The High Court can determine all matters and questions, whether of law or fact, civil or criminal. There is no limit or restriction either as to where proceedings should be commenced or how much money can be awarded by the High Court in compensation or damages
In certain civil cases, such as defamation, assault and false imprisonment, a judge will sit with a jury in the High Court. In all cases, a majority vote of nine of the twelve jurors is sufficient to determine the verdict.
- The High Court is the appropriate court to hear cases involving claims for damages in excess of €75,000 (personal injury €60,000)
- The High Court can hear questions relating to the validity of a law
- The High Court acts as an appeal court from the Circuit Court in civil matters
- The High Court has power to review the decisions of all inferior courts by judicial review
- The High Court may give rulings on a question of law submitted by the District Court and may hear appeals in certain other circumstances provided by statute, i.e., in regard to decisions of the District Court on applications for bail
- The High Court can review decisions of certain Tribunals of Inquiry
- The High Court can review certain decisions made by public bodies including, for example, those on environmental matters