Law Student Essay Competition 2025
The Chief State Solicitor’s Office's annual student essay competition is now open for entries. This year's essay title is: 'Please explain the nature and importance of the rule of law generally, together with your views on its current status in Ireland and in a broader international context.' The first prize is €500, the second prize is €250 and the third prize is €150. Deadline: Friday 28 March at 5pm. Click here to find out more.
Sentencing Guidelines and Information Committee - District Court Research
The Sentencing Guidelines and Information Committee (SGIC) of the Judicial Council has prepared a paper which outlines the various community-based sanctions which are available to judges, with particular reference to the District Court. Click here to download.
Sentencing Guidelines and Information Committee - District Court Research
The Sentencing Guidelines and Information Committee contracted Dr Niamh Maguire, South East Technological University, to carry out research relating to sentencing in the District Court, and in particular in cases of Relationship Violence and Abuse. The SGIC is please to publish this research, which also identifies District Court Judges’ views on the sentencing process in the District Court. Click here to download.
Irish Prison Service 2023 Annual Report
The Irish Prison Service today published its 2023 Annual Report. The report highlights significant advancements in rehabilitation, safety, and dignity, while outlining the Irish Prison Service’s response to a rising prison population and the ongoing need for infrastructure expansion. In 2023, the number of committals to prison increased by 12.7% (+895) compared to the previous year. This, coupled with the increasing length of sentences, has had a considerable impact on prison capacity. Click here to view press release and report.
Restorative Justice Services’ 2023 Annual Report
The Restorative Justice Services published its 2023 Annual Report, providing insights into how the organisation delivered restorative services. Click here to download the full annual report.
2024 ACJRD Annual Conference Report available to download
The report from the 27th ACJRD Annual Conference: Continuing the Conversation – The Future of Drug Policy in Ireland, is now available to download. Please click here to download.
ACJRD Newsletter and notice submissions
If you have submissions relevant for distribution to personnel working in or associated professionally with the criminal justice system, please send them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will consider them for our next newsletter and notices.
Also, we sometimes receive submissions at short notice for events, vacancies and opportunities, so be sure to keep an eye on our News section so you don’t miss these.