A Plenary Summons is the official originating document used to commence proceedings in the High Court—especially where oral evidence will be required at trial. It is commonly used in cases involving tort claims, breach of contract, or other civil disputes where facts are contested.

This summons is addressed directly to the defendant (respondent) and must clearly include their full name and principal address. Once served, the defendant is required to enter an Appearance—either in person or through a solicitor—within eight days at the Central Office of the High Court.

If the defendant fails to enter an appearance within this timeframe, the plaintiff may be entitled to apply for judgment in default of appearance.

A Plenary Summons remains valid for 12 months from the date of issue and may be renewed once for an additional 6 months if not served within the initial period.

General Endorsement of Claim

The General Endorsement of Claim accompanies the Plenary Summons and sets out a concise and clear summary of the claim. It should outline what occurred, when, and the legal basis for the relief being sought—essentially, what happened and why the plaintiff is entitled to remedy.

This statement must comply with the format set out under the Rules of the Superior Courts. It should be fact-based, structured, and include the type of damages or orders being claimed (e.g., compensation, injunction, declaration).

The General Endorsement must be signed by the plaintiff or the plaintiff’s solicitor—no third party may sign it on the plaintiff’s behalf.