The provisions of this Part replace any equivalent common law rules about disclosure of information by the prosecutor in connection with criminal proceedings.

The common law rules about disclosure of information by the prosecutor in connection with criminal proceedings are abolished in so far as they are replaced by or are inconsistent with the provisions of this Part.

Sections 128F1, 139 and 140E do not affect any right under the common law of an accusedF2, appellant or respondent to seek disclosure or recovery of information by or from the prosecutor by means of a procedure other than an application under one or other of those sections.

The accusedF7, the appellant or, as the case may be, the respondent is not entitled to seek the disclosure or recovery of the same information by or from the prosecutor by means of any other procedure at common law on grounds that are substantially the same as any of those on which the earlier disclosure application was made.

Subsection (7) applies where, following an application (the “earlier common law application”) by the accused F8or the respondent under a procedure other than an application under section 128F9, 139 or 140E, the court has decided not to make an order for the recovery or disclosure of information by or from the prosecutor.

The accusedF10, the appellant or, as the case may be, the respondent is not entitled to make an application under section 128F11, 139 or 140E in relation to the same information on grounds that are substantially the same as any of those on which the earlier common law application was made.