Public Officers Protection (Ireland) Act, 1803

PUBLIC OFFICERS PROTECTION (IRELAND) ACT 1803

CHAPTER CXLIII.

An Act for the rendering Justices of the Peace and Governors and Deputy Governors of Counties and Places in Ireland more safe in the Execution of their Office; and for indemnifying Constables and others acting in Obedience to the Warrants of such Justices of the Peace, Governors, and Deputy Governors respectively.[1] [11th August 1803.]

After Aug. 1, 1803, no writ shall be sued out against or copy of process served on any justice, &c. for any thing done in the execution of his office, until one month’s notice be given, &c.

WHEREAS justices of the peace and other magistrates and persons in Ireland are discouraged in the execution of their office by vexatious actions brought against them, or by reason of small and involuntary errors in their proceedings: And whereas it is necessary that they should be (as far as is consistent with justice and the safety and liberty of the subjects over whom their authority extends) rendered safe in the execution of their several offices and trusts: And whereas it is also necessary that the subjects should be protected from all wilful and oppressive abuse of the several laws and statutes committed to the care and execution of the said justices of the peace and other magistrates and persons: Be it therefore enacted by the King’s most excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the lords spiritual and temporal, and commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, that from and after the first day of August one thousand eight hundred and three no writ shall be sued out against nor any copy of any process at the suit of a subject shall be served on any justice of the peace or governor or deputy governor of any county or place in Ireland for anything by him done in the execution of his office, until notice in writing of such intended writ or process shall have been delivered to him, or left at the usual place of his abode by the attorney or agent for the party who intends to sue out or serve or cause the same to be sued out or served, at least one calendar month before the suing out or serving the same; in which notice shall be clearly and explicitly contained the cause of action which such party hath or claimeth to have against such justice of the peace or governor or deputy governor respectively; on the back of which notice shall be indorsed the name of such attorney or agent, together with the place of his abode, who shall be entitled to have the fee of twenty shillings for the preparing and serving such notice and no more.

[1 Rep., so far as relates to actions against justices of the peace, 12 & 13 Vict. c. 16. s. 17.]