Criminal law in Ireland

Criminal law in Ireland deals with conduct treated as an offence against the community. It aims to protect the public while requiring fair procedures for suspects, accused persons, victims, and witnesses. An Garda Síochána, commonly called the Gardaí, investigates suspected offences. Garda powers are controlled by law, and different rules can apply to questioning, searches, seizure, arrest, detention, and identification. The Director of Public Prosecutions, known as the DPP, directs many serious prosecutions. Less serious matters may be prosecuted through other authorised arrangements within the criminal justice system. Some offences are dealt with summarily, usually in the District Court without a jury. More serious indictable offences may proceed to a higher court and may involve a judge and jury. A person accused of an offence is presumed innocent. The prosecution must prove guilt to the criminal standard, and the accused has important rights concerning legal advice, evidence, hearing, and defence. After a charge, a person may be released or kept in custody while the case continues. Bail decisions can include conditions designed to secure attendance and protect the proper administration of justice. A criminal case may involve initial hearings, disclosure of evidence, legal arguments, a guilty plea or trial, and then sentencing if there is a conviction. Appeals or reviews may be possible in appropriate circumstances. Sentencing can consider the offence, harm, culpability, prior record, personal circumstances, plea, cooperation, and mitigation. Possible outcomes vary from non-custodial measures to imprisonment, depending on the law and facts. Victims and witnesses may receive information and support, but the prosecution is brought on behalf of the State. Reporting an offence does not make the reporting person the lawyer or controller of the prosecution.