Judicature (Northern Ireland) Act 1978

Part V U.K. Practice, Procedure and Trials

54 The [F1 Court of Judicature] Rules Committee. U.K.

(1) There shall be a committee known as the Northern Ireland [F1 Court of Judicature] Rules Committee (in this Act referred to as the Rules Committee) which, subject to subsection (2), shall consist of—

(a) the Lord Chief Justice who shall be chairman;

(b) four judges of the High Court or the Court of Appeal nominated from time to time by the Lord Chief Justice;

(c) a practising member of the Bar of Northern Ireland nominated by the Lord Chancellor;

(d) [F2 a] practising member of the Bar of Northern Ireland nominated by the Council thereof;

(e) the president of the Incorporated Law Society of Northern Ireland or a member of the Council thereof nominated by him; F3 ...

(f) a practising solicitor nominated by that Council,

[F4 (g) the Attorney General for Northern Ireland or a practising member of the Bar of Northern Ireland or a practising solicitor nominated by the Attorney General for Northern Ireland,]

and shall have the functions conferred on it in relation to the making of rules of court by section 55.

(2) Where any member of the Rules Committee is unable to act, the Lord Chief Justice or, in the case of a member nominated by any other authority or body, that authority or body may nominate another qualified person to act temporarily in his place.

(3) Rules of court may be made and other powers of the Rules Committee exercised at a meeting of the Rules Committee by a majority consisting of not less than four members of whom the chairman of the meeting shall be one.

(4) In the absence of the Lord Chief Justice, the senior judge present shall be chairman of the meeting.

(5) The joint secretaries to the Rules Committee shall be [F5 the Principal Secretary to the Lord Chief Justice and a person designated by the Lord Chancellor.].

(6) Any expenses incurred by the Rules Committee shall be paid by the Lord Chancellor.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 54(1) and heading substituted (1.10.2009) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), ss. 59, 148, Sch. 11 para. 6(1); S.I. 2009/1604, art. 2(d)

F2 Word in s. 54(1)(d) substituted (N.I.) (5.7.2011) by Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (c. 24), ss. 97(1), 111(3); S.R. 2011/224, art. 2

F3 Word in s. 54(1)(e) repealed (N.I.) (5.7.2011) by Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (c. 24), ss. 97(1), 111(3), Sch. 8 Pt. 5; S.R. 2011/224, art. 2

F4 S. 54(1)(g) inserted (N.I.) (5.7.2011) by Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (c. 24), ss. 97(1), 111(3); S.R. 2011/224, art. 2

F5 Words in s. 54(5) substituted (15.10.2002) by 2002 c. 26, s. 17(3); S.R. 2002/319, art. 2 Sch.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 54(1)(c) transfer of functions (12.4.2010) by The Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/976), art. 1(2), Sch. 17 para. 6(d) (with arts. 28-31)

C2 S. 54(1)(d)-(f) amendment to earlier amending provision 2002 c. 26, s. 73(1) (12.4.2010) by The Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/976), art. 1(2), Sch. 18 para. 66(a) (with arts. 28-31)

C3 S. 54(5) transfer of functions (12.4.2010) by The Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/976), art. 1(2), Sch. 17 para. 6(d) (with arts. 28-31)

C4 S. 54(6) transfer of functions (12.4.2010) by The Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/976), art. 1(2), Sch. 17 para. 6(d) (with arts. 28-31)

55 Rules of Court. U.K.

[F6 (1) Subject to any statutory provision, rules may be made in accordance with section 55A with respect to—]

(a) the pleading, practice and procedure in or affecting, and the forms used in connection with, any proceedings before the High Court and the Court of Appeal or any division, office, judge or officer of either such court or any person appointed by, or to assist, it including—

(i) the mode of proof of any fact;

(ii) the assessment of damages, compensation or other sums;

(iii) the payment of money into and out of court;

(iv) the circumstances in which and the terms on which a stay of proceedings or execution may be granted or an interim order (including an order authorising interim payments) may be made;

(v) costs (including the taxation of costs and security to be given for costs);

(vi) the recording of proceedings and the making available of transcripts thereof; and

(vii) the impounding and release of documents or exhibits;

(b) the conditions subject to which process may be served out of the jurisdiction of the High Court;

(c) the manner in which, the time within which and the conditions on which steps in any such proceedings as are mentioned in paragraph (a) may or must be taken;

(d) the transfer of proceedings to or from any such court, division, judge, officer or person as is mentioned in that paragraph;

(e) the practice and procedure of the High Court in non-contentious probate business;

(f) the practice and procedure to be followed in exercising jurisdiction over the person, property or affairs of persons under any disability; and

(g) the extent to which and the circumstances in which documents filed in any such proceedings as are mentioned in paragraph (a) may be inspected and copied.

(2) [F7 Subject to any statutory provision, rules may be made in accordance with section 55A—]

(a) regulating the sittings of any court, division or judge to which or to whom subsection (1)(a) applies and any sittings of statutory officers or persons appointed by, or to assist, such a court;

(b) authorising the exercise by a judge of the High Court of jurisdiction while sitting in chambers and prescribing when a judge exercising such jurisdiction is to be deemed to constitute the High Court or a court of the High Court;

(c) providing for the distribution of business of the High Court amongst the several divisions of that court;

[F8 (cc) providing for any prescribed part of the jurisdiction of the High Court in relation to the trial of any action involving matters of account to be exercised in the prescribed manner by a person agreed by the parties and for the remuneration of any such person;]

(d) requiring any prescribed part of the jurisdiction of the High Court to be exercised by two or more judges sitting together and fixing the number of judges by whom it shall be exercised;

(e) prescribing what part of the business which may be transacted and of the jurisdiction which may be exercised by the High Court and the Court of Appeal may be transacted or exercised by statutory officers or officers serving in the [F9 Court of Judicature] and providing for the review of any jurisdiction exercised by such officers;

(f) regulating or providing for any other matter with respect to which the Committee is authorised to make rules under any other statutory provision (including any other provision of this Act) or for which provision was heretofore contained in rules of court made or deemed to have been made under section 7 of the M1 Northern Ireland Act 1962;

(g) regulating or providing for any matter relating to practice or procedure heretofore regulated or provided for by a statutory provision repealed by section 122 and Schedule 7; and

(h) generally for the purposes of carrying any of the provisions of this Act into effect.

(3) Rules [F10 made under this section] may amend or repeal any statutory provision in force immediately before the commencement of this section or any statutory provision (including a provision of this Act) re-enacting any such statutory provision so far as may be necessary or expedient in consequence of provision made by the rules.

Textual Amendments

F6 Words in s. 55(1) substituted (3.4.2006) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), ss. 15(2), 148(1), Sch. 5 para. 29(2); S.I. 2006/1014, art. 2(a), Sch. 1 para. 12(a)

F7 Words in s. 55(2) substituted (3.4.2006) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), ss. 15(2), 148(1), Sch. 5 para. 29(3); S. I. 2006/1014, art. 2(a), Sch. 1 para. 12(a)

F8 S. 55(2)(cc) added (31.1.1997) by 1996 c. 23, s. 107(1), Sch. 3, para. 34(3); S.I 1996/3146, art.3 (subject to art. 4, Sch. 2)

F9 Words in s. 55(2)(e) substituted (1.10.2009) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), ss. 59, 148, Sch. 11 para. 6(1); S.I. 2009/1604, art. 2(d)

F10 Words in s. 55(3) substituted (3.4.2006) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), ss. 15(2), 148(1), Sch. 5 para. 29(4); S. I. 2006/1014, art. 2(a), Sch. 1 para. 12(a)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 S. 55 extended (N.I.) (18.6.2001) by 2000 c. 8, s. 215(8)(c); S.I. 2001/1820, art. 2, Sch.

Marginal Citations

M1 1962 c. 30.

[F11 55A Making of rules of Court U.K.

(1) It is for the Rules Committee to make rules under section 55(1) or (2).

[F12 (1A) For the purposes of this section, “relevant authority” means—

(a) in relation to rules which deal (or would deal) with an excepted matter, the Lord Chancellor; and

(b) otherwise, the Department of Justice;

and for the purposes of this subsection “deal with” and “excepted matter” have the same meanings as in the Northern Ireland Act 1998.]

(2) After making such rules the Rule Committee must submit them to the [F13 relevant authority].

(3) The [F13 relevant authority] must allow or disallow rules submitted to [F14 it].

(4) Rules submitted to the [F13 relevant authority] have effect only if allowed by [F14 it].

(5) If the [F13 relevant authority] disallows rules submitted to [F14 it], [F14 it] must give the Committee written reasons why [F15 it] has disallowed them.

(6) Subsection (7) applies if the [F13 relevant authority] gives the Rules Committee written notice that [F15 it] thinks it is expedient for rules under section 55(1) or (2) to include provision that would achieve a purpose specified in the notice.

(7) The Rules Committee must make such rules as it considers necessary to achieve the specified purpose.

(8) Those rules must be—

(a) made within a reasonable period after the [F13 relevant authority] gives notice under subsection (6);

(b) made in accordance with this section.]

Textual Amendments

F11 S. 55A inserted (3.4.2006) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), ss. 15(2), 148(1), Sch. 5 para. 30; S.I. 2006/1014, art. 2(a), Sch. 1 para. 12(a)

F12 S. 55A(1A) inserted (12.4.2010) by The Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/976), Sch. 18 para. 15(a) (with arts. 28-31)

F13 Words in s. 55A substituted (12.4.2010) by The Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/976), Sch. 18 para. 15(b) (with arts. 28-31)

F14 Word in s. 55A(3)(4)(5) substituted (12.4.2010) by The Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/976), Sch. 18 para. 15(c) (with arts. 28-31)

F15 Words in s. 55A(5)(6) substituted (12.4.2010) by The Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/976), Sch. 18 para. 15(d) (with arts. 28-31)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 S. 55A transfer of functions (12.4.2010) by The Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/976), art. 1(2), Sch. 17 para. 6(e) (with arts. 28-31)

56 Control and publication of rules. U.K.

[F16 (1) Rules made by the Rules Committee—

(a) in the case of rules that are required under section 55A to be submitted to the Lord Chancellor, are subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament in the same manner as a statutory instrument and section 5 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1946 applies accordingly; and

(b) in the case of rules that are required under section 55A to be submitted to the Department of Justice, are subject to negative resolution within the meaning of section 41(6) of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954.]

(2) The Rules Committee shall not, except with the concurrence of the Treasury, make a rule which may involve an increase in expenditure out of public funds; but the validity of such a rule shall not, in any proceedings in any court, be called in question either by the court or by any party to the proceedings on the ground only that the Treasury did not concur or are not expressed to have concurred in the making of the rule.

[F17 (2A) Rules made by the Rules Committee shall be statutory rules for the purposes of the Statutory Rules (Northern Ireland) Order 1979.]

(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F18

(4) Such of the joint secretaries to the Rules Committee as the Lord Chancellor may designate shall, in relation to rules of court, be the responsible officer within the meaning of [F19 Articles 5 and 7 of the Statutory Rules (Northern Ireland) Order 1979].

Textual Amendments

F16 S. 56(1) substituted (13.5.2014) by Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 (c. 13), s. 28(4), Sch. para. 1

F17 S. 56(2A) inserted by Administration of Justice Act 1982 (c. 53, SIF 38), Sch. 8 para. 5

F18 S. 56(3) repealed by S.I. 1979/1573 (N.I. 12), art. 11(2), Sch. 5

F19 Words substituted by S.I. 1979/1573 (N.I. 12), Sch. 4 para. 23

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 S. 56 excluded (11.3.2005) by Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005 (c. 2), s. 11(5), Sch. para. 3(7)(b)

C8 S. 56 excluded (27.11.2008) by Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 (c. 28), ss. 72(6)(b), 100(2) (with s. 101(2))

C9 S. 56(1)(2)(4) excluded (17.12.2010) by Terrorist Asset-Freezing etc. Act 2010 (c. 38), ss. 29(9)(b), 55(1) (with s. 44)

C10 S. 56(1)(2) excluded (15.12.2011) by Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Act 2011 (c. 23), s. 31(2), Sch. 4 para. 7(8)(b) (with Sch. 8)

C11 S. 56(1)(2)(4) excluded (25.6.2013) by Justice and Security Act 2013 (c. 18), s. 20(1), Sch. 3 para. 3(9)(b); S.I. 2013/1482, art. 2 (with arts. 3, 4)

C12 S. 56(1)(2) excluded (12.2.2015) by Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (c. 6), s. 52(5), Sch. 3 para. 8(b)

C13 S. 56(1)(2) excluded (22.11.2018) by Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (c. 13), ss. 40(11)(b), 64(2) (with ss. 52(3), 53, 58); S.I. 2018/1213, reg. 2(b)

C14 S. 56(2) transfer of functions (12.4.2010) by The Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/976), arts. 1(2), 15(4)(b) (with arts. 15(6), arts. 28-31)

C15 S. 56(4) transfer of functions (12.4.2010) by The Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/976), art. 1(2), Sch. 17 para. 6(f) (with arts. 28-31)

C16 S. 56(4) excluded (15.12.2011) by Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Act 2011 (c. 23), s. 31(2), Sch. 4 para. 7(8)(b) (with Sch. 8)

C17 S. 56(4) excluded (12.2.2015) by Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (c. 6), s. 52(5), Sch. 3 para. 8(b)

C18 S. 56(4) excluded (22.11.2018) by Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (c. 13), ss. 40(11)(b), 64(2) (with ss. 52(3), 53, 58); S.I. 2018/1213, reg. 2(b)

57 High Court and Court of Appeal to be continuing courts. U.K.

(1) The High Court and the Court of Appeal shall be continuing courts with vacations regulated by rules of court.

(2) Rules of court shall provide for the hearing during vacation by judges and officers of the High Court and the Court of Appeal of all such causes and matters as may require to be immediately or promptly heard.

58 Sittings of High Court and Court of Appeal. U.K.

(1) Subject to rules of court, such numbers of judges and courts shall sit as may be required to dispose of the business of the High Court and the Court of Appeal.

(2) The places at which the High Court and the Court of Appeal sit outside the Royal Courts of Justice and the places outside the Royal Courts of Justice at which any other business of those courts may be conducted shall be determined in accordance with directions given by the [F20 Lord Chief Justice].

(3) The High Court may, on the application of any party to an action or issue to be tried by the court, order that the trial be held in some other place if the court is of opinion that it would be more just or convenient for the trial to be so held.

[F21 (4) The Lord Chief Justice may nominate any of the following to exercise his functions under this section—

(a) the holder of one of the offices listed in Schedule 1 to the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002;

(b) a Lord Justice of Appeal (as defined in section 88 of that Act).]

Textual Amendments

F20 Words in s. 58(2) substituted (3.4.2006) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), ss. 15(2), 148(1), Sch. 5 para. 31(2); S.I. 2006/1014, art. 2(a), Sch. 1 para. 12(a)

F21 S. 58(4) inserted (3.4.2006) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), ss. 15(2), 148(1), Sch. 5 para. 31(3); S. I. 2006/1014, art. 2(a), Sch. 1 para. 12(a)

59 Award of costs. U.K.

(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act and to rules of court and to the express provisions of any other statutory provision, the costs of and incidental to all proceedings in the High Court and the Court of Appeal, including the administration of estates and trusts, shall be in the discretion of the court and the court shall have power to determine by whom and to what extent the costs are to be paid.

(2) Save as otherwise provided by any statutory provision passed after this Act or by rules of court, if damages or other relief awarded could have been obtained in proceedings commenced in the county court, the plaintiff shall not, except for special cause shown and mentioned in the judgment making the award, recover more costs than would have been recoverable had the same relief been awarded by the county court.

(3) Where any statutory provision whether passed before or after the commencement of this Act confers jurisdiction on the High Court or any judge thereof in regard to any matter without expressly conferring jurisdiction to award or deal otherwise with the costs of the proceedings connected with that matter, subsection (1) shall apply so as to authorise the court or judge, in its or his discretion, to award and deal with such costs.

(4) Nothing in this section shall alter the practice in any criminal cause or matter.

60 Taxation of costs. U.K.

(1) The jurisdiction of the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Crown Court in relation to the taxation of costs shall be vested in the Master (Taxing Office) or such other statutory officer as may be designated for the purpose by the [F22 Lord Chief Justice] and shall be exercised in accordance with rules of court.

(2) Costs may be taxed and recovered in any action notwithstanding the death of the party to or against whom those costs were awarded.

[F23 (3) The Lord Chief Justice may nominate any of the following to exercise his functions under this section—

(a) the holder of one of the offices listed in Schedule 1 to the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002;

(b) a Lord Justice of Appeal (as defined in section 88 of that Act).]

Textual Amendments

F22 Words in s. 60(1) substituted (3.4.2006) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), ss. 15(2), 148(1), Sch. 5 para. 32(2); S.I. 2006/1014, art. 2(a), Sch. 1 para. 12(a)

F23 S. 60(3) inserted (3.4.2006) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), ss. 15(2), 148(1), Sch. 5 para. 32(3); S.I. 2006/1014, art. 2(a), Sch. 1 para. 12(a)

61 Trial with assessors. U.K.

(1) In any cause or matter before the High Court or the Court of Appeal, other than a criminal proceeding by or in the name of the Crown, the court may, if it thinks it expedient so to do, call in the aid of one or more assessors specially qualified, and try and hear the cause or matter wholly or partly with their assistance.

(2) The remuneration, if any, to be paid to an assessor shall be determined by the court.

62 Trial with and without jury. U.K.

(1) Subject to subsection (2), an action or an issue of fact in an action in the High Court in which a claim is made in respect of—

(a) libel;

(b) slander;

(c) malicious prosecution;

(d) false imprisonment;

(e) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F24

shall, if any party to the action so requests, be tried with a jury.

(2) The court may, on the application of any party to an action referred to in subsection (1), order that the action or any issue of fact in the action shall be tried without a jury if it is of opinion that such trial—

(a) will substantially involve matters of account;

(b) will require any protracted examination of documents or accounts or any technical, scientific or local investigation which cannot conveniently be made with a jury;

(c) will be unduly prolonged; F25 ...

[F26 (ca) will involve section 6 proceedings; or]

(d) is for any special reason (to be mentioned in the order) unsuitable to be tried with a jury.

(3) Subject to subsection (4), any other action or any issue of fact therein shall be tried without a jury.

(4) The court may, in any action referred to in subsection (3) order that the action or any issue of fact in the action shall be tried with a jury if it is of opinion that by reason of an allegation of actual fraud or actual undue influence or for some other reason the trial may more suitably be had with a jury.

[F27 (4A) An action in the High Court which by virtue of subsection (1) or (4) is being, or is to be, tried with a jury may, at any stage in the proceedings, be tried without a jury if the court concerned—

(a) is of opinion that the action involves, or will involve, section 6 proceedings; and

(b) in its discretion orders the action to be tried without a jury.

(4B) Where the court makes an order under subsection (4A)(b), it may make such other orders as it considers appropriate (including an order dismissing the jury).]

(5) Subject to subsections (1) and (3), the High Court may in accordance with rules of court order that different questions of fact arising in any action be tried at different times or by different modes of trial.

(6) [F28 The Department of Justice may by order] from time to time amend this section so as to alter the classes of action in which and the terms and conditions on which a trial shall or may be had with a jury.

F29 (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F30 (8) In this section “section 6 proceedings” has the meaning given by section 14(1) of the Justice and Security Act 2013 (certain civil proceedings in which closed material applications may be made).]

Textual Amendments

F24 S. 62(1)(e) repealed by S.I. 1987/1283, art. 2

F25 Word in s. 62(2)(c) repealed (25.6.2013) by Justice and Security Act 2013 (c. 18), s. 20(1), Sch. 2 para. 7(2)(a) (with Sch. 3 para. 2); S.I. 2013/1482, art. 2 (with arts. 3, 4)

F26 S. 62(2)(ca) inserted (25.6.2013) by Justice and Security Act 2013 (c. 18), s. 20(1), Sch. 2 para. 7(2)(b) (with Sch. 3 para. 2); S.I. 2013/1482, art. 2 (with arts. 3, 4)

F27 S. 62(4A)(4B) inserted (25.6.2013) by Justice and Security Act 2013 (c. 18), s. 20(1), Sch. 2 para. 7(3) (with Sch. 3 para. 2); S.I. 2013/1482, art. 2 (with arts. 3, 4)

F28 Words in s. 62(6) substituted (12.4.2010) by The Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/976), Sch. 18 para. 17(a) (with arts. 28-31)

F29 S. 62(7) omitted (12.4.2010) by virtue of The Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/976), Sch. 18 para. 17(b) (with arts. 28-31)

F30 S. 62(8) inserted (25.6.2013) by Justice and Security Act 2013 (c. 18), s. 20(1), Sch. 2 para. 7(4) (with Sch. 3 para. 2); S.I. 2013/1482, art. 2 (with arts. 3, 4)

F31 63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F31 S. 63 repealed (31.7.1996) by S.I. 1996/1141 (N.I. 6), art. 32(3), Sch. 5; S.R. 1996/267, art. 2

64 Jury in civil actions. U.K.

(1) The jury for the trial in the High Court of any action or any issue therein shall consist of seven persons, F32 . . .

F33 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F34 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F35 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F32 Words in S. 64(1) repealed (31.7.1996) by S.I. 1996/1141(N.I. 6) art. 32(3), Sch. 5; S.R. 1996/267, art. 2

F33 S. 64(2) repealed (31.7.1996) by S.I. 1996/1141(N.I. 6) art. 32(3), Sch. 5; S.R. 1996/267, art.2

F34 S. 64(3) repealed (31.7.1996) by S.I. 1996/1141(N.I. 6) art. 32(3), Sch. 5; S.R. 1996/267, art.2

F35 S. 64(4) repealed (31.7.1996) by S.I. 1996/1141(N.I. 6) art. 32(3), Sch. 5; S.R. 1996/267, art. 2

65 Rules of court in relation to juries in civil actions. U.K.

(1) Subject to this Act, rules of court may be made concerning the challenging, empanelling and discharge of jurors and juries and the conditions subject to which refreshment may be supplied to them at any stage of the trial of an action or issue therein and may prescribe the number of peremptory challenges, being not less than three or more than six, to be allowed to each party in civil proceedings.

F36 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F36 S. 65(2) repealed (31.7.1996) by S.I. 1996/1141 (N.I. 6) art. 32(3), Sch. 5: S.R. 1996/267, art. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C19 S. 65 extended by Banking Act 1987 (c. 22, SIF 10), s. 62(8)(c)

66 Certain affidavits taken abroad admissible without proof of seal etc. U.K.

A document purporting to have affixed or impressed on it or subscribed to it the seal or signature of a court, judge, notary public or person having authority to administer oaths in England and Wales, Scotland, the Republic of Ireland or any part of the Commonwealth in testimony of an affidavit being taken before it or him in such place shall be admitted in evidence without proof of the seal or signature being the seal or signature of that court, judge, notary public or person.

67 Subpoenas in other parts of the United Kingdom. U.K.

(1) In connection with any cause or matter in or pending before the High Court, the Court of Appeal or any inferior court or tribunal in aid of which the High Court may act, a judge of the High Court, or (in the case of a cause or matter in or pending before the Court of Appeal) of the Court of Appeal, may, if satisfied that it is proper to compel—

(a) the personal attendance at any proceedings of any witness not within the jurisdiction of the court; or

(b) the production by any such witness of any document or exhibit at any proceedings,

order that a writ of subpoena ad testificandum or writ of subpoena duces tecum shall issue in special form commanding the witness, wherever he shall be within the United Kingdom, to attend the proceedings, and the service of any such writ in any part of the United Kingdom shall be as valid and effectual to all intents and purposes as if it had been served within the jurisdiction of the court.

(2) A writ of subpoena ad testificandum or duces tecum may be issued under this section for the purpose of enforcing any order made by the High Court requiring any person to give evidence respecting any paper or writing being or purporting to be testamentary or to lodge in the Probate and Matrimonial Office any such paper or writing which may be shown to be in his possession or under his control.

(3) References in subsection (1) to proceedings include references to proceedings before an officer of a court or tribunal, an examiner or commissioner appointed by the court (including an examiner or commissioner appointed to take evidence outside the jurisdiction of the court) or an official or special referee or arbitrator.

(4) Every writ issued under this section shall have at its foot a statement to the effect that it is issued by the special order of a judge, and no such writ shall issue without such a special order.

(5) If any person served with a writ issued under this section does not appear as required by the writ, the High Court, on proof to the satisfaction of the court of the service of the writ and of the default, may transmit a certificate of the default under the seal of the court or under the hand of a judge of the court, if the service was in Scotland to the Court of Session in Edinburgh, and if the service was in England or Wales to the High Court of Justice in London, and the court to which the certificate is so sent shall thereupon proceed against and punish the person so having made the default in like manner as if that person had neglected or refused to appear in obedience to process issued out of that court.

(6) No court shall in any case proceed against or punish any person for having made such default as aforesaid unless it is shown to the court that a reasonable and sufficient sum of money to defray the expenses of coming and attending to give evidence and of returning from giving evidence was tendered to that person at the time when the writ was served upon him.

(7) Nothing in this section shall alter or affect—

(a) the power of the High Court to issue a commission for the examination of witnesses out of the jurisdiction of the court in any case in which, notwithstanding this section, the court thinks fit to issue such a commission; or

(b) the admissibility of any evidence at any trial where such evidence was heretofore by law receivable on the ground of any witness being beyond the jurisdiction of the court, and the admissibility of any such evidence shall be determined as if this section and any statutory provision reproduced by this section had not passed.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C20 S 67 applied (19.6.1997) by 1997 c. 24, ss. 10(8), 22(3), 24(2), Sch. 2 para. 1(c), Sch. 3, para. 6

S. 67 applied (coming into force in accordance with art. 1(3)) by 1983 c. 54, Sch. 4 (as inserted (coming into force in accordance with art. 1(3)) by S.I. 2002/3135, art. 14 (with transitional provisions in Sch. 2)

C21 S. 67 extended by Medical Act 1983 (c. 54, SIF 83:1), Sch. 4 para. 2(2) and by Dentists Act 1984 (c. 24, SIF 83:1), s. 50(2)

C22 S. 67 applied by Opticians Act 1989 (c. 44, SIF 83:1), s. 21(2)

C23 S. 67 applied (prosp.) by Health and Social Care Act 2008 (c. 14), ss. 106, 170(3), 171(2)