Official form guide
Form Part I - Evidence: No. 1 Praecipe for Subpoena
The Part I – Evidence: No. 1 Praecipe for Subpoena is a Courts Service of Ireland form used to request a subpoena for documents or witnesses in a court case. It is filed by a party to the proceedings when they need evidence from a third party.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form Part I - Evidence: No. 1 Praecipe for Subpoena
The Part I – Evidence: No. 1 Praecipe for Subpoena is a Courts Service of Ireland form used to request a subpoena for documents or witnesses in a court case. It is filed by a party to the proceedings when they need evidence from a third party.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is an incomplete or unclear description of the evidence you are requesting.
- 2Incorrect case number or party details
- 3Vague description of requested evidence
- 4Missing signature or date
- 5Submitting to the wrong court registry
Plain English
If you are involved in a court case and need someone else to hand over papers or appear in court, you fill out this Praecipe. It tells the court you are asking for a subpoena and sets out the details of what you need.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The Praecipe should be filed as soon as possible after identifying the need for evidence, and no later than any court‑set deadline for disclosure, often several weeks before trial.
- 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 a subpoena for documents from a third‑party business.
- When you need a witness to attend court and give testimony.
- When the court has ordered you to produce evidence and you must formalise the request.
- Instead of an informal letter to the other party.
- When the request is part of formal discovery in civil litigation.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Request for production of documents
Used when only documents are sought and no court appearance is needed
✓ Verify if a subpoena is required first
Form No. 2 – Request for Production
Witness Statement
Used to submit the content of testimony, not to summon the witness
✓ Use after the subpoena has been issued
Application for Order
Used to ask the court for a procedural order, not for evidence collection
✓ Ensure you have a valid reason for the subpoena before applying
Form No. 4 – Application for Order
Deadline or filing window
The Praecipe should be filed as soon as possible after identifying the need for evidence, and no later than any court‑set deadline for disclosure, often several weeks before trial.
Before you submit
- 1Case number matches the court file.
- 2Correct name and address of the person/organisation to be subpoenaed.
- 3Clear, specific description of documents or testimony required.
- 4Signature of the applicant (or solicitor) and date.
- 5All required supporting documents attached.
- 6Form printed on A4 paper, legible and unaltered.
- 7Correct court registry selected.
- 8Copy retained for your records.
How to file this form
- 1Download the latest Praecipe for Subpoena from courts.ie.
- 2Complete all fields accurately, using block letters where possible.
- 3Attach any necessary supporting material, such as a witness statement.
- 4Sign and date the form.
- 5Submit to the appropriate court registry in person, by post, or via e‑filing.
- 6Obtain a receipt or confirmation of filing.
- 7Keep a copy of the filed form and receipt.
Known limitations
- 1Form does not cover requests for medical records without patient consent.
- 2Only applicable to civil and family court matters; criminal cases use different procedures.
- 3E‑filing may not be available for all courts.
- 4The form does not substitute for a court order; the judge must still approve the subpoena.
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->The form is currently the standard version used by all Irish courts. No recent amendments have been announced, but always check the Courts Service website for updates before filing.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm the form header shows the latest year of issue.
- Check that the case number field layout matches the current format.
- Verify the signature block includes space for a solicitor’s signature if applicable.
- Ensure any reference to e‑filing reflects the current portal URL.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 19/01/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number taken from user input.
- SRCIssuing agency identified as Courts Service of Ireland.
- SRCPurpose inferred from typical use of a Praecipe for Subpoena in Irish courts.
- SRCProcedural steps based on general Irish court filing practice.
- SRCSpecific deadlines and e‑filing availability not confirmed in official source.
- SRCRisk list derived from common filing errors observed in practice, not official guidance.
Common confusion points
Mixing up the Praecipe with a simple request letter.
Leaving the description of evidence too generic.
Submitting to the wrong district court registry.
Forgetting to sign the form or include the solicitor’s details.
Not attaching a supporting witness statement when required.
Assuming e‑filing is mandatory for all courts.
Overlooking the court’s deadline for disclosure.
Source transparency
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