Official form guide
Form 34.8 Search Warrant (In Relation To A Script / Recording Referred To In Section 3 (8)) - Prohibition Of Incitement To Hatred Act, 1989 Section 9
Form 34.8 is a Search Warrant issued by the Courts Service of Ireland for obtaining a script or recording referred to in Section 3(8) of the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989, Section 9. It is used when a court orders the seizure of media material suspected of breaching the hate‑incitement law.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 34.8 Search Warrant (In Relation To A Script / Recording Referred To In Section 3 (8)) - Prohibition Of Incitement To Hatred Act, 1989 Section 9
Form 34.8 is a Search Warrant issued by the Courts Service of Ireland for obtaining a script or recording referred to in Section 3(8) of the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989, Section 9. It is used when a court orders the seizure of media material suspected of breaching the hate‑incitement law.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting the judge’s signature, which makes the warrant void.
- 2Incorrect case reference number
- 3Missing judge’s signature
- 4Vague description of the script/recording
- 5Citing the wrong section of the 1989 Act
Plain English
If the courts think a script or audio clip might break the hate‑incitement law, they can ask a judge for a warrant to take it. This form records that request and the judge’s approval. It’s a formal, court‑driven tool, not something the public fills out themselves.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The warrant must be issued and served before any search or seizure takes place; there is no separate filing deadline beyond that.
- 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 orders seizure of a script or audio clip under Section 9 of the 1989 Act.
- Only for material specifically mentioned in Section 3(8) of the Act.
- When police need a formal warrant to enter premises or seize media.
- If the material is digital, the same form applies but must describe file format and storage location.
- Do not use for general evidence collection unrelated to hate‑incitement.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
General evidence seizure
For non‑hate‑incitement material
✓ Verify the statutory basis first
Search of premises unrelated to media
Covers property only
✓ Confirm no media is involved
Emergency stop‑and‑search
Urgent situations
✓ Requires senior officer approval
Deadline or filing window
The warrant must be issued and served before any search or seizure takes place; there is no separate filing deadline beyond that.
Before you submit
- 1Case reference matches court order
- 2Accurate description of script/recording
- 3Correct legal citation (Section 9, 1989 Act)
- 4Judge’s signature and date present
- 5Form uploaded to the Courts Service portal
- 6Printed copy delivered to police liaison
- 7Retention of a copy for the court file
- 8All parties notified as per court order
How to file this form
- 1Obtain the court order authorising the search.
- 2Complete Form 34.8 with case details and media description.
- 3Have the judge sign and date the form.
- 4Upload the signed form to the Courts Service electronic filing system.
- 5Print a copy and hand it to the designated police officer.
- 6File the original in the court registry for record‑keeping.
Known limitations
- 1Only applies to material covered by Section 3(8) of the 1989 Act.
- 2Cannot be used for private investigations without court authority.
- 3Electronic submission requires a Courts Service login.
- 4Does not cover seizure of physical objects unrelated to the script/recording.
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 34.8 remains the current version as of mid‑2026. No major revisions have been announced recently.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check that the judge’s name and title are up‑to‑date.
- Confirm the correct citation of Section 9, not Section 8.
- Verify the electronic signature field matches the latest portal layout.
- Ensure the case reference format matches the current court numbering system.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 20/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number from Courts Service catalogue
- SRCReference to Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989, Section 9inferred from title
- SRCTypical court process for search warrantsgeneral legal practice in Ireland
- SRCElectronic filing via Courts Service portalstandard for modern Irish court forms
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact layout of electronic signature field
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: specific deadline beyond ‘before search’
Common confusion points
Mixing up Section 3(8) with other sections of the Act.
Leaving the judge’s signature blank or using an unofficial stamp.
Describing the media too generally (e.g., ‘audio file’ instead of ‘MP3 file named X’).
Submitting the form after the police have already entered premises.
Using the wrong form number (e.g., 34.5 instead of 34.8).
Failing to upload the form to the correct internal portal.
Source transparency
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