Back to topics

Who has to prove what in an Irish civil or criminal case?

“Who must prove it?” and “How convincing must the evidence be?” are separate questions. In Ireland, an ordinary civil claim generally uses the balance of probabilities, while a criminal conviction requires proof beyond reasonable doubt; particular claims and defenses can change where the burden falls.

3–7 min

Questions you could explore

  • Why would a different outcome in civil and criminal proceedings not automatically mean one court ignored the evidence?

Start reading

Ready to try your ideas aloud?

Your topic carries over. Record up to 2½ minutes, depending on your plan.

Who reviews a refused Irish freedom-of-information request?

Law and rights4–5 minAn ordinary Irish FOI request begins with the public body holding the records. A refusal can lead to internal review and then review by the Information Commissioner, although exceptions affect the usual route.

Law and rights

Who decides what in an Irish criminal jury trial?

The judge and jury share a courtroom while answering different questions. In the Irish jury-trial example, the judge directs on law, the jury reaches a verdict from the evidence, and sentencing after a guilty verdict belongs to the judge.

3–5 min

Who decides what in an Irish criminal jury trial?

Law and rights3–5 minThe judge and jury share a courtroom while answering different questions. In the Irish jury-trial example, the judge directs on law, the jury reaches a verdict from the evidence, and sentencing after a guilty verdict belongs to the judge.

Why does EU legislation come as both regulations and directives?

Law and rights3–5 minEU legal acts can set common rules in different ways. A regulation applies across the EU, while a directive sets a result for the countries addressed to achieve through national measures.

Who has to prove what in an Irish civil or criminal case? | Speech Topic | speaking.app