Irish courts

Court of final appeal under Article 34.5 of the Constitution. Hears constitutional challenges (Crotty, Re Article 26 references), leapfrog appeals from the High Court, and appeals from the Court of Appeal where the matter is of general public importance or in the interests of justice.

Established by the 33rd Amendment in 2014 between the High Court and Supreme Court. Hears civil and criminal appeals from the High Court (replacing the Court of Criminal Appeal) and most non-constitutional appeals that previously went directly to the Supreme Court.

Article 34.3 court of first instance with full original jurisdiction over all constitutional, civil and criminal matters. Hears judicial review (post-O'Keeffe + Meadows), planning challenges (FIE v Government), defamation (Defamation Act 2009), and serious civil claims above the Circuit Court limit.

Three-judge non-jury court established under the Offences Against the State Act 1939. Tries scheduled offences certified by the DPP — historically subversive activity, now also organised crime. Subject of Murphy v Ireland and significant ECHR jurisprudence on the right to a jury trial.

Court of first instance for civil claims up to €75,000 and most indictable criminal offences other than murder, rape and treason. Sits in eight circuits across the State. Appeal lies to the High Court.

Lowest court of first instance — civil claims up to €15,000, summary criminal trials, family-law applications including domestic-violence orders, licensing and small-claims procedures. Appeal lies to the Circuit Court.