words per minute
2
GeraldineMcElvaney
00:00
Speed
The District Court consists of a President and sixty-three ordinary judges. The country is divided into twenty four districts with one or more judges permanently assigned to each district and the Dublin Metropolitan District. Generally the venue at which a case is heard depends on where an offence was committed or where the defendant resides or carries on business or was arrested. Each District Court office (with the exception of the Dublin Metropolitan District Court) deals with all elements of the work of the District Court. The District Court is a court of local and summary jurisdiction.
The business of the District Court can be divided into four categories: criminal, civil, family law and licensing. The District Court has a limited appellate jurisdiction in respect of decisions made by statutory bodies and in these appeals, the decision of the District Court is final except where a point of law is at issue. In such instances an appeal can be taken to the High Court. The District Court also deals with miscellaneous actions such as actions taken under the Control of Dogs Acts, applications for citizenship, applications to amend birth and marriage certificates and applications under the Environmental Protection Act, 1992 for orders in connection with noise reduction.