The courts
How do the courts work?
There are two different types of court cases in Ireland:
Civil actions are usually individuals taking other individuals or organisations to court. The state generally takes no part in this. Civil cases are usually used when, for example, seeking compensation or to recover money owed.
Criminal prosecutions are prosecuted by the state, for things that are illegal. The aim is to punish those found guilty, usually by issuing a jail sentence. Criminal prosecutions are prosecuted by the state in a court of law.
Four main types of court
There are four main courts in Ireland.
The District Court:
This has jurisdiction over minor civil and criminal matters. You can appeal (to ask to change decision) the outcome of a case heard in the District Court to the Circuit Court
The Circuit Court;
You can appeal the outcome of a case heard in the District Court to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction in more serious civil and criminal matters. You can appeal the outcome of a case heard in the Circuit Court to the High Court.
The High Court;
This has jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters; the most serious offences such as murder are dealt with here.
The Supreme Court;
This is the final court of appeal.
Who is in the courtroom?
Other courts
The other courts are:
How do the courts work?
There are two different types of court cases in Ireland:
- civil action; and
- criminal prosecution.
Civil actions are usually individuals taking other individuals or organisations to court. The state generally takes no part in this. Civil cases are usually used when, for example, seeking compensation or to recover money owed.
Criminal prosecutions are prosecuted by the state, for things that are illegal. The aim is to punish those found guilty, usually by issuing a jail sentence. Criminal prosecutions are prosecuted by the state in a court of law.
Four main types of court
There are four main courts in Ireland.
The District Court:
This has jurisdiction over minor civil and criminal matters. You can appeal (to ask to change decision) the outcome of a case heard in the District Court to the Circuit Court
The Circuit Court;
You can appeal the outcome of a case heard in the District Court to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction in more serious civil and criminal matters. You can appeal the outcome of a case heard in the Circuit Court to the High Court.
The High Court;
This has jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters; the most serious offences such as murder are dealt with here.
The Supreme Court;
This is the final court of appeal.
Who is in the courtroom?
- The Judge: in charge of the courtroom
- The lawyers (solicitors and barristers): the barristers present the case. There are barristers for the prosecution (‘counsel for the prosecution’); and barristers for the
- defence (‘counsel for the defence’). Your solicitor will work with a barrister to present the case.
- The registrar and court clerk: they help the judge with administration.
- The jury: Members of the public who hear the evidence and decide whether the accused is guilty or innocent.
- Members of the public: Anyone can watch any court case, unless it is ‘in camera’ (not open to the public).
Other courts
The other courts are:
- the Children’s Court;
- the Special Criminal Court;
- the Central Criminal Court;
- the Court of Criminal Appeal; and
- the Courts Martial Appeal Court.