Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982

Part IV U.K. Miscellaneous Provisions

Provisions relating to jurisdiction U.K.

24 Interim relief and protective measures in cases of doubtful jurisdiction. U.K.

(1) Any power of a court in England and Wales or Northern Ireland to grant interim relief pending trial or pending the determination of an appeal shall extend to a case where—

(a) the issue to be tried, or which is the subject of the appeal, relates to the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the proceedings; or

(b) the proceedings involve the reference of any matter to the European Court under the 1971 Protocol [F1 ; or

(c) the proceedings involve a reference of any matter relating to the Regulation [F2 or the Lugano Convention] to the European Court under [F3 Article 267 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union]][F4 ; or

(d) the proceedings involve a reference of any matter relating to the Maintenance Regulation to the European Court under Article 267 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union M1 .]

(2) Any power of a court in Scotland to grant protective measures pending the decision of any hearing shall apply to a case where—

(a) the subject of the proceedings includes a question as to the jurisdiction of the court to entertain them; or

(b) the proceedings involve the reference of a matter to the European Court under the 1971 Protocol [F5 ; or

(c) the proceedings involve a reference of any matter relating to the Regulation [F6 or the Lugano Convention] to the European Court under [F7 Article 267 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union]][F8 ; or

(d) the proceedings involve a reference of any matter relating to the Maintenance Regulation to the European Court under Article 267 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.]

(3) Subsections (1) and (2) shall not be construed as restricting any power to grant interim relief or protective measures which a court may have apart from this section.

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 24(1)(c) and the preceding word “or” inserted (1.3.2002) by S.I. 2001/3929, arts. 1(b), 4, Sch. 2 para. 9(a)

F2 Words in s. 24(1)(c) inserted (1.1.2010) by The Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/3131), reg. 16 (with reg. 48)

F3 Words in s. 24(1)(c) substituted (1.8.2012) by The Treaty of Lisbon (Changes in Terminology or Numbering) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/1809), art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1 (with art. 2(2))

F4 S. 24(1)(d) and preceding word inserted (18.6.2011) by The Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments (Maintenance) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1484), Sch. 4 para. 5(2)

F5 S. 24(2)(c) and the preceding word “or” inserted (1.3.2002) by S.I. 2001/3929, arts. 1(b), 4, Sch. 2 para. 9(b)

F6 Words in s. 24(2)(c) inserted (1.1.2010) by The Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/3131), reg. 16 (with reg. 48)

F7 Words in s. 24(2)(c) substituted (1.8.2012) by The Treaty of Lisbon (Changes in Terminology or Numbering) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/1809), art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1 (with art. 2(2))

F8 S. 24(2)(d) and preceding word inserted (18.6.2011) by The Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments (Maintenance) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1484), Sch. 4 para. 5(3)

Marginal Citations

M1 O.J. No. C 83, 30.3.2010, p.1.

25 Interim relief in England and Wales and Northern Ireland in the absence of substantive proceedings. U.K.

(1) The High Court in England and Wales or Northern Ireland shall have power to grant interim relief where—

(a) proceedings have been or are to be commenced in a [F9 Brussels [F10 Contracting State or a State bound by the Lugano Convention]][F11 or a Regulation State][F12 or a Maintenance Regulation State] other than the United Kingdom or in a part of the United Kingdom other than that in which the High Court in question exercises jurisdiction; and

[F13 (b) they are or will be proceedings whose subject-matter is either within the scope of the Regulation as determined by Article 1 of the Regulation [F14 , within the scope of the Maintenance Regulation as determined by Article 1 of that Regulation] or within the scope of the Lugano Convention as determined by Article 1 of the Lugano Convention (whether or not the Regulation [F15 , the Maintenance Regulation] or the Lugano Convention has effect in relation to the proceedings).]

(2) On an application for any interim relief under subsection (1) the court may refuse to grant that relief if, in the opinion of the court, the fact that the court has no jurisdiction apart from this section in relation to the subject-matter of the proceedings in question makes it inexpedient for the court to grant it.

(3) Her Majesty may by Order in Council extend the power to grant interim relief conferred by subsection (1) so as to make it exercisable in relation to proceedings of any of the following descriptions, namely—

(a) proceedings commenced or to be commenced otherwise than in a [F9 Brussels [F16 Contracting State or a State bound by the Lugano Convention]][F11 or Regulation State][F17 or a Maintenance Regulation State];

[F18 (b) proceedings whose subject-matter is not within the scope F19 . . . of the Regulation as determined by Article 1 of the Regulation [F20 , the Maintenance Regulation as determined by Article 1 of that Regulation] or the Lugano Convention as determined by Article 1 of the Lugano Convention.]

F21 (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) An Order in Council under subsection (3)—

(a) may confer power to grant only specified descriptions of interim relief;

(b) may make different provision for different classes of proceedings, for proceedings pending in different countries or courts outside the United Kingdom or in different parts of the United Kingdom, and for other different circumstances; and

(c) may impose conditions or restrictions on the exercise of any power conferred by the Order.

F22 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6) Any Order in Council under subsection (3) shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(7) In this section “interim relief”, in relation to the High Court in England and Wales or Northern Ireland, means interim relief of any kind which that court has power to grant in proceedings relating to matters within its jurisdiction, other than—

(a) a warrant for the arrest of property; or

(b) provision for obtaining evidence.

Textual Amendments

F9 Words in s. 25(1)(a)(3)(a) substituted (1.5.1992) by Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1991 (c. 12, SIF 45:3), s. 3, Sch. 2 para. 12(a) (with s. 4); S.I. 1992/745, art. 2

F10 Words in s. 25(1)(a) substituted (1.1.2010) by The Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/3131), reg. 17(2) (with reg. 48)

F11 Words in s. 25(1)(a)(3)(a) inserted (1.3.2002) by S.I. 2001/3929, arts. 1(b), 4, Sch. 2 para. 10(a)(i)(b)(i)

F12 Words in s. 25(1)(a) inserted (18.6.2011) by The Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments (Maintenance) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1484), Sch. 4 para. 6(2)(a)

F13 S. 25(1)(b) substituted (1.1.2010) by The Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/3131), reg. 17(3) (with reg. 48)

F14 Words in s. 25(1)(b) inserted (18.6.2011) by The Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments (Maintenance) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1484), Sch. 4 para. 6(2)(b)

F15 Words in s. 25(1)(b) inserted (18.6.2011) by The Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments (Maintenance) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1484), Sch. 4 para. 6(2)(c)

F16 Words in s. 25(3)(a) substituted (1.1.2010) by The Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/3131), reg. 17(2) (with reg. 48)

F17 Words in s. 25(3)(a) inserted (18.6.2011) by The Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments (Maintenance) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1484), Sch. 4 para. 6(3)(a)

F18 S. 25(3)(b) substituted (1.1.2010) by The Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/3131), reg. 17(4) (with reg. 48)

F19 Word in s. 25(3)(b) omitted (18.6.2011) by virtue of The Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments (Maintenance) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1484), Sch. 4 para. 6(3)(b)

F20 Words in s. 25(3)(b) inserted (18.6.2011) by The Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments (Maintenance) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1484), Sch. 4 para. 6(3)(c)

F21 S. 25(3)(c) repealed (31.1.1997) by 1996 c. 23, s. 107(2), Sch. 4; S.I. 1996/3146, art. 3, Sch. 2

F22 S. 25(5) repealed (31.1.1997) by 1996 c. 23, s. 107(2), Sch. 4, S.I. 1996/3146, art. 3, Sch. 2

26 Security in Admiralty proceedings in England and Wales or Northern Ireland in case of stay, etc. U.K.

(1) Where in England and Wales or Northern Ireland a court stays or dismisses Admiralty proceedings on the ground that the dispute in question should be submitted F23 . . . to the determination of the courts of another part of the United Kingdom or of an overseas country, the court may, if in those proceedings property has been arrested or bail or other security has been given to prevent or obtain release from arrest—

(a) order that the property arrested be retained as security for the satisfaction of any award or judgment which—

(i) is given in respect of the dispute in the F24 . . . legal proceedings in favour of which those proceedings are stayed or dismissed; and

(ii) is enforceable in England and Wales or, as the case may be, in Northern Ireland; or

(b) order that the stay or dismissal of those proceedings be conditional on the provision of equivalent security for the satisfaction of any such award or judgment.

(2) Where a court makes an order under subsection (1), it may attach such conditions to the order as it thinks fit, in particular conditions with respect to the institution or prosecution of the relevant F25 . . . legal proceedings.

(3) Subject to any provision made by rules of court and to any necessary modifications, the same law and practice shall apply in relation to property retained in pursuance of an order made by a court under subsection (1) as would apply if it were held for the purposes of proceedings in that court.

Textual Amendments

F23 Words in s. 26(1) repealed (31.1.1997) by 1996 c. 23, s. 107(2), Sch. 4; S.I. 1996/3146, art. 3, Sch. 2

F24 Words in s. 26(1)(a)(i) repealed (31.1.1997) by 1996 c. 23, s. 107(2), Sch. 4; S.I. 1996/3146, art. 3, Sch. 2

F25 Words in s. 26(2) repealed (31.1.1997) by 1996 c. 23, s. 107(2), Sch. 4; S.I. 1996/3146, art. 3, Sch. 2

27 Provisional and protective measures in Scotland in the absence of substantive proceedings. U.K.

(1) The Court of Session may, in any case to which this subsection applies—

(a) subject to subsection (2)(c), grant a warrant for the arrestment of any assets situated in Scotland;

(b) subject to subsection (2)(c), grant a warrant of inhibition over any property situated in Scotland;

[F26 (ba) subject to subsection (2)(c) below, grant a warrant for the interim attachment of corporeal moveable property situated in Scotland;] and

(c) grant interim interdict.

(2) Subsection (1) applies to any case in which—

(a) proceedings have been commenced but not concluded, or, in relation to paragraph (c) of that subsection, are to be commenced, in another [F27 Brussels or Lugano Contracting State][F28 , in another Regulation State][F29 , in another Maintenance Regulation State] or in England and Wales or Northern Ireland;

[F30 (b) the subject-matter of the proceedings is within the scope of the Regulation as determined by Article 1 of the Regulation [F31 or is within the scope of the Maintenance Regulation as determined by Article 1 of that Regulation]; and]

(c) in relation to paragraphs (a) [F32 , (b) and (ba)] of subsection (1), such a warrant could competently have been granted in equivalent proceedings before a Scottish court;

but it shall not be necessary, in determining whether proceedings have been commenced for the purpose of paragraph (a) of this subsection, to show that any document has been served on or notice given to the defender.

(3) Her Majesty may by Order in Council confer on the Court of Session power to do anything mentioned in subsection (1) or in section 28 in relation to proceedings of any of the following descriptions, namely—

(a) proceedings commenced otherwise than in a [F27 Brussels or Lugano Contracting State][F33 , Regulation State or Maintenance Regulation State];

[F34 (b) proceedings whose subject-matter is not within the scope of the Regulation as determined by Article 1 of the Regulation [F35 or the Maintenance Regulation as determined by Article 1 of that Regulation];]

(c) arbitration proceedings;

(d) in relation to subsection (1)(c) or section 28, proceedings which are to be commenced otherwise than in a [F27 Brussels or Lugano Contracting State][F36 , Regulation State or Maintenance Regulation State].

(4) An Order in Council under subsection (3)—

(a) may confer power to do only certain of the things mentioned in subsection (1) or in section 28;

(b) may make different provision for different classes of proceedings, for proceedings pending in different countries or courts outside the United Kingdom or in different parts of the United Kingdom, and for other different circumstances; and

(c) may impose conditions or restrictions on the exercise of any power conferred by the Order.

(5) Any Order in Council under subsection (3) shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

Textual Amendments

F26 S. 27(1)(ba) inserted (S.) (1.4.2008) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), ss. 226, 227(3), sch. 5 para. 12(a) (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2008/115, art. 3(2)(3), Sch. 1 para. 2 (with arts. 4-7, 10, 15)

F27 Words in s. 27(2)(a)(3)(a)(d) substituted (1.5.1992) by Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1991 (c. 12, SIF 45:3), s. 3, Sch. 2 para. 12(b) (with s. 4); S.I. 1992/745, art. 2

F28 Words in s. 27(2)(a) inserted (1.3.2002) by S.I. 2001/3929, arts. 1(b), 4, Sch. 2 para. 11(a)

F29 Words in s. 27(2)(a) inserted (18.6.2011) by The Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments (Maintenance) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1484), reg. 6, Sch. 4 para. 7(2)(a)

F30 S. 27(2)(b) substituted (1.3.2002) by S.I. 2001/3929, arts. 1(b), 4, Sch. 2 para. 11(b)

F31 Words in s. 27(2)(b) inserted (18.6.2011) by The Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments (Maintenance) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1484), reg. 6, Sch. 4 para. 7(2)(b)

F32 Words in s. 27(2)(c) substituted (S.) (1.4.2008) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), ss. 226, 227(3), sch. 5 para. 12(b) (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2008/115, art. 3(2)(3), Sch. 1 para. 2 (with arts. 4-7, 10, 15)

F33 Words in s. 27(3)(a) substituted (18.6.2011) by The Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments (Maintenance) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1484), reg. 6, Sch. 4 para. 7(3)(a)

F34 S. 27(3)(b) substituted (1.3.2002) by S.I. 2001/3929, arts. 1(b), 4, Sch. 2 para. 11(c)(ii)

F35 Words in s. 27(3)(b) inserted (18.6.2011) by The Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments (Maintenance) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1484), reg. 6, Sch. 4 para. 7(3)(b)

F36 Words in s. 27(3)(d) substituted (18.6.2011) by The Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments (Maintenance) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1484), reg. 6, Sch. 4 para. 7(3)(c)

28 Application of s. 1 of Administration of Justice (Scotland) Act 1972. U.K.

[F37 (1)] When any proceedings have been brought, or are likely to be brought, in another [F38 Brussels or Lugano Contracting State][F39 , in a Regulation State] or in England and Wales or Northern Ireland in respect of any matter which is within the scope of the [F40 Regulation] as determined in Article 1, the Court of Session shall have the like power to make an order under section 1 of the M2 Administration of Justice (Scotland) Act 1972 [F41 as amended by the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985] as if the proceedings in question had been brought, or were likely to be brought, in that court.

[F42 (2) When any proceedings have been brought or are likely to be brought in another Maintenance Regulation State or in England and Wales or Northern Ireland in respect of any matter which is within the scope of the Maintenance Regulation as determined by Article 1 of that Regulation, the Court of Session has the like power to make an order under section 1 of the Administration of Justice (Scotland) Act 1972 as if the proceedings in question had been brought, or were likely to be brought, in that court.]

Textual Amendments

F37 S. 28 re-numbered as s. 28(1) (18.6.2011) by virtue of The Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments (Maintenance) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1484), Sch. 4 para. 8(2)

F38 Words in s. 28 substituted (1.5.1992) by Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1991 (c. 12, SIF 45:3), s. 3, Sch. 2 para. 12(c) (with s. 4); S.I. 1992/745, art. 2

F39 Words in s. 28 inserted (1.3.2002) by S.I. 2001/3929, arts. 1(b), 4, Sch. 2 para. 12(a)

F40 Word in s. 28 substituted (1.3.2002) by S.I. 2001/3929, arts. 1(b), 4, Sch. 2 para. 12(b)

F41 Words inserted (S.) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 39:1), s. 59, Sch. 2 para. 24

F42 S. 28(2) inserted (18.6.2011) by The Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments (Maintenance) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1484), Sch. 4 para. 8(3)

Marginal Citations

M2 1972 c. 59.

29 Service of county court process outside Northern Ireland. U.K.

The County Court Rules Committee established by Article 46 of the M3 County Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1980 may make county court rules with respect to the service of process outside Northern Ireland and the conditions subject to which process may be so served; and accordingly in Article 48 of that Order (powers of Rules Committee), after paragraph (e) there shall be added—

“(f) the service of process outside Northern Ireland, and the conditions subject to which process may be so served.”.

Marginal Citations

M3 S.I. 1980/397 (N.I. 3).

30 Proceedings in England and Wales or Northern Ireland for torts to immovable property. U.K.

(1) The jurisdiction of any court in England and Wales or Northern Ireland to entertain proceedings for trespass to, or any other tort affecting, immovable property shall extend to cases in which the property in question is situated outside that part of the United Kingdom unless the proceedings are principally concerned with a question of the title to, or the right to possession of, that property.

(2) Subsection (1) has effect subject to the 1968 Convention [F43 and the Lugano Convention][F44 and the Regulation] and to the provisions set out in Schedule 4.

Textual Amendments

F43 Words in s. 30(2) inserted (1.5.1992) by Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1991 (c. 12, SIF 45:3), s. 3, Sch. 2 para. 13 (with s. 4); S.I. 1992/745, art. 2

F44 Words in s. 30(2) inserted (1.3.2002) by S.I. 2001/3929, arts. 1(b), 4, Sch. 2 para. 13

Provisions relating to recognition and enforcement of judgments U.K.

31 Overseas judgments given against states, etc. U.K.

(1) A judgement given by a court of an overseas country against a state other than the United Kingdom or the state to which that court belongs shall be recognised and enforced in the United Kingdom if, and only if—

(a) it would be so recognised and enforced if it had not been given against a state; and

(b) that court would have had jurisdiction in the matter if it had applied rules corresponding to those applicable to such matters in the United Kingdom in accordance with sections 2 to 11 of the M4 State Immunity Act 1978.

(2) References in subsection (1) to a judgment given against a state include references to judgments of any of the following descriptions given in relation to a state—

(a) judgments against the government, or a department of the government, of the state but not (except as mentioned in paragraph (c)) judgments against an entity which is distinct from the executive organs of government;

(b) judgments against the sovereign or head of state in his public capacity;

(c) judgments against any such separate entity as is mentioned in paragraph (a) given in proceedings relating to anything done by it in the exercise of the sovereign authority of the state.

(3) Nothing in subsection (1) shall affect the recognition or enforcement in the United Kingdom of a judgment to which Part I of the M5 Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act 1933 applies by virtue of section 4 of the M6 Carriage of Goods by Road Act 1965, section 17(4) of the M7 Nuclear Installations Act 1965, section [F45 166(4) of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995], [F46 regulation 8 of the Railways (Convention on International Carriage by Rail) Regulations 2005]F47 . . . .

(4) Sections 12, 13 and 14(3) and (4) of the State Immunity Act 1978 (service of process and procedural privileges) shall apply to proceedings for the recognition or enforcement in the United Kingdom of a judgment given by a court of an overseas country (whether or not that judgment is within subsection (1) of this section) as they apply to other proceedings.

(5) In this section “state", in the case of a federal state, includes any of its constituent territories.

Textual Amendments

F45 Words in s. 31(3) substituted (1.1.1996) by 1995 c. 21, ss. 314(2), 316(2), Sch. 13 para. 66(a) (with s. 312(1))

F46 Words in s. 31(3) substituted (1.7.2006) by The Railways (Convention on International Carriage by Rail) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2092), reg. 9(2), Sch. 3 para. 2 (with reg. 9(3))

F47 Words in s. 31(3) repealed (22.7.2004) by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 2004 (c. 14), s. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 14

Marginal Citations

M4 1978 c. 33.

M5 1933 c. 13.

M6 1965 c. 37.

M7 1965 c. 57.

32 Overseas judgments given in proceedings brought in breach of agreement for settlement of disputes. U.K.

(1) Subject to the following provisions of this section, a judgment given by a court of an overseas country in any proceedings shall not be recognised or enforced in the United Kingdom if—

(a) the bringing of those proceedings in that court was contrary to an agreement under which the dispute in question was to be settled otherwise than by proceedings in the courts of that country; and

(b) those proceedings were not brought in that court by, or with the agreement of, the person against whom the judgment was given; and

(c) that person did not counterclaim in the proceedings or otherwise submit to the jurisdiction of that court.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply where the agreement referred to in paragraph (a) of that subsection was illegal, void or unenforceable or was incapable of being performed for reasons not attributable to the fault of the party bringing the proceedings in which the judgment was given.

(3) In determining whether a judgment given by a court of an overseas country should be recognised or enforced in the United Kingdom, a court in the United Kingdom shall not be bound by any decision of the overseas court relating to any of the matters mentioned in subsection (1) or (2).

(4) Nothing in subsection (1) shall affect the recognition or enforcement in the United Kingdom of—

(a) a judgment which is required to be recognised or enforced there under the 1968 Convention [F48 or the Lugano Convention] [F49 or the Regulation] [F50 or the Maintenance Regulation] [F51 or the 2007 Hague Convention];

(b) a judgment to which Part I of the M8 Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act 1933 applies by virtue of section 4 of the M9 Carriage of Goods by Road Act 1965, section 17(4) of the M10 Nuclear Installations Act 1965, F52 . . . [F53 regulation 8 of the Railways (Convention on International Carriage by Rail) Regulations 2005]F54 . . . or [F55 section 177(4) of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995].

Textual Amendments

F48 Words in s. 32(4)(a) inserted (1.5.1992) by Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1991 (c. 12, SIF 45:3), s. 3, Sch. 2 para. 14 (with s. 4); S.I. 1992/745, art. 2

F49 Words in s. 32(4)(a) inserted (1.3.2002) by S.I. 2001/3929, arts. 1(b), 4, Sch. 2 para. 14

F50 Words in s. 32(4)(a) inserted (18.6.2011) by The Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments (Maintenance) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1484), reg. 6, Sch. 4 para. 9

F51 Words in s. 32(4)(a) inserted (coming into force in accordance with reg. 1(1) of the amending S.I.) by The International Recovery of Maintenance (Hague Convention 2007 etc.) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/2814), reg. 1(1), Sch. 4 para. 5(3)

F52 Words in s. 32(4)(b) repealed (1.1.1996) by 1995 c. 21, ss. 314(1)(2), 316(2), Schs. 12, 13, para. 66(b)(i) (with ss. 312(1), Sch. 14 para. 1)

F53 Words in s. 32(4) substituted (1.7.2006) by The Railways (Convention on International Carriage by Rail) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2092), reg. 9(2), Sch. 3 para. 2 (with reg. 9(3))

F54 Words in s. 32(4)(b) repealed (22.7.2004) by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 2004 (c. 14), s. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 14

F55 Words in s. 32(4)(b) substituted (1.1.1996) by 1995 c. 21, ss. 314(2), Sch. 13 para. 66(b)(ii) (with s. 312(1))

Marginal Citations

M8 1933 c. 13.

M9 1965 c. 37.

M10 1965 c. 57.

33 Certain steps not to amount to submission to jurisdiction of overseas court. U.K.

(1) For the purposes of determining whether a judgment given by a court of an overseas country should be recognised or enforced in England and Wales or Northern Ireland, the person against whom the judgment was given shall not be regarded as having submitted to the jurisdiction of the court by reason only of the fact that he appeared (conditionally or otherwise) in the proceedings for all or any one or more of the following purposes, namely—

(a) to contest the jurisdiction of the court;

(b) to ask the court to dismiss or stay the proceedings on the ground that the dispute in question should be submitted to arbitration or to the determination of the courts of another country;

(c) to protect, or obtain the release of, property seized or threatened with seizure in the proceedings.

(2) Nothing in this section shall affect the recognition or enforcement in England and Wales or Northern Ireland of a judgment which is required to be recognised or enforced there under the 1968 Convention [F56 or the Lugano Convention] [F57 or the Regulation] [F58 or the Maintenance Regulation] [F59 or the 2007 Hague Convention].

Textual Amendments

F56 Words in s. 33(2) inserted (1.5.1992) by Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1991 (c. 12, SIF 45:3), s. 3, Sch. 2 para. 15 (with s. 4); S.I. 1992/745, art. 2

F57 Words in s. 33(2) added (1.3.2002) by S.I. 2001/3929, arts. 1(b), 4, Sch. 2 para. 15

F58 Words in s. 33(2) inserted (18.6.2011) by The Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments (Maintenance) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1484), Sch. 4 para. 10

F59 Words in s. 33(2) inserted (coming into force in accordance with reg. 1(1) of the amending S.I.) by The International Recovery of Maintenance (Hague Convention 2007 etc.) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/2814), reg. 1(1), Sch. 4 para. 5(4)

34 Certain judgments a bar to further proceedings on the same cause of action. U.K.

No proceedings may be brought by a person in England and Wales or Northern Ireland on a cause of action in respect of which a judgment has been given in his favour in proceedings between the same parties, or their privies, in a court in another part of the United Kingdom or in a court of an overseas country, unless that judgment is not enforceable or entitled to recognition in England and Wales or, as the case may be, in Northern Ireland.

35 Minor amendments relating to overseas judgments. U.K.

(1) The M11 Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act 1933 shall have effect with the amendments specified in Schedule 10, being amendments whose main purpose is to enable Part I of that Act to be applied to judgments of courts other than superior courts, to judgments providing for interim payments and to certain arbitration awards.

X1 (2) For section 10 of the M12 Administration of Justice Act 1920 (issue of certificates of judgments obtained in the United Kingdom) there shall be substituted—

“10 (1) Where—

(a) a judgement has been obtained in the High Court in England or Northern Ireland, or in the Court of Session in Scotland, against any person ; and

(b) the judgments creditor wishes to secure the enforcement of the judgement in a part of Her Majesty’s dominions outside the United Kingdom to which this Part of this Act extends,

the court shall, on an application made by the judgement creditor, issue to him a certified copy of the judgement.

(2) The reference in the preceding subsection to Her Majesty’s dominions shall be construed as if that subsection had come into force in its present form at the commencement of this Act.”.

X1 (3) In section 14 of the M13 Administration of Justice Act 1920 (extent of Part II of that Act), after subsection (2) there shall be inserted—

“(3) Her Majesty may by Order in Council under this section consolidate any Orders in Council under this section which are in force when the consolidating Order is made.”.

Editorial Information

X1 The text of ss. 15(4), 16(5), 23(2), 35(2)(3), 36(6), 37(2), 38, 40(3), 54, Schs. 10–12 and 14 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

Marginal Citations

M11 1933 c. 13.

M12 1920 c. 81.

M13 1920 c. 81.

36 Registration of maintenance orders in Northern Ireland. U.K.

(1) Where—

(a) a High Court order or a Court of Session order has been registered in the High Court of Justice in Northern Ireland (“the Northern Ireland High Court”) under Part II of the M14 Maintenance Orders Act 1950; or

(b) a county court order, a magistrates’ court order or a sheriff court order has been registered in a court of summary jurisdiction in Northern Ireland under that Part,

an application may be made to the original court for the registration of the order in, respectively, a court of summary jurisdiction in Northern Ireland or the Northern Ireland High Court.

(2) In subsection (1) “the original court”, in relation to an order, means the court by which the order was made.

(3) Section 2 (except subsection (6A)) and section 2A of the M15 Maintenance Orders Act 1958 shall have effect for the purposes of an application under subsection (1), and subsections (2), (3), (4) and (4A) of section 5 of that Act shall have effect for the purposes of the cancellation of a registration made on such an application, as if—

(a) “registration” in those provisions included registration in the appropriate Northern Ireland court (“registered” being construed accordingly);

(b) any reference in those provisions to a High Court order or a magistrates’ court order included, respectively, a Court of Session order or a sheriff court order; and

(c) any other reference in those provisions to the High Court or a magistrates’ court included the Northern Ireland High Court or a court of summary jurisdiction in Northern Ireland;

[F60 (d) for section 2(6), there were substituted the following subsections—

“(6) Where a magistrates’ court order is registered under this Part of this Act in the High Court, then—

(a) if payments under the magistrates’ court order are required to be made (otherwise than to a collecting officer) by any method of payment falling within Article 85(7) of the Magistrates’ Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 (standing order, etc.), any order requiring payment by that method shall continue to have effect after registration;

(b) any order by virtue of which sums payable under the magistrates’ court order are required to be paid to the collecting officer (whether or not by any method of payment falling within Article 85(7) of that Order) on behalf of the person entitled thereto shall cease to have effect.

(6ZA) Where a High Court or county court order is registered under this Part of this Act in a magistrates’ court, then—

(a) if a means of payment order (within the meaning of Article 96A(7) of the Judgments Enforcement (Northern Ireland) Order 1981) has effect in relation to the order in question, it shall continue to have effect after registration; and

(b) in any other case, the magistrates’ court shall order that all payments to be made under the order in question (including any arrears accrued before registration) shall be made to the collecting officer.

(6ZB) Any such order as to payment—

(a) as is referred to in paragraph (a) of subsection (6) of this section may be revoked, suspended, revived or varied by an exercise of the powers conferred by section 13A of the Maintenance and Affiliation Orders Act (Northern Ireland) 1966; and

(b) as is referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (6ZA) of this section may be varied or revoked by an exercise of the powers conferred by section 12(2) or 13(2A) or (5A) of that Act of 1966.

(6ZC) Where by virtue of the provisions of this section or any order under subsection (6ZA)(b) of this section payments under an order cease to be or become payable to the collecting officer, the person liable to make the payments shall, until he is given the prescribed notice to that effect, be deemed to comply with the order if he makes payments in accordance with the order and any order under subsection (6ZA)(b) of this section of which he has received such notice.

(6ZD) In subsections (6), (6ZA) and (6ZC) of this section “collecting officer” means the officer mentioned in Article 85(4) of the Magistrates’ Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981.”]

(4) Where an order is registered in Northern Ireland under this section, Part II of the M16 Maintenance and Affiliation Orders Act (Northern Ireland) 1966, except sections 11, 11A and 14(2) and (3), shall apply as if the order had been registered in accordance with the provisions of that Part [F61 , as if—

(a) in section 12(2), for modifications of Article 98(8B) to (8D) of the Magistrates’ Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 specified in that subsection there were substituted the modifications specified in section 18(3ZA) of the Maintenance Orders Act 1950 (enforcement of registered orders); and

(b) for section 13(5A), there were substituted the following subsection—

““(5A) Subject to the following provisions of this section, paragraphs (4) to (11) of Article 86 of the Magistrates’ Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 (power of clerk and court to vary maintenance orders) shall apply in relation to a registered order as they apply in relation to a maintenance order made by a court of summary jurisdiction (disregarding Article 25(2) of the Domestic Proceedings (Northern Ireland) Order 1980) but—

(a) as if for paragraph (4)(b) there were substituted—

“(b) payments under the order are required to be made to the collecting officer, by any method of payment falling within Article 85(7) (standing order, etc.);”

and as if after the words “petty sessions” there were inserted “for the petty sessions district for which the court which made the order acts”;

(b) as if in paragraph (5) for the words “to the collecting officer” there were substituted “in accordance with sub-paragraph (a) of paragraph (9)”;

(c) as if in paragraph (7), sub-paragraph (c) and the word “and” immediately preceding it were omitted;

(d) as if in paragraph (8) for the words “sub-paragraphs (a) to (d) of Article 85(3)” there were substituted “paragraph (9)”;

(e) as if for paragraphs (9) and (10) there were substituted the following paragraphs—

““(9) The powers of the court are—

(a) the power to order that payments under the order be made directly to the collecting officer;

(b) the power to order that payments under the order be made to the collecting officer, by such method of payment falling within Article 85(7) (standing order, etc.) as may be specified;

(c) the power to make an attachment of earnings order under Part IX to secure payments under the order.

(10) In deciding which of the powers under paragraph (9) above it is to exercise, the court shall have regard to any representations made by the debtor.

(10A) Paragraph (5) of Article 85 (power of court to require debtor to open account) shall apply for the purposes of paragraph (9) as it applies for the purposes of that Article but as if for sub-paragraph (a) there were substituted—

“(a) the court proposes to exercise its power under sub-paragraph (b) of Article 86(9)””.]

(5) A court of summary jurisdiction in Northern Ireland shall have jurisdiction to hear [F62 an application] by or against a person residing outside Northern Ireland for the discharge or variation of an order registered in Northern Ireland under this section; and where such [F62 an application] is made against a person residing outside Northern Ireland, then, if he resides in England and Wales or Scotland, section 15 of the M17 Maintenance Orders Act 1950 (which relates to the service of process on persons residing in those countries) shall have effect in relation to [F62 the application] as it has effect in relation to the proceedings therein mentioned.

[F63 (5A) Article 165 of the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 (provision which may be made by magistrates’ courts rules, etc.) shall apply for the purpose of giving effect to subsection (5) above as it applies for the purpose of giving effect to that Order, except that in the application of that Article by virtue of this subsection “relevant proceedings” means any application made, or proceedings brought, by virtue of that subsection and any part of such proceedings.]

X2 (6) The enactments specified in Part III of Schedule 12 shall have effect with the amendments specified there, being amendments consequential on this section.

Editorial Information

X2 The text of ss. 15(4), 16(5), 23(2), 35(2)(3), 36(6), 37(2), 38, 40(3), 54, Schs. 10–12 and 14 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

Textual Amendments

F60 S. 36(3)(d) inserted (N.I.) (4.11.1996) by S.I. 1993/1576 (N.I. 6), art. 11, Sch. 1 para. 17(a); S.R. 1996/454, art. 3

F61 S. 36(4)(a)-(e) and preceding words inserted (N.I.) (4.11.1996) by S.I. 1993/1576 (N.I. 6), art. 11, Sch. 1 para. 17(b); S.R. 1996/454, art. 3

F62 Words in s. 36(5) substituted (N.I.) (4.11.1996) by S.I. 1995/755 (N.I. 2), art. 185(1), Sch. 9 para. 117(1); S.R. 1996/297, art. 2(2)

F63 S. 36(5A) inserted (N.I.) (4.11.1996) by S.I. 1995/755 (N.I. 2), art. 185(1), Sch. 9 para. 117(2); S.R. 1996/297 art. 2(2)

Marginal Citations

M14 1950 c. 37.

M15 1958 c. 39.

M16 1966 c. 35 (N.I.)

M17 1950 c. 37.

37 Minor amendments relating to maintenance orders. U.K.

(1) The enactments specified in Schedule 11 shall have effect with the amendments specified there, being amendments whose main purpose is as follows—

• Part I—to extend certain enforcement provisions to lump sum maintenance orders;

• Part II—to provide for the recovery of interest according to the law of the country of origin in the case of maintenance orders made in other jurisdictions and registered in the High Court;

• Part III—to extend the M18 Maintenance Orders (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act 1972 to cases where the payer under a maintenance order is not resident within the jurisdiction but has assets there.

F64 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F64 S. 37(2) repealed (5.4.1993) by Maintenance Orders (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act 1992 (c. 56), s. 2(2), Sch. 3; S.I. 1993/618, art. 2

Marginal Citations

M18 1972 c. 18.

X3 38 Overseas judgments counteracting an award of multiple damages. U.K.

(1) Section 7 of the M19 Protection of Trading Interests Act 1980 (which enables provision to be made by Order in Council for the enforcement in the United Kingdom on a reciprocal basis of overseas judgments directed to counteracting a judgement for multiple dammages given in the third country) shall be amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (1) for “judgements given under any provision of the law of that country corresponding to that section” there shall be substituted “ judgments of any description specified in the Order which are given under any provision of the law of that country relating to the recovery of sums paid or obtained pursuant to a judgement for multiple damages within the meaning of section 5(3) above, whether or not that provision corresponds to section 6 above ”.

(3) After subsection (1) there shall be inserted—

“(1A) Such an Order in Council may, as respects judgments to which it relates—

(a) make different provisions for different descriptions of judgments ; and

(b) impose conditions or restrictions on the enforcement of judgments of any description.”.

Editorial Information

X3 The text of ss. 15(4), 16(5), 23(2), 35(2)(3), 36(6), 37(2), 38, 40(3), 54, Schs. 10–12 and 14 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

Marginal Citations

M19 1980 c. 11.

Jurisdiction, and recognition and enforcement of judgments, as between United Kingdom and certain territories U.K.

39 Application of provisions corresponding to 1968 Convention in relation to certain territories. U.K.

(1) Her Majesty may by Order in Council make provision corresponding to the provision made by the 1968 Convention as between the Contracting States to that Convention, with such modifications as appear to Her Majesty to be appropriate, for regulating, as between the United Kingdom and any of the territories mentioned in subsection (2), the jurisdiction of courts and the recognition and enforcement of judgments.

(2) The territories referred to in subsection (1) are—

(a) the Isle of Man;

(b) any of the Channel Islands;

[F65 (c) Gibraltar;

(d) the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia (that is to say the areas mentioned in section 2(1) of the M20 Cyprus Act 1960).]

[F65 (c) any colony.]

(3) An Order in Council under this section may contain such supplementary and incidental provisions as appear to Her Majesty to be necessary or expedient, including in particular provisions corresponding to or applying any of the provisions of Part I with such modifications as may be specified in the Order.

(4) Any Order in Council under this section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

Textual Amendments

F65 S. 39(2)(c) consisting of words “any colony." substituted (1.10.1991) for s. 39(2)(c) and (d) commencing “(c) Gibraltar" by S.I. 1990/2591, art. 10

Marginal Citations

M20 1960 c. 52.

Legal aid U.K.

40 Power to modify enactments relating to legal aid etc. U.K.

F66 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F67 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

X4 (3) In Article 22 of the M21 Legal Aid, Advice and Assistance (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 (power of Lord Chancellor to make regulations), after paragraph (4) there shall be inserted as paragraph (4A)—

“(4A) Without prejudice to the preceding provisions of this Article or any other provision of this Part authorising the making of regulations, regulations may also modify the provisions of, or of any instrument having effect under, this Part (including so much of any of those provisions as specifies a sum of money) for the purposes of the application of those provisions—

(a) in cases where their modifcation appears to the Lord Chancellor necessary for the purpose of fulfilling any obligation imposed on the United Kingdom or Her Majesty’s government therein by any international agreement ; or

(b) in relation to proceedings for securing the recognition or enforcment in Northern Ireland of judgments given outside the United Kingdom for whose recognition or enforcement in the United Kingdom provision os made by any international agreement.”.

Editorial Information

X4 The text of ss. 15(4), 16(5), 23(2), 35(2)(3), 36(6), 37(2), 38, 40(3), 54, Schs. 10–12 and 14 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

Textual Amendments

F66 S. 40(1) repealed by Legal Aid Act 1988 (c. 34, SIF 77:1), s. 45, Sch. 6

F67 S. 40(2) repealed (S.) by Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986 (c. 47, SIF 77:2), ss. 43, 45, Sch. 4 para. 3(1), Sch. 5

Marginal Citations

M21 S.I. 1981/228 (N.I. 8).