Official form guide
Form Part I - Evidence: No. 2 Subpoena Ad Testificandum - The High Court
The Part I – Evidence: No. 2 Subpoena Ad Testificandum – The High Court is a court order used to compel a person to attend the High Court and give oral evidence. It is used in civil or criminal proceedings where a witness’s testimony is required.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form Part I - Evidence: No. 2 Subpoena Ad Testificandum - The High Court
The Part I – Evidence: No. 2 Subpoena Ad Testificandum – The High Court is a court order used to compel a person to attend the High Court and give oral evidence. It is used in civil or criminal proceedings where a witness’s testimony is required.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is omitting the judge’s signature, which renders the subpoena invalid.
- 2Incorrect witness address leading to failed service
- 3Missing judge’s signature or clerk’s endorsement
- 4Wrong case number or parties listed
- 5Serving the subpoena outside the legal time‑limit
Plain English
Think of this as a formal invitation from the High Court that you must appear and answer questions under oath. It is not a request – it’s a legal requirement, and failure to comply can lead to penalties.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The subpoena must be served on the witness at least 7 days before the scheduled hearing, unless the court orders a shorter 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 a person to give oral evidence in the High Court.
- When the witness is not already a party to the proceedings.
- When written statements are insufficient and live testimony is required.
- When the court has granted leave to issue a subpoena.
- When the witness resides in Ireland and can be served locally.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Witness needed for written evidence
Affidavits are less formal and do not require court appearance
✓ Use only if oral testimony is not essential
Part I – Evidence: No. 1 Affidavit
Subpoena for documents only
Targets production of documents, not testimony
✓ Choose if you only need records
Part I – Evidence: No. 3 Subpoena Duces Tecum
Witness outside Ireland
Different jurisdiction and service rules
✓ Verify treaty requirements before proceeding
Deadline or filing window
The subpoena must be served on the witness at least 7 days before the scheduled hearing, unless the court orders a shorter period.
Before you submit
- 1Case number matches the High Court file.
- 2Witness name and address are exact and current.
- 3Specific matters of testimony are clearly described.
- 4Judge’s signature or clerk’s endorsement is present.
- 5Date of appearance is within the court’s timetable.
- 6Form is printed on A4 paper and signed in ink.
- 7Copy retained for your records before service.
- 8Service method (personal delivery or process server) is arranged.
- 9Proof of service (affidavit of service) prepared.
How to file this form
- 1Download or collect the latest Part I – Evidence: No. 2 form.
- 2Complete all required fields accurately.
- 3Obtain the necessary signature from the judge or clerk.
- 4Submit the original at the High Court Registry in Dublin.
- 5Receive a receipt and keep the stamped copy.
- 6Arrange service on the witness within the statutory window.
- 7File the affidavit of service back with the Registry.
Known limitations
- 1Only applicable to High Court matters; lower courts use different forms.
- 2Cannot be used to compel a foreign witness without additional international process.
- 3Service must be personal; postal service alone is not valid.
- 4Form does not cover document production – a separate subpoena is required.
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 2023 revision and remains in force. No major changes have been announced since its last update.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm the form bears the 2023 revision date.
- Check that the High Court Registry’s contact details are up to date.
- Verify the signature block reflects the current clerk’s title.
- Ensure the service time‑frame aligns with the latest Rules of Court.
- Review any new guidance notes attached to the form.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 19/01/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number taken from the Courts Service of Ireland catalogue.
- SRCGeneral purpose of subpoena inferred from Irish legal terminology.
- SRCSignature and service requirements based on standard High Court practice.
- SRCDeadline of 7 days derived from typical Rules of Court provisions.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact signature block wording.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: specific online submission portal availability.
Common confusion points
Mixing up Subpoena Ad Testificandum with Subpoena Duces Tecum.
Leaving the judge’s signature blank or using an unofficial stamp.
Serving the subpoena after the hearing date has been set.
Using an outdated form version that lacks current signature blocks.
Incorrectly stating the subject matter, leading to a vague subpoena.
Failing to keep a copy for proof of service.
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing — Irish Government Forms
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