Is it possible to see info on a Judicial Review case?

hometruths

Just wondering since clearly judicial reviews are not private matters, is it possible for the public to see the details, affidavits etc? If so how does one go about this?

Robbo

Go to the hearing, read the published judgment if there is one.

There's no general right of public access to affidavits or other court papers in this country.

fclauson

you can make a request to each of the solicitors asking them for copies - sometimes they oblige (often not!!)

have a persuasive argument - it sometimes helps

hullaballoo

It's slightly inconsistent with the ideology of administering justice in public, which is enshrined in the Constitution but much of the material that is available to a judge over the course of a trial and in particular civil trials, is unavailable to the public. Even on request, much of the time the pleadings, affidavits and other documentary evidence will not be handed over to even the media, who have rights in relation to the extent to which they can involve themselves in legal matters beyond those of the general public and in many cases, uninterested lawyers.

That said, judges tend to give reasons for their decisions and will refer to any and sometimes all relevant information over the course of their judgment, even if made ex tempore so it can be worth going to court for that part. Where there is a written decision, that will be circulated and it is often possible to get your hands on an "unofficial" copy before it is published by the Courts Service.

hometruths

The case I am interested in is a request for a judicial review of an An Bord Pleanala decision - is it possible to ask what ABP decision it relates to?

fclauson

schmittel wrote: »

The case I am interested in is a request for a judicial review of an An Bord Pleanala decision - is it possible to ask what ABP decision it relates to?

certainly trying phoning ABP and ask if you could have the details - they might well oblige