Official form guide
Form 38A - Notice of appeal - Local Elections (Petitions and Disqualifications) Act, 1974
This form is a Notice of appeal related to local elections in Ireland. It specifically relates to matters covered by the Local Elections (Petitions and Disqualifications) Act, 1974. Use it when appealing decisions concerning election petitions or candidate disqualifications.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 38A - Notice of appeal - Local Elections (Petitions and Disqualifications) Act, 1974
This form is a Notice of appeal related to local elections in Ireland. It specifically relates to matters covered by the Local Elections (Petitions and Disqualifications) Act, 1974. Use it when appealing decisions concerning election petitions or candidate disqualifications.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Ensure you are appealing the correct decision under the specified 1974 Act.
- 2Failing to specify the correct grounds for appeal.
- 3Missing the statutory filing deadline.
- 4Submitting the notice to the wrong court or department.
- 5Incomplete details regarding the original election petition.
Plain English
If you are involved in a local election process and disagree with an outcome regarding a petition or a disqualification, this form allows you to formally appeal that decision. It initiates the legal review of the original electoral matter. This is a procedural step within Irish election law.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The deadline is strictly governed by the Local Elections (Petitions and Disqualifications) Act, 1974. Check the specific court rules for precise timing windows.
- 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
- * You are appealing a decision made during local elections.
- * The appeal relates to an election petition or candidate disqualification.
- * The matter falls under the Local Elections (Petitions and Disqualifications) Act, 1974.
- * Use this form only if you have received a formal ruling you wish to challenge.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Appealing tax matters
This relates to Revenue Online Service issues.
✓ Ensure the appeal is about local election law, not finance.
General court appearance notice
These are for general civil or criminal proceedings.
✓ The 38A form is specific only to local election disputes.
Voter registration issue
This addresses eligibility to vote.
✓ Use this form when appealing a decision about the election outcome itself.
Deadline or filing window
The deadline is strictly governed by the Local Elections (Petitions and Disqualifications) Act, 1974. Check the specific court rules for precise timing windows.
Before you submit
- 1Verify the deadline for submission; appeals must be filed within strict time limits.
- 2Include copies of all decisions or rulings you are appealing against.
- 3Complete all sections using black ink and legible handwriting or typewritten text.
- 4Ensure the appeal fee, if applicable, is paid with the form.
- 5Retain a fully signed copy of the submitted package for your records.
How to file this form
- 1Review the specific rules governing appeals in local elections.
- 2Fill out Form 38A completely, referencing the original election details and decision date.
- 3Gather all supporting documents (e.g., Notice of Election, ruling).
- 4Submit the package to the designated court or administrative body as required by law.
- 5Keep proof of submission (e.g., stamped copy or tracking number).
Known limitations
- 1This form does not provide legal advice regarding your case.
- 2The appeal must strictly adhere to the grounds and procedures set out in the 1974 Act.
- 3Failure to meet filing deadlines may result in rejection of the notice.
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 notice relates to specific election law from 1974 and should be reviewed for any mandatory updates regarding court filing procedures.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Verify the date and year listed on the top of the form.
- Check if the relevant local authority or court details are current.
- Confirm that the specific section you need to appeal is clearly referenced in the accompanying documentation.
- Ensure all required supporting documents (e.g., original petition) are included.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 19/02/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm relates to local election law (Local Elections Act, 1974).
- SRCIssued by Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS).
- SRCPurpose: Notice of appeal regarding petitions/disqualifications.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Specific filing court location.
Common confusion points
Mistaking an initial objection for a formal notice of appeal.
Filing the form without attaching the original decision being challenged.
Assuming the courts can rule on matters outside the 1974 Act's scope.
Using this form when only a simple clarification or amendment is needed.
Source transparency
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