County Court - Ireland

Ireland

Prior to 1924, the County Court was the main civil court in Ireland, having jurisdiction over most civil matters, except for the larger actions which were heard by the High Court of Justice in Ireland or the Assizes. Its jurisidction was similar to that of the County Court in England and Wales. However, it differed from that court in its procedures. Claims were initiated by way of civil bill. Most matters were tried by a County Court Judge, and where necessary, a jury. The main administrative officer of the County Court in earch county was the Clerk of the Crown and Peace.

The Courts of Justice Act 1924 abolished the County Court in the Irish Free State and transferred its jurisdiction (together with that of Quarter Sessions) to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court is still based on the organisational structure established for the County Court and the main administrative officer of each Circuit Court is now called the County Registrar.

The County Court continues to exist in Northern Ireland. Civil bills are still used as the initiation document for Circuit Court/County Court claims in both Irish jurisdictions, unlike in England and Wales.