STRUCTURE & JURISDICTIONS OF THE IRISH COURTS IN BOTH CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LAW

Structure & jurisdictions of the Irish Courts in both civil and criminal law



Structure & jurisdictions of the Irish Courts in both civil and criminal law

Outline

I. Introduction

The up to date Irish lawful scheme is derived from the English widespread regulation tradition. Ireland is often recounted as 'the first excursion of the widespread law.' The dominance of English law was consolidated by Oliver Cromwell's infantry crusade (1649-1652), which forced many Irish landowners to resettle in Connaught. The triumph of Protestant William of Orange over church member King James II at the assault of the Boyne in 1691 directed to brutal repression of Catholics in the form of the penal laws. These enactments, passed throughout the 18th century, were directed at disenfranchising Catholics from political and financial power. Catholics were omitted from learning and their house rights were very strongly restricted.

II. Discussion

A. The District Court

The District Court is the lowest court in the system and under the Courts and Court Officers (Amendment) Act 2007 the numbers of judges should not be more than 60, excluding the President of the Court, though this has since been extended to 63. The country is divided into twenty four districts including the Dublin Metropolitan District. One or more judges are permanently assigned to each district as well as to the Dublin Metropolitan District. With the exception of the Dublin Metropolitan District each District Court office deals with all elements of the work of the District Court.

B. The Circuit Court

Under the Court and Court Officers (Amendment) Act 2007 the Circuit Court has no more than thirty seven judges and a President. It is divided into eight circuits: one judge is permanently assigned to a circuit while in busier courts this number may be greater ...