Michael’s Legal Defiance

Trespasses

Michael’s work defending accused Republicans pits his commitment to fair process against political hostility and growing danger.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Barrister Against Internment

A Barrister Against Internment Reputation in the town Michael is known as a barrister who defended civil-rights activists when few others would. Cushla first encounters his politics through his refusal to let soldiers’ harassment pass as harmless amusement. A contested position His opposition to internment and unequal courts places him at odds with people who regard legal defence as sympathy for militants. His principle is both professional conviction and personal risk.

Defending Three Boys Defending Three Boys from "Trespasses". Defending Three Boys A disputed identification Michael represents three boys accused of murdering a policeman after an identification he considers unreliable.

Defending Three Boys from "Trespasses". Defending Three Boys A disputed identification Michael represents three boys accused of murdering a policeman after an identification he considers unreliable.

Defending Three Boys A disputed identification Michael represents three boys accused of murdering a policeman after an identification he considers unreliable. Victor disapproves of the case, hardened by his experience of Bloody Friday. Principle under strain Michael insists that accused people deserve a defence even when the charge is grave. His position costs him ease among friends and sharpens the conflict between justice and political loyalty.

Evidence of Abuse Evidence of Abuse from "Trespasses". Evidence of Abuse The files on the table Cushla discovers photographs and statements documenting alleged brutality against the three defendants.

Evidence of Abuse from "Trespasses". Evidence of Abuse The files on the table Cushla discovers photographs and statements documenting alleged brutality against the three defendants.

Evidence of Abuse The files on the table Cushla discovers photographs and statements documenting alleged brutality against the three defendants. The intimate evidence turns abstract arguments about procedure into injured bodies. Danger enters the home Michael’s files show how closely his professional work touches state power. Cushla now understands why his life has become tense and why his private rooms may not be private.

Surveillance Tightens Surveillance Tightens from "Trespasses". Surveillance Tightens Photographs without consent The RUC follows Michael and records his meetings with Cushla.

Surveillance Tightens from "Trespasses". Surveillance Tightens Photographs without consent The RUC follows Michael and records his meetings with Cushla.

Surveillance Tightens Photographs without consent The RUC follows Michael and records his meetings with Cushla. An officer later uses these photographs and her personal connections to pressure her during questioning. A shrinking private life Michael’s legal challenge has made him visible to hostile authorities. The surveillance also makes Cushla vulnerable, transforming their affair into evidence that can be used to intimidate and implicate her.

A Murdered Advocate A Murdered Advocate from "Trespasses". A Murdered Advocate Assassination at home Michael is shot in front of his wife.

A Murdered Advocate Assassination at home Michael is shot in front of his wife. The IRA later claims he served a corrupt judicial system, turning his death into a public political verdict. Justice becomes a question His assassination destroys the man who had argued for fair process and leaves his cases, files and clients behind. The killing makes political argument bodily and irreversible.

February 1975, when Cushla first meets Michael

Spring 1975, during Michael’s case preparations

Late spring 1975, after the wedding reception

Late spring 1975, during Michael’s final weeks

Early summer 1975, on the morning Michael is killed