Learn how to exercise your rights with Private Prosecutions Ireland

Empowering You to Navigate the Courts and Assert Your Rights: A Course on Exercising Statutory and Constitutional Rights

At Private Prosecutions Ireland, we recognize the fundamental importance of every citizen in Ireland understanding how to effectively move within our legal system. Inspired by the words of the Constitution, which acknowledges the sovereign right of the people to determine their government and their own affairs (Article 1), our course is designed to provide individuals with the tools needed to confidently navigate both statutory and constitutional law.

Beginning in November, our comprehensive monthly course offers a unique opportunity for participants to engage directly with the courts and learn how to effectively assert their legal rights. Every citizen, as affirmed by Article 6, holds the power of government, judicial authority, and legislative action. This course equips you to exercise those rights, ensuring that you are fully empowered to participate in the judicial system.

Why Understanding the Judicial System Matters

The Constitution of Ireland places the power and sovereignty of the nation in the hands of its people. Article 6.1 states that "All powers of government, legislative, executive and judicial, derive, under God, from the people, whose right it is to designate the rulers of the State." As a participant in this course, you will learn how to exercise your role as a citizen within this framework, making sure that the protections guaranteed under Irish law are accessible to all, not just those well-versed in legal matters.

It is crucial for every citizen to understand how to engage with the courts. The judicial system, as outlined in Article 34, administers justice through judges appointed according to constitutional principles, and all trials must be carried out in accordance with law (Article 38). By familiarizing yourself with the formalities of court procedures, you can navigate the system with greater confidence and ensure your voice is heard when asserting your rights.

Course Overview

Held monthly at the Four Courts in Dublin, this immersive course runs from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the morning, and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the afternoon. The morning sessions focus on understanding and applying statutory law. You will learn how to issue summonses, present evidence, and initiate legal proceedings effectively. By the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to observe real court cases, witnessing barristers, solicitors, and lay litigants in action.

A key component of the course is ensuring that you are comfortable within the formal setting of Superior Courts. As we tour the High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, and key administrative offices like the Stamp and Central Offices, you'll gain practical familiarity with the spaces where justice is carried out. This experience is vital in helping you feel at ease when asserting your rights within the judicial process.

Building Legal Skills and Confidence

Through practical exercises, the course offers a chance to apply statutory and constitutional law to real-world scenarios. This includes understanding civil litigation, filing claims, and knowing the steps to take when defending personal liberty—protected under Article 40 of the Constitution. You’ll also learn how to bring an Article 40.4 application before the High Court, safeguarding your right to live freely and without unlawful restraint.

In the words of the Preamble to the Constitution, we are "seeking to promote the common good, with due observance of Prudence, Justice and Charity, so that the dignity and freedom of the individual may be assured." This course is designed with these principles in mind, offering not just theoretical knowledge but practical, actionable steps to ensure your rights are protected.

Creating a Community of Empowered Citizens

In addition to legal education, the course fosters a community of support. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with others, exchanging strategies and experiences. A dedicated WhatsApp group will keep you connected between sessions, offering continued support as you apply the lessons learned.

Our course allows for flexible participation, so you can join at any point after the November start date. Each session is designed to provide practical insights that you can apply immediately, whether dealing with criminal matters, civil litigation, or personal liberty challenges.

Join Us in Upholding Your Constitutional Rights

Our Constitution places great responsibility on the people of Ireland to uphold justice and ensure the rule of law prevails. As Article 1 affirms, it is our inalienable right to shape our political, economic, and cultural life in accordance with our own traditions and genius. This course provides the knowledge and practical tools necessary to fulfill that responsibility.

By becoming more familiar with the judicial system, you not only enhance your own legal knowledge but also strengthen your ability to contribute to the pursuit of justice in Ireland. Join us in November—and at any time afterward—and take the first step toward fully exercising your statutory and constitutional rights.

In doing so, you will honor the legacy of our forebears and fulfill the constitutional mandate to ensure that "the dignity and freedom of the individual may be assured" for future generations.