No. 19  Court of Appeal -Criminal - Notice of Reference of Question of Law - (Criminal Procedure Act 1967, Section 34)

What this form is for

• • When you need the Court of Appeal to decide a specific legal issue from a criminal trial.
• • When the trial judge has granted leave to refer a question of law.
• • When the question of law is not suitable for a direct appeal under other provisions.
• • When you want a binding precedent for future cases.
• • When the issue relates to interpretation of statutes or procedural rules in criminal law.

Use this form or another form?

Deadline or filing window

The notice must be lodged within the time limit set by the trial judge, typically within 7 days of the judgment, unless the judge orders a different period.

Before you submit

• • Correct case number and court reference entered
• • Exact wording of the question of law clearly stated
• • All supporting transcripts or affidavits attached
• • Signature of the filing party present
• • Witness signature (if required) obtained
• • Form printed on A4 paper, legible and unaltered
• • Cover letter addressed to the Court of Appeal Registry
• • Postage paid and tracking number recorded (if posting)
• • Copy retained for personal records

How to file this form

1. 1Download the latest Form No. 19 from courts.ie.
2. 2Complete all fields in black ink or electronically if allowed.
3. 3Attach any necessary supporting documents.
4. 4Sign and have the signature witnessed where required.
5. 5Prepare a cover letter with contact details.
6. 6Post to the Court of Appeal Registry or deliver in person.
7. 7Obtain a receipt or postal tracking confirmation.

Known limitations

• • Form is only for criminal matters; civil questions require a different form.
• • Only accepts one question of law per notice unless the court orders otherwise.
• • Electronic submission is not universally available; many registries still require paper.
• • No online fee payment link; any fee must be paid by cheque or cash at the registry.