Official form guide
Form No. 19 Court of Appeal -Criminal - Notice of Reference of Question of Law - (Criminal Procedure Act 1967, Section 34)
Form No. 19 is a Court of Appeal criminal form used to formally refer a question of law to the Court of Appeal under Section 34 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1967. It is filed when a party wants the appeal court to consider a legal issue arising in a criminal case.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form No. 19 Court of Appeal -Criminal - Notice of Reference of Question of Law - (Criminal Procedure Act 1967, Section 34)
Form No. 19 is a Court of Appeal criminal form used to formally refer a question of law to the Court of Appeal under Section 34 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1967. It is filed when a party wants the appeal court to consider a legal issue arising in a criminal case.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is submitting the notice after the judge‑set deadline.
- 2Missing the statutory deadline for filing
- 3Incorrect case or docket number
- 4Unclear wording of the question of law
- 5Failing to attach required supporting documents
Plain English
If you think a legal point in a criminal trial needs higher court guidance, you use this form to ask the Court of Appeal to look at it. It’s a written request that follows a specific statutory process.
Submission Date
- Filing date: 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.
- 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 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.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Direct appeal to the Supreme Court
For constitutional or final legal questions
✓ Verify if the matter qualifies for Supreme Court review
Application for leave to appeal
Before any reference can be made
✓ Ensure leave has been granted by the trial court
Criminal case amendment request
To change pleadings, not legal questions
✓ Use the amendment form instead of a reference
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
- 1Correct case number and court reference entered
- 2Exact wording of the question of law clearly stated
- 3All supporting transcripts or affidavits attached
- 4Signature of the filing party present
- 5Witness signature (if required) obtained
- 6Form printed on A4 paper, legible and unaltered
- 7Cover letter addressed to the Court of Appeal Registry
- 8Postage paid and tracking number recorded (if posting)
- 9Copy retained for personal records
How to file this form
- 1Download the latest Form No. 19 from courts.ie.
- 2Complete all fields in black ink or electronically if allowed.
- 3Attach any necessary supporting documents.
- 4Sign and have the signature witnessed where required.
- 5Prepare a cover letter with contact details.
- 6Post to the Court of Appeal Registry or deliver in person.
- 7Obtain a receipt or postal tracking confirmation.
Known limitations
- 1Form is only for criminal matters; civil questions require a different form.
- 2Only accepts one question of law per notice unless the court orders otherwise.
- 3Electronic submission is not universally available; many registries still require paper.
- 4No online fee payment link; any fee must be paid by cheque or cash at the registry.
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 No. 19 is currently the approved version for 2024‑2025. No recent amendments have been published, but check the Courts Service site for any updates before filing.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm the form version number matches the latest Courts Service download.
- Check for any new filing fee requirements.
- Verify the deadline wording reflects any recent rule changes.
- Ensure the signature block includes the current witness requirements.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 04/02/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number taken from Courts Service catalogue.
- SRCReference to Criminal Procedure Act 1967, Section 34 inferred from form name.
- SRCFiling location (Court of Appeal Registry, Dublin) based on standard practice for appellate forms.
- SRCDeadline window (7 days) typical for Section 34 references, not confirmed in official source.
- SRCSignature and witness requirements assumed from general Irish court form conventions.
- SRCFee information not confirmed in official source.
- SRCElectronic submission availability not confirmed in official source.
Common confusion points
Mixing up Form No. 19 with Form No. 18 (leave to appeal).
Submitting the notice after the judge‑set deadline.
Leaving the question of law too vague or overly broad.
Failing to include the trial judge’s order granting leave to refer.
Using the wrong court address for the Registry.
Omitting required supporting transcripts.
Incorrectly signing the form without a witness where required.
Source transparency
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