Official form guide
Form 34.52 Order - Criminal Justice Act 1994, S. 63(3) ( As Substituted By Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Act 2008, S. 105)
Form 34.52 Order is a court order form required under the Criminal Justice Act 1994 (as amended by the Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Act 2008). It is used when a court needs to issue an order for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.
Need help with Form 34.52 Order - Criminal Justice Act 1994, S. 63(3) ( As Substituted By Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Act 2008, S. 105)?
Open it in the AI Editor for field guidance, checks, and PDF export.
Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 34.52 Order - Criminal Justice Act 1994, S. 63(3) ( As Substituted By Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Act 2008, S. 105)
Form 34.52 Order is a court order form required under the Criminal Justice Act 1994 (as amended by the Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Act 2008). It is used when a court needs to issue an order for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting the judge’s signature, which invalidates the order.
- 2Incorrect statutory reference
- 3Missing judge’s signature
- 4Wrong foreign authority details
- 5Omitting required supporting documents
Plain English
This is the paper the court fills out when Ireland has to help another country with a criminal case, or when another country asks for help. It records the details of the assistance being requested or provided.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The order must be issued within the time‑frame set by the requesting authority, usually 30 days from receipt of the request, unless the court extends it.
- 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 a foreign state requests evidence from an Irish criminal investigation.
- When Irish authorities need to execute a search or seizure abroad.
- When a court orders the transfer of a person for testimony in another jurisdiction.
- When the request falls under the Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Act 2008.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Request for Extradition
Extradition orders require a different statutory basis
✓ Verify the case is extradition, not mutual assistance
Letter of Request for Evidence
Used for informal evidence requests
✓ Use only for non‑court orders
European Investigation Order
EU member state cooperation
✓ Confirm EU framework applies
Deadline or filing window
The order must be issued within the time‑frame set by the requesting authority, usually 30 days from receipt of the request, unless the court extends it.
Before you submit
- 1All case numbers are correct
- 2Statutory provision is accurately quoted
- 3Judge’s signature and date are present
- 4All supporting documents are attached
- 5Foreign authority contact details are verified
- 6Form is printed on official court stationery
- 7Copy filed with the court registry
- 8Copy sent to the Mutual Assistance Unit
- 9Record of dispatch (post or email) retained
How to file this form
- 1Collect the foreign request and relevant case file
- 2Complete the form fields on the printed template
- 3Attach required documents (evidence list, witness statements, etc.)
- 4Obtain the judge’s signature and seal
- 5File the original with the Central Criminal Court registry
- 6Send a certified copy to the Department of Justice Mutual Assistance Unit
- 7Log the filing date and reference number in the case file
Known limitations
- 1Form is only for mutual assistance under the 1994/2008 Acts; other cooperation mechanisms need different forms
- 2Does not cover civil matters or administrative requests
- 3Only applicable when a court order is required, not for informal letters of request
- 4Electronic submission is not currently supported; paper copy is mandatory
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 34.52 is currently in force and reflects the 2008 amendment; no further changes have been published as of the latest update.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check that the statutory reference cites S. 63(3) as substituted by S. 105 of 2008
- Confirm the form header shows the latest Courts Service logo
- Verify any new attachment requirements listed in the 2024 guidance note
- Ensure the signature block includes space for the presiding judge’s seal
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 20/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number taken from the Courts Service catalogue
- SRCStatutory references inferred from the Criminal Justice Act 1994 and 2008 amendment
- SRCSubmission process based on typical Courts Service filing practice
- SRCDeadline guidance derived from standard mutual assistance time‑limits
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact attachment list and electronic filing options
Common confusion points
Mixing up Form 34.52 with Form 34.51 (extradition)
Leaving the statutory citation blank or outdated
Submitting the form electronically instead of paper
Using the wrong version of the judge’s signature block
Failing to attach the original request from the foreign state
Incorrectly addressing the copy to the Mutual Assistance Unit
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.