Gerard Coffey

Dr Ger Coffey is an Associate Professor in the School of Law. He holds a BA in Law and European Studies from the University of Limerick, alongside an LLB and a PhD in Law from the University of Galway. His doctoral research provided a critical analysis of the common law principle against double jeopardy and the corresponding doctrine of ne bis in idem within EU criminal justice, evaluating these frameworks through the lenses of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

Deeply committed to pedagogical innovation, Dr Coffey also earned an MA in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education from University College Cork. His master’s dissertation investigated the efficacy of experiential learning in legal education. Specifically, his work evaluated how immersive, interactive field trips to operational prisons serve to bridge the gap between academic theory and criminal justice practice, thereby elevating students' multi-dimensional understanding beyond the limitations of traditional seminar environments.

During his tenure at the University of Galway, Ger delivered lectures in criminal and constitutional law while also serving as a research assistant within the School of Law. Demonstrating strong editorial leadership, he co-edited the fourth volume of the Judicial Studies Institute Journal (2004), a prestigious project commissioned directly to the faculty. His academic excellence was recognised with a competitive Postgraduate Research Fellowship, which fully funded his doctoral studies from 2001 to 2004. Additionally, his doctoral research gained national distinction in 2005 when he was awarded second place in the Law Society of Ireland’s Annual Law Reform Essay Competition for his work on reforming double jeopardy laws.

Ger is committed to ongoing professional growth and regularly advances his expertise through targeted development programs. He holds specialised certifications from the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education including a Digital Badge in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) awarded in 2022 and a Digital Badge in Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) earned in 2023.

From 2005 to 2007, Ger served as a Post-Doctoral Research Officer in Criminal Justice within the Centre for Crime, Justice and Victim Studies (CCJVS). In this role, he contributed to major research initiatives examining the impact of globalisation on criminal law and justice systems. Ger was appointed Assistant Professor in Law in 2007 and advanced to Associate Professor in Law in 2012. A specialist in criminal law, criminal procedure, and the criminal justice process, his research is widely published in leading national and international legal journals.

Ger established Criminal Justice in Ireland in 2016 a strategic collaborative academic blog to foster strategic collaboration across the academic and professional sectors. Under Ger's leadership, the initiative serves as a vital knowledge hub, delivering critical insights, and drives informed discussion on key criminal justice issues.

Ger has served as the Course Director for the LLM/MA in Human Rights in Criminal Justice (NFQ Level 9) from 2009-2024. In this role, he ensured rigorous programme governance and drives strategic curriculum development. To enrich the student experience and attract a diverse cohort, Ger successfully introduced a broad range of elective modules. Additionally, he championed experiential learning by establishing short-term field trips to criminal justice institutions. These initiatives bridge theory and practice, enabling learners to develop a deep, adaptable understanding of their discipline.

Ger led the strategic development of Ireland's first online LLM/MA in Human Rights in Criminal Justice (Online) in 2018. This innovative, pre-COVID programme was designed to enhance institutional diversity and accessibility. By offering a flexible Level 9 NFQ pathway, it enabled domestic and international learners to pursue advanced studies alongside complex professional and personal commitments.

Since 2007, Ger has advanced the School of Law’s strategic mission through curriculum leadership, robust stakeholder engagement, and impactful academic service. An accomplished researcher, he has presented his research extensively at national and international conferences, including being an invited expert speaker at numerous seminars.

Since 2009, Ger has served as subject External Examiner across a range of law subjects for several third level institutions, and has also served as criminal justice programme external expert.

From 2007-2018, Ger has served as School of Law Library Representative leading initiatives and overseeing strategic collection development.

From 2008-2009, Ger served as Director of Teaching and Learning and introduced several new initiatives facilitating a student-centred approach to enhance the learning experience.

From 2008-2016, Ger served as School of Law Representative on the BA (Joint Honours) Course Board overseeing good programme governance.

From 2009-2010, Ger served as Course Director for the LLB (Graduate Entry) programme of studies overseeing good programme governance and leading initiatives to broaden student diversity.

From 2010-2014, Ger served as Director of the Community Law Access Programme leading initiatives to enhance learning opportunities for local communities.

From 2008-2016 Ger served as national member (expert) on the International Human Rights Law Committee of the International Law Association.

From 2013-2022 Ger served as national member (expert) on the Complementarity in International Criminal Law Committee of the International Law Association.

Since 2014, Ger has served as the School of Law representative on the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee.

From 2014-2016, Ger served as Director of Postgraduate Studies and introduced several new initiatives fostering a collaborative and supporting research environment to enhance the community of research scholars.

From 2014-2016, Ger served as Director of Mooting and introduced several new initiatives to facilitate students to enhance their oral advocacy and presentation skills.

In 2020, Ger was appointed Editor of the Irish Criminal Law Journal published by Thomson Round Hall, Ireland's leading law publisher.

From 2020-2024, Ger served as Council Member (Alternate) of the Association for Criminal Justice Research and Development (ACJRD).

Since 2020, Ger was appointed to the Discipline Appeals Committee having been nominated by Academic Council.

From 2022-2024, Ger served as Treasurer of the International Law Association, Irish Branch.

From 2022-2024, Ger served as the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Representative on the Institutional Student Feedback Mechanisms Working Group.

From 2023-2024, Ger has served as Acting Course Director for the BA in Applied Policing and Criminal Justice Level 8 NFQ overseeing programme governance.

Throughout his academic tenure, Ger has taught a diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate law modules. He frequently serves as an Internal Examiner for PhD in Law theses. Furthermore, he is regularly appointed as an External Examiner for both PhD and LLM by Research degrees at various higher education institutions.