Courts and Court Officers Bill, 1994

Public bill · Government · Presented

The Courts and Court Officers Bill, 1994 would establish a new Court of Appeal to hear many appeals from the High Court, including personal-injury cases, and take over the work of the existing criminal appeals court. It aims to reduce delays and costs by limiting further appeals to the Supreme Court to cases involving major legal or constitutional issues. It would also create a board to advise on judicial appointments and a commission to advise on how the courts are organised and managed. Other measures would give court officials more powers, improve the handling of legal costs and pre-trial information, allow solicitors to become Circuit Court judges, and make related changes to court procedures and staff.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to establish in pursuance of Article 34 of the Constitution a Court of Appeal, to provide for the establishment and functions of a Judicial Appointments Advisory Board, to provide for the establishment and functions of a Courts Commission, to amend the Courts (Supplemental Provisions) Act, 1961, to amend and extend the powers of the Taxing Masters of the High Court, to confer further powers on the Superior Courts Rules Committee and to provide for related matters

Last updated 14 April 2025