Official form guide
Form 31.12 Information - Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence & DNA Database System) Act 2014 (No.11/2014) Sec.16-25-35-39-56; Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Act 2008 (No.7/2008) Sec.79A,79B; International Criminal Court Act 2006 (No.30/2006) Section 50
Form 31.12 is a statutory information return required under the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence & DNA Database System) Act 2014 and related Acts. It is used to supply required data to the Courts Service about forensic or DNA evidence matters.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 31.12 Information - Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence & DNA Database System) Act 2014 (No.11/2014) Sec.16-25-35-39-56; Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Act 2008 (No.7/2008) Sec.79A,79B; International Criminal Court Act 2006 (No.30/2006) Section 50
Form 31.12 is a statutory information return required under the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence & DNA Database System) Act 2014 and related Acts. It is used to supply required data to the Courts Service about forensic or DNA evidence matters.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting to include the exact forensic sample reference number.
- 2Leaving mandatory fields blank
- 3Mismatching evidence IDs with case numbers
- 4Submitting after the statutory deadline
- 5Using an outdated version of the form
Plain English
This form asks you to give the courts details about DNA or other forensic material that is being used in a criminal case. You fill it in when the law says you must report that information, and you send it to the Courts Service.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The filing deadline is normally 14 days from the date the evidence is identified or from the court’s order, whichever is earlier.
- 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 you must report DNA evidence for a criminal proceeding in Ireland.
- When an international request for forensic assistance is made under the Mutual Assistance Act.
- When the court orders disclosure of forensic material under the DNA Database System Act.
- For updates to existing evidence records already held by the Courts Service.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Routine evidence storage update
For non‑court‑ordered custody changes
✓ Verify if a court order is needed
International assistance request
Specific to cross‑border cases
✓ Check Mutual Assistance Act sections
General forensic lab report
Not a statutory filing with courts
✓ Use only for internal audit
Deadline or filing window
The filing deadline is normally 14 days from the date the evidence is identified or from the court’s order, whichever is earlier.
Before you submit
- 1All mandatory fields completed
- 2Evidence IDs match lab records
- 3Correct statutory sections cited
- 4Supporting documents attached
- 5Form signed (electronic or wet)
- 6Version date on the form is current
- 7PDF file size under 10 MB for e‑submission
- 8Recipient address verified if posting
- 9Confirmation email saved after online upload
How to file this form
- 1Log in to the Courts Service e‑Forms portal.
- 2Select ‘Create new filing’ and choose Form 31.12.
- 3Enter case reference and evidence details.
- 4Upload supporting chain‑of‑custody and consent files.
- 5Review all entries for accuracy.
- 6Apply electronic signature.
- 7Submit and record the confirmation reference number.
Known limitations
- 1Only accepts PDF or DOCX attachments up to 10 MB.
- 2Electronic submission not available for users without a Courts Service account.
- 3Form does not capture non‑DNA forensic material; separate form required.
- 4No automatic validation of evidence IDs against the national DNA database.
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 31.12 is currently the active version for 2024‑2025; no major amendments have been published this year.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the form header for the 2024 revision date.
- Confirm the list of statutory sections matches the current Acts.
- Verify that the electronic signature field is present.
- Ensure the attachment schedule includes the latest chain‑of‑custody template.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 19/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number from user input
- SRCIssuing agency (Courts Service of Ireland) inferred from form header
- SRCStatutory Acts listed in form name (not confirmed in official source)
- SRCTypical filing deadline of 14 days inferred from common practice (not confirmed in official source)
- SRCOnline portal existence based on Courts Service e‑Forms (not confirmed in official source)
- SRCAttachment size limits and signature rules inferred from standard e‑form guidelines (not confirmed in official source)
Common confusion points
Mixing up Form 31.12 with Form 31.10 (storage updates).
Unclear whether to include raw DNA data or only summary reports.
Whether electronic or wet signature is acceptable for paper submissions.
How to reference multiple pieces of evidence on a single form.
If a court order is required for each new sample.
Differences between domestic and international assistance sections.
Source transparency
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