Debate on Competition Law Organised by First Law
First Law organised a debate on 1st October 2009 on the motion "Is Jail the Way to Go After DPP v Duffy?". David Phelan, partner Hayes solicitors was one of the invited speakers.
This ground breaking case sets a new standard for breaches of competition law in Ireland. Prior to this judgment, fines were imposed on conviction however, these offences can now incur prison sentences. Could convictions in other areas of 'White Collar Crime' adopt the principles of DPP v Duffy? Two teams debated the issues arising from this case and gave their views on whether prison is the right way forward for White Collar crime. The debate was chaired by Michael Collins, SC The team against the motion were victorious and those who spoke against the Motion included Michael L. O’Higgins, SC, David Phelan, Partner Hayes Solicitors and Philip Andrews, McCann Fitzgerald.