The Offences Against the State Acts 1939–1998 form a series of laws passed by the Irish Oireachtas.
The act also criminalises obstruction of the President or government, secret societies in the police or army and unauthorised demonstrations in the vicinity of the Oireachtas, the Irish parliament.
It is authorised by Article 38 of the Constitution of Ireland to hear indictable cases without a jury when ordinary courts are inadequate to secure the effective administration of justice.
The Minister for Justice may order the detention of persons deemed dangerous to state security.
It also establishes an independent appeals commission to which prisoners can apply for release by making the case that they are not a threat to public safety.