The Civil Law and Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020 (the "Act") was signed in to law on 6 August 2020 with most provisions commenced on 21 August 2020. The Act reflects a substantial modernisation and reform of our courts and legal system and is certainly a welcome development.
The Irish courts have sought to facilitate the ongoing administration of justice during the current global pandemic and this Act copper fastens those attempts and puts them on a statutory footing. Our advisory update of April 2020 outlines the measures the courts had taken at that point in time and can be accessed here.
The Act is an omnibus one and addresses various matters, however this advisory focuses on the key elements of the Act that arise in respect of the civil courts and proceedings before them. Please see our advisories here and here which address the various other changes brought about by this new Act.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.