Attention is focused on the problems that divide Ireland and on the social discrepancies that separate Catholic and Protestant communities. The two principal strategies used to deal with those involved in terrorist activities since the 1930's are identified: internment and criminalization. The strategy presently in favor rests on treating terrorists simply as criminals and processing them through the criminal courts. However, to do this effectively, the court system has had to be radically modified to deal with those involved in antistate activities. The consequences of this 'criminal court model' are addressed, and ways that court modifications have overlapped into the wider administration of the criminal justice process are identified. The politics of criminal sanction are considered; a number of advantages which may flow from using the courts to deal with 'politically marginal' violence are described. Detention of 'political prisoners' in the Republic of Ireland is explored, the the facilities for education and recreation within the prison are reported. Finally, the conflict caused by 'criminalization' in Ireland is shown to be exemplified in the Portlaoise prison as well as in the Maze prison in Belfast. Thirty-eight notes ares. The consequences of this 'criminal court model' are provided.