychiatric Institutions.
MDAC (2014) Cage beds, restraints and seclusion in Czech Psychiatric Institutions. MDAC, Budapest. [Details]
(2012) A Citizens Jury on Legal Capacity.
Charles O'Mahony et al (2012) A Citizens Jury on Legal Capacity. Amnesty International Ireland, Dublin. [Details]
(2010) Consultation Paper: Jury Service.
Charles O'Mahony (2010) Consultation Paper: Jury Service. Law Reform Commission, Dublin. [Details]
(2009) Thematic National Legal Study on Mental Health and Fundamental Rights, Ireland.
Charles O'Mahony (2009) Thematic National Legal Study on Mental Health and Fundamental Rights, Ireland. European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, Vienna. [Details]
(2008) Irish Report on the employment of disabled people in European countries.
Charles O'Mahony & Claire Bruton (2008) Irish Report on the employment of disabled people in European countries. Academic Network of European Disability experts (ANED), Brussels. [Details]
(2007) Scoping Paper: Public Consultation on Law Reform.
Charles O'Mahony (2007) Scoping Paper: Public Consultation on Law Reform. Law Reform Commission, Dublin. [Details]
(2007) Report Third programme of law reform 2008-2014 (LRC 86-2007).
Charles O'Mahony (2007) Report Third programme of law reform 2008-2014 (LRC 86-2007). Law Reform Commission, Dublin. [Details]

Edited Books

  Year Publication
(2017) Disability Law and Policy: An Analysis of the UN Convention.
Charles O'Mahony & Gerard Quinn (Ed.). (2017) Disability Law and Policy: An Analysis of the UN Convention Disability Law and Policy: An Analysis of the UN Convention. Dublin: Clarus Press. [Details]

Book Chapters

  Year Publication
(2024) 'Disability, Mental Health & International Human Rights Law: A Global Health Perspective'
Charles O'Mahony (2024) 'Disability, Mental Health & International Human Rights Law: A Global Health Perspective' In: Handbook on Disability and Global Health. United Kingdom: Routledge. [Details]
(2023) 'Implementation of the UN Convention Art. 12 on the rights of persons with disabilities in Ireland (Failure to Reform: Ireland¿s Compliance with Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities)'
Charles O'Mahony & Aisling de Paor (2023) 'Implementation of the UN Convention Art. 12 on the rights of persons with disabilities in Ireland (Failure to Reform: Ireland¿s Compliance with Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities)' In: Models of implementation of Article 12 of the CRPD. United Kingdom: Routledge. [Details]
(2023) 'Implementation of Art. 12 of the UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities in England & Wales and Northern Ireland'
Charles O'Mahony (2023) 'Implementation of Art. 12 of the UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities in England & Wales and Northern Ireland' In: Models of implementation of Article 12 of the CRPD. United Kingdom: Routledge. [Details]
(2020) 'The EU Disability Strategy and the Future of EU Disability Policy'
Charles O'Mahony & Shivaun Quinlivan (2020) 'The EU Disability Strategy and the Future of EU Disability Policy' In: Delia Ferri, & Andrea Broderick (Eds) Research Handbook on EU Disability Law. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar. [Details]
(2020) 'The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities'
Charles O'Mahony & Shivaun Quinlivan (2020) 'The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities' In: Gerard McCann and Féilim Ó hAdhmaill (Eds) International Human Rights, Social Policy and Global Development: Critical Perspectives. :237-249 Bristol: Bristol University Press. [Details]
(2017) 'The CRPD and the Fusion of Mental Health and Legal Capacity Legislation'
Charles O'Mahony & Ciara Hackett (2017) 'The CRPD and the Fusion of Mental Health and Legal Capacity Legislation' In: Disability Law and Policy: An Analysis of the UN Convention. Dublin: Clarus Press. [Details]
(2017) 'The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Exploring the Synergy Between Article 12 legal capacity) & Article 19 (independent living)'
Charles O'Mahony & Sinead O'Donnell (2017) 'The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Exploring the Synergy Between Article 12 legal capacity) & Article 19 (independent living)' In: Disability Law and Policy: An Analysis of the UN Convention. Dublin: Clarus Press. [Details]
(2017) 'The Implications of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on Criminal Responsibility'
Charles O'Mahony (2017) 'The Implications of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on Criminal Responsibility' In: Disability Law and Policy: An Analysis of the UN Convention. Dublin: Clarus Press. [Details]
(2016) 'Disability and Human Rights: A New Field in the United Nations'
Charles O'Mahony & Gerard Quinn (2016) 'Disability and Human Rights: A New Field in the United Nations' In: Selected Readings on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Beijing: People’s Publishing House. [Details]
(2012) 'Disability and Human Rights: A New Field in the United Nations'
Charles O'Mahony & Gerard Quinn (2012) 'Disability and Human Rights: A New Field in the United Nations' In: International Protection of Human Rights: A Textbook. Turku: Åbo Akademi University Institute for Human Rights. [Details]
(2009) 'Annual Review of European Law and Policy'
Charles O'Mahony, Joyce Mortimer & Maria Walls (2009) 'Annual Review of European Law and Policy' In: European Yearbook Of Disability Law. Brussels: Intersentia. [Details]
(2008) 'Online Consumer Protection: Theories of Human Relativism'
Charles O'Mahony & Philip Flaherty (2008) 'Online Consumer Protection: Theories of Human Relativism' In: The Legal Framework for Data and Consumer Protection in Europe. Pennsylvania: IGI Global. [Details]

Other Journals

  Year Publication
(2012) 'Diversionary Tactics'
Charles O'Mahony (2012) 'Diversionary Tactics' Law Society Gazette, . [Details]
(2007) 'BCI Code of Programme Standards: Looking Back and Looking Ahead'
Charles O'Mahony et al (2007) 'BCI Code of Programme Standards: Looking Back and Looking Ahead' NUI Galway Student Law Review, . [Details]
(2007) 'Setting an agenda for the next decade'
Charles O'Mahony (2007) 'Setting an agenda for the next decade' Australian Law Reform Journal, 70 . [Details]

Conference Contributions

  Year Publication
(2024) Launch of Report `Access to Justice: A baseline study of article 13 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,
Charles O'Mahony (2024) Presentation of Research Findings & Recommendations. [Keynote Address], Launch of Report `Access to Justice: A baseline study of article 13 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Irish Human Rights & Equality Commission, Dublin , 03-DEC-24 - 03-DEC-24. [Details]
(2024) `First, Do Good¿: Critical & Creative Responses to Iatrogenic Harm in Mental Health Practices,
Charles O'Mahony (2024) The Long Road to Human Rights-Led Reform of Irish Mental Health Law (Keynote Address). [Invited Oral Presentation], `First, Do Good¿: Critical & Creative Responses to Iatrogenic Harm in Mental Health Practices, Cork , 08-NOV-24 - 09-NOV-24. [Details]
(2024) Mental Health Reform, Webinar on the Mental Health Bill 2024,
Charles O'Mahony (2024) The Mental Health Bill 2024 a Human Rights Critique. [Invited Oral Presentation], Mental Health Reform, Webinar on the Mental Health Bill 2024, Dublin , 05-SEP-24 - 05-SEP-24. [Details]
(2024) International Law Weekend, International Law Association,
Charles O'Mahony (2024) Approaches to Capacity & Consent, Evolution & Implementation. [Invited Oral Presentation], International Law Weekend, International Law Association, Fordham Law School , 25-OCT-24 - 25-OCT-24. [Details]
(2024) XXXVIIIth International Congress on Law and Mental Health,
Charles O'Mahony (2024) Assessing Ireland's Amending Legislation to the Mental Health Act 2001: A Human Rights Perspective Using the WHO/OHCHR Checklist. [Oral Presentation], XXXVIIIth International Congress on Law and Mental Health, Facultad de Derecho de la Universidad de Barcelona , 22-JUL-24 - 26-JUL-24. [Details]
(2024) 33 Bedford Row International Law Team¿s Seminar Series,
Charles O'Mahony (2024) Exploring the WHO comments on violence against disabled women. [Invited Oral Presentation], 33 Bedford Row International Law Team¿s Seminar Series, London , 18-JUL-24 - 18-JUL-24. [Details]
(2024) Presentation to the Irish Human Rights & Equality Commission's Disability Advisory Committee,
Charles O'Mahony (2024) Overview of Baseline Study: Right to Access to Justice, Article 13 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities . [Invited Oral Presentation], Presentation to the Irish Human Rights & Equality Commission's Disability Advisory Committee, Dublin , 11-MAR-24 - 11-MAR-24. [Details]
(2024) Power of Disability Annual Conference (AHEAD and the Union of Students in Ireland),
Charles O'Mahony (2024) Understanding & Applying Your Rights. [Invited Oral Presentation], Power of Disability Annual Conference (AHEAD and the Union of Students in Ireland), Dublin , 08-FEB-24 - 08-FEB-24. [Details]
(2023) The Diversion of Persons with Disabilities from the Criminal Justice System: Identifying and Responding to Barriers to Compliance with the CRPD,
Charles O'Mahony (2023) ERC Roots of Responsibility workshop, 'Rethinking Legal Insanity: Exploring Options for Insanity Defence Reform in Light of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). [Invited Paper], The Diversion of Persons with Disabilities from the Criminal Justice System: Identifying and Responding to Barriers to Compliance with the CRPD, London , 15-JUN-23 - 16-JUN-23. [Details]
(2023) Nordic Network of Disability Research, 16th Research Conference,
Charles O'Mahony (2023) The Exclusion of Persons with Disabilities from Undertaking Jury Service: International Human Rights Law as a Tool to Challenge Discrimination'. [Oral Presentation], Nordic Network of Disability Research, 16th Research Conference, Reykjavik , 10-MAY-23 - 12-MAR-23. [Details]
(2023) Third UK and Ireland Mental Diversity Law Conference,
Charles O'Mahony (2023) Recognition of Legal Capacity Delayed: Reform of Mental Capacity Law in Ireland & Northern Ireland. [Oral Presentation], Third UK and Ireland Mental Diversity Law Conference, Trent Building, University Park Campus, University of Nottingham , 06-JUL-23 - 07-JUL-23. [Details]
(2022) Atlantic Technological University Conference on Mental Health Law,
Charles O'Mahony (2022) Irish Mental Health Law, Law Reform & Human Rights. [Keynote Address], Atlantic Technological University Conference on Mental Health Law, Letterkenny , 24-MAR-22 - 24-MAR-22. [Details]
(2022) 14th Annual Critical Voices Conference 2022,
Charles O'Mahony, Fiona Anderson, Liz Brosnan, Harry Gijbels, Jennifer Hough, Deirdre Lillis, Fiona Morrissey, & Rosy Wilson (2022) Advocates for Human Rights in Mental Health: Affecting Human Rights-Based Approaches in new Mental Health and Capacity Legislation. [Invited Oral Presentation], 14th Annual Critical Voices Conference 2022, Cork , 16-NOV-22 - 17-NOV-22. [Details]
(2021) Mental Health Commission Seminar | Seclusion & Restraint,
Charles O'Mahony & Fiona Morrissey (2021) Applying Human Rights to Seclusion & Restraint. [Invited Oral Presentation], Mental Health Commission Seminar | Seclusion & Restraint, Dublin , 03-NOV-21 - 03-NOV-21. [Details]
(2019) Learning from each other; Critical Reflections of the intersections between Mental Health Act 2001 and Human Rights Incorporated Law Society of Ireland,
Charles O'Mahony (2019) Mental Health Law: The Implications of International Human Rights Law for Ireland. [Invited Oral Presentation], Learning from each other; Critical Reflections of the intersections between Mental Health Act 2001 and Human Rights Incorporated Law Society of Ireland, Dublin , 21-FEB-19 - 21-FEB-19. [Details]
(2018) Irish American Law Society of Cleveland, Biannual Symposium,
Charles O'Mahony (2018) Opiate Use in Ireland: An Overview of Law & Policy. [Invited Oral Presentation], Irish American Law Society of Cleveland, Biannual Symposium, Cleveland , 29-SEP-18 - 29-SEP-18. [Details]
(2018) University of Leeds Research Seminar Series,
Charles O'Mahony (2018) arrier to Justice: Examining the Exclusion of Jurors with Disabilities in Ireland, Australia, and International Human Rights Law. [Invited Oral Presentation], University of Leeds Research Seminar Series, Leeds , 26-JUL-18. [Details]
(2017) 9th International Disability Law Summer School,
Charles O'Mahony (2017) Defendants and Offenders with Psychosocial Disability and Diversion from the Criminal Justice System. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], 9th International Disability Law Summer School, Galway , 19-JUN-17 - 23-JUN-17. [Details]
(2016) Inaugural UK Mental Disability Law Conference,
Charles O'Mahony (2016) The Legality of the Insanity Defense under International Human Rights Law. [Other], Inaugural UK Mental Disability Law Conference, University of Nottingham , 30-JUN-16 - 01-JUL-16. [Details]
(2016) ERC VOICES Conference,
Charles O'Mahony (2016) Criminal Responsibility & International Human Rights Law’. [Invited Oral Presentation], ERC VOICES Conference, Dublin , 26-FEB-16 - 26-FEB-16. [Details]
(2016) Human Rights Workshop with LGBTI Seychelles,
Charles O'Mahony (2016) Decriminalisation of Same-Sex Sexual Activity: Human Rights. [Invited Oral Presentation], Human Rights Workshop with LGBTI Seychelles, Mahe, Seychelles , 19-MAR-16 - 20-MAR-16. [Details]
(2016) 3U, Healthcare, Ethics & Law Master Class,
Charles O'Mahony (2016) The International Human Rights Framework: Putting the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Legislation into Context. [Invited Oral Presentation], 3U, Healthcare, Ethics & Law Master Class, Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Dublin , 19-FEB-16 - 19-FEB-16. [Details]
(2016) Work Forum on the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,
Charles O'Mahony (2016) Impact of Human Rights approach in Member States' legislation: Legal capacity in Ireland. [Invited Oral Presentation], Work Forum on the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, European Commission, Brussels , 10-JUN-16 - 10-JUN-16. [Details]
(2016) Dublin City University, Socio-Legal Research Seminar Series,
Charles O'Mahony (2016) Persons with Mental Health Problems and the Criminal Justice System in Ireland: Law, Policy and Reform. [Invited Oral Presentation], Dublin City University, Socio-Legal Research Seminar Series, Dublin , 06-APR-16 - 06-APR-16. [Details]
(2016) Implementation of the UN Convention on Rights of Disabled Persons: A common cause, Polish Disability Forum,
Charles O'Mahony (2016) Article 13 (Access to Justice) of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. [Invited Oral Presentation], Implementation of the UN Convention on Rights of Disabled Persons: A common cause, Polish Disability Forum, Warsaw , 02-SEP-16 - 02-SEP-16. [Details]
(2015) Irish Association of Law Teachers Annual Conference,
Charles O'Mahony (2015) Human Rights Based Reform of Mental Health Law & Legal Capacity Law in Ireland. [Oral Presentation], Irish Association of Law Teachers Annual Conference, Galway , 27-NOV-15 - 29-NOV-15. [Details]
(2015) Discapacidad, Salud Mental y Cuidado,
Charles O'Mahony (2015) Implementing the CRPD in Ireland: Legal Capacity, Access to Justice and Disability Law and Policy. [Keynote Address], Discapacidad, Salud Mental y Cuidado, Santiago, Chile , 27-MAR-15 - 27-MAR-15. [Details]
(2014) Dementia & Legal Capacity: The Need for a Multi-Agency Response,
Charles O'Mahony (2014) The Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Bill 2013: The Promise of Law Reform. [Keynote Address], Dementia & Legal Capacity: The Need for a Multi-Agency Response, Letterkenny Institute of Technology , 28-APR-14 - 28-APR-14. [Details]
(2014) Law Commission Symposium on Unfitness to Plead,
Charles O'Mahony (2014) Fitness to Plead and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. [Invited Paper], Law Commission Symposium on Unfitness to Plead, Leeds , 11-JUN-14 - 11-JUN-14. [Details]
(2014) Galway: Law School Research Seminar Series,
Charles O'Mahony (2014) Law and Policy Regarding Offenders with Intellectual Disabilities. [Oral Presentation], Galway: Law School Research Seminar Series, Galway , 09-APR-14 - 09-APR-14. [Details]
(2014) Irish Association of Law Teachers Annual Conference,
Charles O'Mahony (2014) Legal Academics and Review and Reform of Mental Health Legislation. [Conference Paper], Irish Association of Law Teachers Annual Conference, Kilkenny p , 07-NOV-14 - 09-NOV-14. [Details]
(2013) Irish Society of Comparative Law Annual Conference,
Charles O'Mahony (2013) Article 16 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: The Right to be Free from Exploitation, Violence and Abuse. [Oral Presentation], Irish Society of Comparative Law Annual Conference, Galway , 25-MAY-13 - 25-MAY-13. [Details]
(2013) Irish Association of Law Teachers, Annual Conference,
Charles O'Mahony (2013) The Eligibility of Persons with Disabilities for Jury Service: Non-Discrimination and Reasonable Accommodation. [Oral Presentation], Irish Association of Law Teachers, Annual Conference, Belfast , 24-NOV-13 - 24-NOV-13. [Details]
(2013) 5th International Disability Law Summer School, The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Voice and Choice,
Charles O'Mahony (2013) European Perspectives: Torture or Inhuman, Degrading Treatment and Punishment. [Invited Oral Presentation], 5th International Disability Law Summer School, The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Voice and Choice, Galway , 20-JUN-13 - 20-JUN-13. [Details]
(2013) Labour Equality, Constitutional Convention, Salthill Hotel,
Charles O'Mahony (2013) Constitutional Reform in Ireland. [Invited Oral Presentation], Labour Equality, Constitutional Convention, Salthill Hotel, Galway , 19-APR-13 - 19-APR-13. [Details]
(2013) Law School Research Seminar Series,
Charles O'Mahony (2013) Deprivation of Liberty and Legal Capacity: The Implications of the UN Disability Convention for the Inspection Standards of Human Rights Monitoring Bodies. [Invited Oral Presentation], Law School Research Seminar Series, Galway , 09-JAN-13 - 09-JAN-13. [Details]
(2012) Health Services Executive Event on Decision-Making,
Charles O'Mahony (2012) Legal and Financial Aspects of Caring. [Invited Oral Presentation], Health Services Executive Event on Decision-Making, Carrick-on-Shannon , 19-JUN-12 - 19-JUN-12. [Details]
(2012) University College Dublin, Centre for Disability Studies,
Charles O'Mahony (2012) Legal Capacity Law in Ireland: Human Rights Obligations. [Invited Oral Presentation], University College Dublin, Centre for Disability Studies, Dublin , 10-FEB-12. [Details]
(2012) Health Services Executive Event, Cheeverstown House,
Charles O'Mahony (2012) Consent to Medical Treatment Speech Language Therapy and Adults with Intellectual Disability. [Invited Oral Presentation], Health Services Executive Event, Cheeverstown House, Dublin , 03-FEB-12 - 03-FEB-12. [Details]
(2011) Health Service Executive, Dementia Conference,
Charles O'Mahony (2011) Enduring Powers of Attorney. [Invited Oral Presentation], Health Service Executive, Dementia Conference, Sligo , 27-OCT-11 - 27-OCT-11. [Details]
(2011) Nordic Network on Disability Research (NNDR), 11th Research Conference,
Charles O'Mahony (2011) Legal Capacity: Criminal law, Insanity and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], Nordic Network on Disability Research (NNDR), 11th Research Conference, Reykjavik , 26-MAY-11 - 27-MAY-11. [Details]
(2011) University College Dublin, Centre for Disability Studies,
Charles O'Mahony (2011) Legal Capacity in Ireland: Reflections on the Law and Ireland¿s Human Rights Obligations. [Oral Presentation], University College Dublin, Centre for Disability Studies, Dublin , 11-FEB-11 - 11-FEB-11. [Details]
(2011) Incorporated Law Society of Ireland, Diploma in Capacity and Mental Health,
Charles O'Mahony (2011) Legal Capacity & Mental Health Law: Irish Law and International Human Rights Law. [Invited Paper], Incorporated Law Society of Ireland, Diploma in Capacity and Mental Health, Dublin , 07-OCT-11 - 07-OCT-11. [Details]
(2011) What is the link between legal capacity and detention,
Charles O'Mahony (2011) Mental Disability and Advocacy Center (MDAC) Workshop on the implications UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for the inspection standards of the Committee on the Prevention of Torture (CPT). [Invited Oral Presentation], What is the link between legal capacity and detention, Strasbourg , 04-NOV-11 - 04-NOV-11. [Details]
(2010) Boalt Hall School of Law Seminar Series, UC Berkeley,
Charles O'Mahony (2010) The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Abolition of the Insanity Defence. [Invited Oral Presentation], Boalt Hall School of Law Seminar Series, UC Berkeley, Berkeley , 27-OCT-10 - 27-OCT-10. [Details]
(2010) Irish Association of Law Teachers Annual Conference,
Charles O'Mahony (2010) A Critical Consideration of Mental Health Courts. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], Irish Association of Law Teachers Annual Conference, Limerick , 24-NOV-10 - 24-NOV-10. [Details]
(2010) Incorporated Law Society of Ireland, Diploma in Capacity and Mental Health,
Charles O'Mahony (2010) The Interface of Irish Law with the ECHR and the UNCRPD in the Mental Health Field. [Invited Lecture], Incorporated Law Society of Ireland, Diploma in Capacity and Mental Health, Dublin , 07-DEC-10 - 07-DEC-10. [Details]
(2010) Disability Rights California Seminar Series,
Charles O'Mahony (2010) The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Implications for Domestic Mental Health Law. [Invited Lecture], Disability Rights California Seminar Series, Oakland, California , 04-NOV-10 - 04-NOV-10. [Details]
(2009) University College Cork, Conference entitled `The Promise of Law: Political Claims and the Boundaries of Justice,
Charles O'Mahony (2009) The Eligibility of Persons with Disabilities for Jury Service. [Oral Presentation], University College Cork, Conference entitled `The Promise of Law: Political Claims and the Boundaries of Justice, Cork , 30-APR-09 - 30-APR-09. [Details]
(2009) rish Society of Comparative Law Annual Conference,
Charles O'Mahony (2009) Reform of the jury in common law jurisdictions. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], rish Society of Comparative Law Annual Conference, Limerick , 28-FEB-09 - 28-FEB-09. [Details]
(2009) Incorporated Law Society of Ireland, PPC II, Advanced Family and Child Law Elective,
Charles O'Mahony (2009) Practical Application of the Revised Brussels 11 Regulation. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], Incorporated Law Society of Ireland, PPC II, Advanced Family and Child Law Elective, Cork , 06-JUN-09 - 06-JUN-09. [Details]

Editorship of Journals

  Year Publication
(2024) Mental Health, Human Rights Law & the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Law Reform Trends.
Charles O'Mahony, Liz Brosnan, & Bo Chen (2024) Mental Health, Human Rights Law & the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Law Reform Trends. International Journal of Law and Psychiatry Editorship of Journals [Details]

Media

  Year Publication
(2024) Interview on Highland Radio on Disability & Access to Justice.
Charles O'Mahony (2024) Interview on Highland Radio on Disability & Access to Justice. Highland Radio Media [Details]
(2024) Podcast on Mental Health Law & Policy.
Charles O'Mahony (2024) Podcast on Mental Health Law & Policy. Dublin: The Reboot Republic Podcast Media [Details]
(2022) Interview on the Mental Health (Amendment) Bill 2021.
Charles O'Mahony (2022) Interview on the Mental Health (Amendment) Bill 2021. Kildare: Kildare FM Media [Details]
(2022) People with extreme mental distress are discriminated against.
Charles O'Mahony, Fiona Morrissey, Jennifer Hough, Fiona Anderson, Liz Brosnan, Rosy Wilson, Harry Gijbels, Deirdre Lillis (2022) People with extreme mental distress are discriminated against. Cork: Irish Examiner Media [Details]
(2022) What's needed for better child mental health services in Ireland?.
Charles O'Mahony (2022) What's needed for better child mental health services in Ireland?. Dublin: RTÉ Brainstorm Media [Details]
(2022) Proposed changes to the Mental Health Act must prioritise human rights.
Charles O'Mahony, Fiona Morrissey, Jennifer Hough, Fiona Anderson, Liz Brosnan, Rosy Wilson, Harry Gijbels, Deirdre Lillis (2022) Proposed changes to the Mental Health Act must prioritise human rights. Dublin: Journal.ie Media [Details]
(2021) Mental health Bill `fails to address¿ key human rights issues, committee told NUI Galway law lecturer raises concerns about tribunals, services for those in justice system.
Shauna Bowers (2021) Mental health Bill `fails to address¿ key human rights issues, committee told NUI Galway law lecturer raises concerns about tribunals, services for those in justice system. Dublin: Irish Times Media [Details]
(2019) Interview about the Supreme Court Sittings at the University of Galway.
Charles O'Mahony (2019) Interview about the Supreme Court Sittings at the University of Galway. Galway Bay FM Media [Details]
(2014) What happened in Bungalow 3: How the law must change.
Charles O'Mahony (2014) What happened in Bungalow 3: How the law must change. Dublin: Irish Times Media [Details]
(2014) Report Into the Death of Gary Douch & the Provision for Mentally Ill Prisoners in Ireland.
Charles O'Mahony (2014) Report Into the Death of Gary Douch & the Provision for Mentally Ill Prisoners in Ireland. Dublin: Public Interest Law Alliance (PILA) Media [Details]
(2014) Interview on the Decriminalisation of Gay People in the Seychelles.
Charles O'Mahony (2014) Interview on the Decriminalisation of Gay People in the Seychelles. Seychelles: Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation Media [Details]

Policy Contribution

  Year Publication
(2022) Submission to Sub-Committee for Pre- Legislative Scrutiny on the Mental Health (Amendment) Bill 2021.
Charles O'Mahony, Fiona Morrissey, Rosy Wilson, Jennifer Hough, Deirdre Lillis, Fiona Anderson, Harry Gijbels, Liz Brosnan (2022) Submission to Sub-Committee for Pre- Legislative Scrutiny on the Mental Health (Amendment) Bill 2021. Dublin: Oireachtas Policy Contribution [Details]
(2021) Public consultation on draft legislation to update the Mental Health Act 2001.
Charles O¿Mahony, Mary Keys, Catriona Moloney, Fiona Morrisey (2021) Public consultation on draft legislation to update the Mental Health Act 2001. Dublin: Submission to the Department of Health Policy Contribution [Details]
(2012) Amnesty International's Response to the Interim Report of the Steering Group on the review of the Mental Health Act 2001.
Charles O'Mahony et al (2012) Amnesty International's Response to the Interim Report of the Steering Group on the review of the Mental Health Act 2001. Dublin: Amnesty International Policy Contribution [Details]
(2011) Centre for Disability Law and Policy Submission on Mental Capacity Bill to Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality.
Charles O'Mahony, Gerard Quinn, & Eilionóir Flynn (2011) Centre for Disability Law and Policy Submission on Mental Capacity Bill to Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. Policy Contribution [Details]
(2011) Centre for Disability Law and Policy Submission to 10 year Review of the Mental Health Act 2001.
Charles O'Mahony, Mary Keys, Eilionóir Flynn, Anna Arstein-Kerslake, Suzanne Doyle, Catriona Moloney (2011) Centre for Disability Law and Policy Submission to 10 year Review of the Mental Health Act 2001. Policy Contribution [Details]
(2011) Centre for Disability Law and Policy Submission to Ireland's Report for the Universal Periodic Review.
Charles O'Mahony, Eilionóir Flynn, Mary Keogh, Aisling de Paor, Maria Walls, Meredith Raley, Noeline Fox (2011) Centre for Disability Law and Policy Submission to Ireland's Report for the Universal Periodic Review. Policy Contribution [Details]

Committees

  Committee Function From / To
Human Rights Committee, Mental Health Commission Member 01-MAY-24 /
Executive of the College of Business, Public Policy and Law Member 01-MAY-17 / 30-APR-21
Academic Council Member 01-MAY-17 / 30-APR-21
Law School Executive Chair 01-MAY-17 / 30-APR-21
School of Law Research Committee Member & Research Culture Officer 01-JAN-17 /
Research Ethics Committee, University Hospital Galway Member 25-JUL-16 / 30-SEP-22

Honours and Awards

  Year Title Awarding Body
2019 Law School of the Year Award (Accepted on Behalf of the School of Law, University of Galway) Irish Law Awards
2018 Charlemont Grant Awardee Royal Irish Academy
2018 Visiting Scholar School of Law, University of Leeds
2018 Shortlisted for DSBA Law Book of the Year, Charles O'Mahony & Gerard Quinn (Ed.). (2017) "Disability Law and Policy: An Analysis of the UN Convention Disability Law and Policy: An Analysis of the UN" Dublin Solicitor Bar Association
2015 Elected President of the Irish Association of Law Teachers (IALT) Irish Association of Law Teachers (IALT)
2014 Elected President of the Irish Association of Law Teachers (IALT) Irish Association of Law Teachers
2010 Visiting Scholar Center for the Study of Law and Society, University of California Berkeley
2009 PRTLI PhD Scholarship (4-Years) Higher Education Authority

Professional Associations

  Association Function From / To
Irish Association of Law Teachers Member 03-SEP-13 /
Berkeley Center on Comparative Equality and Anti-discrimination Law Member 05-SEP-22 /
Mental Disability Law Network, University of Nottingham Member of Committee 04-SEP-23 /
Society of Legal Scholars Member 03-SEP-12 /
Socio-Legal Studies Association Member 01-JAN-08 /

Employment

  Employer Position From / To
School of Law, University College Dublin Senior Tutor in Law (the Irish Legal Systems, Tort Law, Constitutional Law) 04-SEP-06 / 29-AUG-08
Law Reform Commission of Ireland Legal Researcher 04-SEP-06 / 29-AUG-08
Amnesty International Ireland Legal Officer 01-SEP-11 / 31-AUG-12
TU Dublin Assistant Lecturer in Law (Criminal Law & European Human Rights Law) 04-SEP-06 / 29-AUG-08

Education

  Year Institution Qualification Subject
2016 CELT, University of Galway PG Certificate Teaching & Learning in Higher Education
2013 Centre for Disability Law & Policy, School of Law, University of Galway PhD Law
2006 School of Law, University of Galway LLM Public Law
2005 Faculty of Law, University College London LLM Law
2004 School of Law, University of Galway LLB Law
2003 School of Law, University of Galway BA Law & History

Consultancy

  Client Description
Office of the Inspector of Prisons Expert Panel
Appointment as a member of the Office of the Inspector of Prisons Expert Panel

Community Engagement

  Title Type From / To
Advocacy Chairperson of the Human Rights Committee, Brothers of Charity 05-MAY-14 /
Policy Development Expert Advisory Group on Review of the Rules and Code of Practice governing the use of seclusion, mechanical means of bodily restraint and physical restraint in Approved Centres 02-JUL-21 / 01-SEP-22
Advocacy Member of Advocates for Human Rights in Mental Health Care 04-JAN-21 /

Reviews

  Journal Role
International Journal of Disability and Social Justice Editoral Board

Teaching Interests

Charles has taught a range of private and public law subjects to law and non-law students.  He uses innovative pedagogical approaches, including project-based, problem-based, and challenge-based learning, to empower students to explore and solve real-world challenges.  He also seeks to use technology where possible in the curriculum, and strives to cultivate an environment of critical thinking, creativity, and love for lifelong learning. 


Recent Postgraduate Students

  Graduation Name Degree Primary Supervisor
2020 Bo Chen PhD Y
2023 Ray Lynch LL.M Y

Modules Taught

  Term/Year Module Title Module Code Subject / Desc
2017-Present Introduction to Law LW103.i
2012-Present International & Comparative Disability Rights LW370
2024-Present Minority Groups & the Criminal Justice System LW508
2021-Present Law & Ethics NU3104
2018-Present Guided Research Essay LW3129
2020-Present Professional Work Placement LW3125
2023-2024 Revenue Law 1 LW3156
2023-2024 Mental Health Law & Policy LW561
2013-2017 Minors, Minority Groups & the Criminal Justice System LW508
2015-2019 Law, Regulation and Policy LW484
2014-2018 Media Law LW354
2013-2021 Health Law & Policy LW405
2012-2014 Constitutional Law 1 LW227
2012-2014 Constitutional Law 2 LW228
2012-2015 Legal Skills LW126
2011-2013 The Criminal Jury LW493