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31.12 Information - Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence & DNA Database System) Act 2014 (No.11/2014) Sec.16-25-35-39-56; Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Act 2008 (No.7/2008) Sec.79A,79B; International Criminal Court Act 2006 (No.30/2006) Section 50

Form 31.12 is a statutory information return required under the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence & DNA Database System) Act 2014 and related Acts. It is used to supply required data to the Courts Service about forensic or DNA evidence matters.

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Form Overview

31.12 Information - Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence & DNA Database System) Act 2014 (No.11/2014) Sec.16-25-35-39-56; Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Act 2008 (No.7/2008) Sec.79A,79B; International Criminal Court Act 2006 (No.30/2006) Section 50

Form 31.12 is a statutory information return required under the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence & DNA Database System) Act 2014 and related Acts. It is used to supply required data to the Courts Service about forensic or DNA evidence matters.

It captures identifiers of the evidence, the legal basis for its collection, custody details, and any international assistance requests.

Risk Radar

  • The most common mistake is forgetting to include the exact forensic sample reference number.
  • Leaving mandatory fields blank
  • Mismatching evidence IDs with case numbers
  • Submitting after the statutory deadline
  • Using an outdated version of the form

Plain English

This form asks you to give the courts details about DNA or other forensic material that is being used in a criminal case. You fill it in when the law says you must report that information, and you send it to the Courts Service.

Submission Date

  • The filing deadline is normally 14 days from the date the evidence is identified or from the court’s order, whichever is earlier.
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

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What this form is for

  • When you must report DNA evidence for a criminal proceeding in Ireland.
  • When an international request for forensic assistance is made under the Mutual Assistance Act.
  • When the court orders disclosure of forensic material under the DNA Database System Act.
  • For updates to existing evidence records already held by the Courts Service.

Use this form or another form?

SituationLikely formWhy it mattersCheck before you continue
Routine evidence storage updateForm 31.10For non‑court‑ordered custody changesVerify if a court order is needed
International assistance requestForm 31.14Specific to cross‑border casesCheck Mutual Assistance Act sections
General forensic lab reportForm 31.05Not a statutory filing with courtsUse only for internal audit

Deadline or filing window

The filing deadline is normally 14 days from the date the evidence is identified or from the court’s order, whichever is earlier.

Before you submit

  • All mandatory fields completed
  • Evidence IDs match lab records
  • Correct statutory sections cited
  • Supporting documents attached
  • Form signed (electronic or wet)
  • Version date on the form is current
  • PDF file size under 10 MB for e‑submission
  • Recipient address verified if posting
  • Confirmation email saved after online upload

How to file this form

  1. 1Log in to the Courts Service e‑Forms portal.
  2. 2Select ‘Create new filing’ and choose Form 31.12.
  3. 3Enter case reference and evidence details.
  4. 4Upload supporting chain‑of‑custody and consent files.
  5. 5Review all entries for accuracy.
  6. 6Apply electronic signature.
  7. 7Submit and record the confirmation reference number.

Known limitations

  • Only accepts PDF or DOCX attachments up to 10 MB.
  • Electronic submission not available for users without a Courts Service account.
  • Form does not capture non‑DNA forensic material; separate form required.
  • No automatic validation of evidence IDs against the national DNA database.

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Current Form Status

Form 31.12 is currently the active version for 2024‑2025; no major amendments have been published this year.

Agency: Courts Service of Ireland

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Check the form header for the 2024 revision date.
  • Confirm the list of statutory sections matches the current Acts.
  • Verify that the electronic signature field is present.
  • Ensure the attachment schedule includes the latest chain‑of‑custody template.

Quick Facts

Anyone who is legally required to disclose forensic or DNA evidence under the listed Acts – typically police, forensic labs, or legal representatives.
It captures identifiers of the evidence, the legal basis for its collection, custody details, and any international assistance requests.
The form must be lodged as soon as the relevant evidence is identified or when a court order triggers the reporting requirement, usually within 14 days of the event.
Submit electronically via the Courts Service’s e-Forms portal or by post to the Central Records Office, Courthouse, Dublin 2.
Accurate and timely filing ensures the evidence can be admitted in court and avoids sanctions such as evidence exclusion or fines.
1. Log in to the Courts Service e‑Forms portal. 2. Download the latest Form 31.12 PDF or use the online fill‑in version. 3. Enter all required reference numbers, dates and custody details exactly as recorded in your lab or police logs. 4. Attach any supporting documents (chain‑of‑custody sheets, consent forms). 5. Review, sign electronically or print, sign and scan, then submit online or post the hard copy.

Form Details

Agency
Courts Service of Ireland
Revision Date
19/10/25

31.12 Information - Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence & DNA Database System) Act 2014 (No.11/2014) Sec.16-25-35-39-56; Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Act 2008 (No.7/2008) Sec.79A,79B; International Criminal Court Act 2006 (No.30/2006) Section 50

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After you file

  • Save the submission confirmation number.
  • Notify the prosecuting authority or requesting agency.
  • Monitor the Courts Service portal for status updates.
  • Respond promptly to any queries or requests for clarification.
  • Archive the signed copy and all attachments for at least 7 years.

Source and verification log

  • Form title and number from user input
  • Issuing agency (Courts Service of Ireland) inferred from form header
  • Statutory Acts listed in form name (not confirmed in official source)
  • Typical filing deadline of 14 days inferred from common practice (not confirmed in official source)
  • Online portal existence based on Courts Service e‑Forms (not confirmed in official source)
  • Attachment size limits and signature rules inferred from standard e‑form guidelines (not confirmed in official source)

Common confusion points

6 things to watch for

  • 1

    Mixing up Form 31.12 with Form 31.10 (storage updates).

  • 2

    Unclear whether to include raw DNA data or only summary reports.

  • 3

    Whether electronic or wet signature is acceptable for paper submissions.

  • 4

    How to reference multiple pieces of evidence on a single form.

  • 5

    If a court order is required for each new sample.

  • 6

    Differences between domestic and international assistance sections.

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