Appeals to the Supreme Court
Appeals from the Court of Appeal
If you want to appeal a decision in the Court of Appeal, you may apply to the Supreme Court for leave to appeal. You will find more information on leave to appeal below.
Direct appeals from the High Court
If you want to appeal a decision of the High Court, in exceptional circumstances you can apply to the Supreme Court for leave to appeal. Direct appeals are also known as leapfrog appeals.
Leave to Appeal
You must ask the Court for permission or leave to appeal a case to the Supreme Court. Order 58 Rules of Superior Court and Articles 34.5.3 and 34.5.4 of the Constitution establish the procedure for appeals to the Supreme Court. Practice Direction SC 19 sets out in detail the application for leave process.
If you want to apply for leave to appeal a decision of the Court of Appeal you must set out exactly and clearly on your application why you should be given leave to bring an appeal on the basis of
(a) general public importance
An issue is of general public importance if it affects the community broadly or raises a point that many people need clarity on. It is not just a private or personal matter.
(b) the interests of justice
An action or decision is in the public interest if it benefits society overall.
If you want to apply for leave to appeal from a decision of the High Court, you must also set out exactly and clearly the exceptional circumstances.
The Supreme Court publishes a written determination following each application outlining its reason refusing or allowing the appeal . See here for further information https://www.supremecourt.ie/supreme-court/decisions/determinations
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How to apply to appeal to the Supreme Court
