Official form guide
Form 21.5 – Information (Witness Refusing To Attend)
This form is titled Form 21.5 and comes from the Courts Service of Ireland. It specifically provides information when a witness has refused to attend a scheduled court appearance.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 21.5 – Information (Witness Refusing To Attend)
This form is titled Form 21.5 and comes from the Courts Service of Ireland. It specifically provides information when a witness has refused to attend a scheduled court appearance.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not submit this form without a clear reason documented for the witness's absence.
- 2Failing to name the specific Court Case Number.
- 3Omitting the precise reason for the witness's refusal.
- 4Submitting the form long after the scheduled hearing date.
- 5Not signing and dating Form 21.5 correctly.
Plain English
Use this form when someone who was supposed to give evidence in court declines to show up. It tells the court exactly why that person isn't attending. This helps the judge know what action to take next.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no single universal deadline listed here. Submit it immediately upon confirming the refusal to attend court.
- 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
- Use this form when a scheduled witness refuses to come to court.
- Do not use this if the witness simply failed to show up without giving notice.
- Use it when the refusal is communicated formally, rather than just being absent.
- This form provides the official record of that refusal for the court file.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Witness fails to attend (no contact)
This records absence without prior notice or explanation.
✓ Check if a notification letter was sent.
Witness needs an adjournment/reschedule
Use this when the witness *wants* to attend but cannot on the current date.
✓ Confirm the reason for the inability to attend.
Witness is unavailable due to illness/emergency
This covers a formal refusal, which often includes citing an unavoidable issue.
✓ Ensure the refusal letter details the reason clearly.
Witness confirms attendance at last minute
If they confirm just before the hearing, this might be a simple court note instead of a full 21.5 filing.
✓ Check local court procedure guidelines.
Deadline or filing window
There is no single universal deadline listed here. Submit it immediately upon confirming the refusal to attend court.
Before you submit
- 1Have you clearly identified the witness's full name and case reference number?
- 2Is the date of the scheduled court appearance correctly entered?
- 3Does the form explicitly state that the witness 'Refuses To Attend'?
- 4Is the signature block completed by the person receiving/recording the refusal (e.g., solicitor or clerk)?
- 5Have you included the precise reason given for the refusal in the designated space?
- 6Are all required sections filled out, even if the answer is 'N/A'?
How to file this form
- 1Complete Form 21.5 fully using black ink.
- 2Sign and date the form where indicated.
- 3Submit the completed form to the relevant Court Office or through the designated online portal (if applicable).
- 4Keep a copy of the signed, submitted form for your own records.
- 5If submitting electronically, ensure you receive an automated confirmation receipt.
Known limitations
- 1This form does not automatically change the court date; it only documents the refusal.
- 2Not confirmed in official source: It doesn't specify if this form must be filed before or after a specific deadline.
- 3The acceptance of Form 21.5 depends on the rules of the specific Circuit or District Court hearing.
- 4It does not replace notification; it supplements proof that notice was given.
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->This is Form 21.5 from the Courts Service of Ireland. It is used specifically to record details when a witness declines to attend court.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check if the current version requires an electronic signature.
- Verify the specific Court Office reference number listed at the top.
- Confirm if there are new fields regarding digital communication (e.g., email notification).
- Ensure the date format matches the required Irish standard (DD/MM/YYYY).
- Look for any changes to the section detailing the *reason* for refusal.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 18/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCIssuing Body: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS)
- SRCForm Number: Form 21.5
- SRCPurpose: Records witness refusal to attend court.
- SRCContext: Used within Irish judicial proceedings.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Specific jurisdiction requirements (e.g., District vs. Circuit).
Common confusion points
Mistaking 'Refusal' for 'Inability': Refusal means they say 'No'; Inability means they say 'Yes, but not today.'
Forgetting to state *who* refused: The form needs the witness identified, not just the case.
Thinking this replaces service of documents: This form proves the refusal; other forms prove you told them about the hearing.
Assuming it cancels the case: Filing 21.5 only stops the current date; the matter might move to a new date or be dismissed.
Source transparency
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