The Irish Legal System
Task 1
There are five different courts in the Irish legal system. They start with the District Court which is the lowest court and has the lowest jurisdiction and work up to the Supreme Court.
The District Court has a limited and local jurisdiction. It can deal with claims of up to €15,000. It can hear cases like damages in tort, family law and some license applications. It also has a jurisdiction to sit as a Smalls Claims Court with max ruling being €2,000.
The Circuit Court is the next court on the ladder it can hear appeals from The District Court. It can deal with claims up to €75,000. There is only a judge there is no jury in this court accept for cases of defamation. This court deals mostly with contract and tort law cases.
The High Court is the next highest court and it hears appeals from The Circuit Court. It has an unlimited jurisdiction and the money that can be claimed is unlimited. It can hear cases in tort law and family law. There are 37 High Court judges.
The Court of Appeal hears appeal cases from The High Court. It was established on 28th October 2014 and is placed between The High Court and Supreme Court. It hears cases that would before have been heard by The Supreme Court. When is session there are three judge who hear and decide the case.
The Supreme Court is the final appeal in civil cases in Ireland. The court may agree with or reverse any decision made by a lower court or order a new trial. The Supreme Court hears cases on points of law and cases that challenge The Constitution and has been referred to them by the President. (courts.ie 2014)
Task 2
Civil law is the side of the law that deals with disputes between individuals, organisations or the State.
Plaintiff is the person who has suffered a loss or damage and is bringing the case against a defendant.
An Injunction is a remedy to a Tort in civil law