Official form guide
Form 31.11 Order Authorising Arrest - Criminal Procedure 2010, Section 16 / Section 17
Form 31.11 is the Order Authorising Arrest under the Criminal Procedure Act 2010, specifically sections 16 and 17. It is used by a court to formally permit a police officer or other authorised person to arrest a named individual.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 31.11 Order Authorising Arrest - Criminal Procedure 2010, Section 16 / Section 17
Form 31.11 is the Order Authorising Arrest under the Criminal Procedure Act 2010, specifically sections 16 and 17. It is used by a court to formally permit a police officer or other authorised person to arrest a named individual.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting the judge’s signature, which makes the order invalid.
- 2Incorrect section (16 vs 17) cited
- 3Misspelling the accused’s name
- 4Missing judge’s signature
- 5Failing to give a copy to the Gardaí before the arrest
Plain English
This paper is a court order that gives police the legal power to arrest someone. It is only filled out when a judge decides an arrest is needed under the 2010 criminal rules.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The order must be issued before the police execute the arrest; any delay can render the arrest unlawful.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- When a court explicitly orders an arrest under section 16 or 17.
- When the arrest is for a serious indictable offence and requires judicial authorisation.
- When the police need a written order to justify detention before charge.
- When the accused has previously been released on bail and the court now revokes it.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Pre‑charge detention
Used for short‑term detention without a full arrest order
✓ Verify if the offence is non‑indictable
Bail variation
Changes bail conditions, not an arrest
✓ Ensure bail is still in effect
Extradition request
Applies to cross‑border cases
✓ Confirm jurisdiction before using
Deadline or filing window
The order must be issued before the police execute the arrest; any delay can render the arrest unlawful.
Before you submit
- 1Case number matches court file.
- 2Accused’s full legal name and address are correct.
- 3Offence description aligns with the charge sheet.
- 4Correct section (16 or 17) is cited.
- 5Judge’s signature and date are present.
- 6Original submitted to court registry.
- 7Certified copy given to Gardaí.
- 8Copy retained in the case file.
- 9Form version date is current.
- 10All mandatory fields are filled, no blanks.
How to file this form
- 1Download or collect the latest Form 31.11.
- 2Complete all required fields on the paper or e‑form.
- 3Present the form to the presiding judge for signature.
- 4File the signed original at the court registry.
- 5Provide a certified copy to the Gardaí responsible for the arrest.
- 6Log the filing date in the case notes.
Known limitations
- 1Only applicable to arrests ordered under sections 16 or 17 of the 2010 Act.
- 2Does not cover emergency arrests without prior judicial order.
- 3Not valid for civil contempt or non‑criminal matters.
- 4Must be used in courts that have jurisdiction over the offence.
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.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form 31.11 is currently in force and reflects the 2010 Criminal Procedure Act. No recent amendments have been published as of 2024.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check that the form header shows the 2024 version date.
- Confirm the correct section number (16 or 17) is listed.
- Verify the court registry field matches the current court handling the case.
- Ensure the signature block includes space for the judge’s electronic signature if filing online.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 19/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number taken from Courts Service catalogue.
- SRCSection references inferred from Criminal Procedure Act 2010.
- SRCSubmission method based on typical Courts Service e‑filing practice.
- SRCRisk list derived from common procedural errors in Irish criminal procedure.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact deadline wording and electronic signature availability.
Common confusion points
Mixing up section 16 (arrest without warrant) with section 17 (arrest with warrant).
Leaving the “date of issue” blank.
Using an older paper form that lacks the electronic signature field.
Submitting the form to the wrong court registry.
Assuming a police officer can sign the order instead of a judge.
Failing to note any special conditions attached to the arrest.
Source transparency
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