The 73 chapters can be grouped together into 7 broad blocks consisting of:
- 5 chapters on general principles and institutions, including: criminal law enforcement bodies and prosecutors
- 21 chapters on the full range of Garda powers and procedures, including: duties to crime victims; stop; arrest; detention; bodily samples; DNA profiles and databases; retention and access to communications data; covert and overt surveillance; entry, search and seizure; production and access orders; duty to gather and retain evidence; and the exclusionary rule
- 11 chapters on preparing the case for prosecution and trial, including: the prosecution decision; the initiation of proceedings; District Court proceedings; disclosure; legal aid; bail; the indictment; pleas; and the jury
- 11 chapters on the trial procedure, including: presumption of innocence; preliminary trial hearings; aspects of evidence; trial procedure; use of live video link; judge's charge; jury deliberations; the verdict; restrictions on public hearings; and special criminal courts
- 14 chapters on all aspects of sentencing, including: all of the sentencing options; sentencing objectives; individual sentencing; procedure; execution and management of custodial sentences; parole; transfer of sentences; and spent convictions
- 7 chapters on all appeal procedures, including: appeals by the accused; prosecution appeals; and miscarriage of justice applications
- 4 chapters on: delay; criminal records; Garda vetting; and Covid criminal law enforcement powers and procedures
