Viewing a court case. Can the publc actually do it?

Crock Rock

I was talking a to a friend of mine and I mentioned that I would love to see an Irish court case happening. He mentioned that the District Courts are open for public viewing.


He seemed quite surprised when I told him I never knew that! He said secret trials are something from North Korea and that it's our constitutional right to see court cases happening (bar a few exceptions, murder rape, terrorism and family cases, there are no jury in these trials).


He said I can just walk into Swords or Balbriggan District Courts (my closest ones). Is that so? Is there a schedule of hearings somewhere? Can I just walk in or do I need permission in advance? Should I dress in a shirt and tie to show respect for the courtroom?

I'd love to see the process. I'm very curious what happens. Anyone have any insight into this? Will there be a jury in the Swords District Court?

marko99

Yes, almost all courts are open to the public. Look at courts.ie (if you can figure it out!) to see when district court sittings are taking place in your area. Don't expect to find a jury in the District Court.

Crock Rock

marko99 wrote: »

Yes, almost all courts are open to the public. Look at courts.ie (if you can figure it out!) to see when district court sittings are taking place in your area. Don't expect to find a jury in the District Court.

Am I right in saying that the District Courts are local yobs who are in for public order, vandalism, theft, etc.?

Is their innocence or guilt down to the individual judge?

If I am brought to court for doing 200 km/h or another road traffic infraction , which court would hear my case? Would a jury be there?

Mod
You will see defendants in the District Courts rather than "local yobs". Language, pls

angela1711

Hi,

You can actually go to any Court and sit down on any case apart from cases heard 'in camera" which would mostly be family law cases and rape trials. You can even go to Dublin Criminal Court and sit on a murder trial.

Courts.ie will give you a list of upcoming cases.

You don't have to dress in a full suit but don't wear tracksuits either.

angela1711

Well yeah most Courts.

tuxy

Once you sit near the back and stay quiet you can but it can be difficult to hear what is being said. The district court is very dull , mostly people admitting to petty crime then explaining their circumstances in the hope of getting a lenient penalty. It's usual small fines(<€1000) that are handed out. As said courts.ie will have the dates that the different courts sit.

http://www.courts.ie/Courts.ie/Library3.nsf/PageCurrentWebLookUpTopNav/TERMS%20&%20SITTINGS?opendocument&l=en

angela1711

Crock Rock wrote: »

Am I right in saying that the District Courts are local yobs who are in for public order, vandalism, theft, etc.?

Is their innocence or guilt down to the individual judge?

If I am brought to court for doing 200 km/h or another road traffic infraction , which court would hear my case? Would a jury be there?

District Court is on the bottom of Court hierarchy so usually hears minor offences/crimes including road traffic offences.
Yes, its up the Judge in the DC to decide whether a person is guilty or not.

Samuel T. Cogley

Yes dress smartly and don't be afraid to sit a bit forward form the back so you can hear, although DCs can be very busy at times.

200Kph would likely be dangerous driving, assuming no injuries District Court. Serious injury or death Circuit Court on indictment with a Jury. AFAIK

There's a discussion going on at the moment about the presumption of innocence. I would forward that the Judge decides guilt only, innocence is the default state that doesn't change unless there is a guilty verdict. But the other thread will give you more information.

Losty Dublin

tuxy wrote: »

Once you sit near the back and stay quiet you can but it can be difficult to hear what is being said. The district court is very dull , mostly people admitting to petty crime then explaining their circumstances in the hope of getting a lenient penalty. It's usual small fines(<€1000) that are handed out. As said courts.ie will have the dates that the different courts sit

On the contrary it's anything but dull in a district court though it can get dour at times. I often called down to the old Court 44 and 45 in Dublin for a mornings entertainment and trust me, you would always get some cases to catch the imagination. District cases in rural areas offer a wide mix of case types and they can be especially colourful at times.

Also, it's a great place to get a snapshot of Ireland socially and to see both the Law and the Judicial system at work. If only once it's well worth doing.

Mr. Incognito

I would recommend the criminal courts if you are in Dublin.

You can stroll into any court in session but be respectful and sit down the back.