"If your ancestor had a brush with the law in Ireland, there has never been a better time to find them," says Findmypast. The Petty Sessions registers show minor disputes and misdemeanors, such as public drunkenness and disagreements over money owed. In some cases the record includes details about victims and witnesses as well as the accused.

Findmypast now carries all surviving Irish Petty Sessions court registers from 1828 until 100 years ago. That's 72 courts from 23 different counties and more than 22 million entries. Furthermore, Findmypast will continue to update the records annually in compliance with "the hundred year rule" for records. The following link provides information about the courts and the dates covered:  http://www.findmypast.com/articles/irish-petty-sessions-order-books?_ga=1.28741689.407808232.1343164353