Official form guide
Form 31.1 Notice Of Appeal Against An Authorisation - Criminal Justice Act 1984, Section 8A(6) (As Substituted By Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence And DNA Database System) Act 2014, Section 103)
Form 31.1 is a Notice of Appeal against an authorisation made under Section 8A(6) of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, as amended by the 2014 Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System Act. Use it when you want to challenge a court's decision to authorise a forensic DNA sample or related evidence.
Need help with Form 31.1 Notice Of Appeal Against An Authorisation - Criminal Justice Act 1984, Section 8A(6) (As Substituted By Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence And DNA Database System) Act 2014, Section 103)?
Open it in the AI Editor for field guidance, checks, and PDF export.
Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 31.1 Notice Of Appeal Against An Authorisation - Criminal Justice Act 1984, Section 8A(6) (As Substituted By Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence And DNA Database System) Act 2014, Section 103)
Form 31.1 is a Notice of Appeal against an authorisation made under Section 8A(6) of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, as amended by the 2014 Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System Act. Use it when you want to challenge a court's decision to authorise a forensic DNA sample or related evidence.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is filing the appeal after the statutory deadline.
- 2Missing the filing deadline
- 3Failing to include the correct case number
- 4Omitting required supporting evidence
- 5Signing the form in the wrong place
Plain English
If a judge has ordered you to give a DNA sample or other forensic evidence and you disagree, this form lets you formally appeal that decision. You fill it out, sign it, and send it to the court that made the original order.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The appeal must be filed within the period specified in the authorisation order, usually 14 days from receipt of the notice. Late filings are likely to be rejected.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
AI co-pilot
Fill it faster. Catch mistakes before you file.
What this form is for
- When you want to appeal a DNA or forensic evidence authorisation under the Criminal Justice Act.
- If you have already received a formal authorisation notice from the court.
- When you need to raise legal or medical grounds for refusing the sample.
- Not for general complaints about police conduct – use a different form for that.
- Use only for appeals; applications for a new authorisation require a separate form.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
You want to challenge a search warrant
Different statutory basis
✓ Verify the correct form number
You need to apply for a DNA exemption on medical grounds
Medical exemption process
✓ Confirm exemption criteria first
You are appealing a conviction, not an authorisation
Different procedural route
✓ Use the standard appeal form
Deadline or filing window
The appeal must be filed within the period specified in the authorisation order, usually 14 days from receipt of the notice. Late filings are likely to be rejected.
Before you submit
- 1Case number copied exactly from the authorisation notice.
- 2All personal details (name, address, PPSN) entered correctly.
- 3Grounds of appeal clearly stated and supported by documents.
- 4Signature and date present on the declaration page.
- 5Supporting evidence attached and labelled.
- 6Form printed on A4 paper, legible, and no stray marks.
- 7Envelope addressed to the correct court registry.
- 8Recorded delivery receipt kept as proof of filing.
How to file this form
- 1Download the latest Form 31.1 from courts.ie.
- 2Print the form and fill it in using black ink.
- 3Gather any medical reports, legal opinions, or other evidence.
- 4Attach the supporting documents in the order indicated on the form.
- 5Sign and date the declaration section.
- 6Package the form and attachments and send by recorded delivery or hand‑deliver to the court registry.
- 7Keep a copy of everything for your records.
Known limitations
- 1The form does not accept electronic signatures.
- 2Only paper filing is accepted in most courts; e‑filing availability varies.
- 3No guidance on how many pages of supporting evidence are allowed – keep it concise.
- 4The form assumes the appellant is the person named in the authorisation; third‑party appeals need separate documentation.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Proceedings
3 items
The names of the parties exactly as they appear on the originating document.
The court record number for the case, if one has been assigned.
The court and the office where the document is being filed.
Substance
2 items
What you are asking the court to do, or the information the form requires.
The facts relied on and any documents exhibited with the filing.
Execution
1 items
Signed, sworn or certified as the form requires, with proof of service where needed.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form 31.1 is the current version as of 2024. No major amendments have been announced, but always check the Courts Service site for updates before filing.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the form header for the latest revision date.
- Confirm the court address listed matches the issuing court.
- Verify that the statutory references (Section 8A(6) and 2014 amendment) are still current.
- Ensure any attached guidance notes are the latest version.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 19/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number from user input.
- SRCStatutory references (Criminal Justice Act 1984, Section 8A(6) and 2014 amendment) inferred from form name.
- SRCTypical 14‑day appeal window inferred from common Irish court practicenot confirmed in official source.
- SRCSubmission methods (post, in‑person, e‑filing) based on general Courts Service proceduresnot confirmed in official source.
- SRCDeadline and filing requirements derived from standard appeal rulesnot confirmed in official source.
Common confusion points
Mixing up the authorisation notice date with the filing deadline.
Using the wrong form number (31.1 vs 31.2).
Leaving the case number blank or entering it incorrectly.
Failing to attach required medical or legal documents.
Signing the form in pencil or using a stylus.
Sending the form to the district court instead of the circuit court.
Assuming electronic filing is available without confirming.
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing — Irish Government Forms
BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.
Understand the agreement before you sign it.
Review risky clauses in plain English, fix the document, and keep it moving toward signature.