Search Legislation

Advanced Search

Courts Act 2003

Help about what version

What Version

Help about advanced features

Advanced Features

Status:

Point in time view as at 03/04/2017. This version of this part contains provisions that are prospective. Help about Status

Close

Status

The term provision is used to describe a definable element in a piece of legislation that has legislative effect – such as a Part, Chapter or section. A version of a provision is prospective either:

  1. where the provision (Part, Chapter or section) has never come into force or;
  2. where the text of the provision is subject to change, but no date has yet been appointed by the appropriate person or body for those changes to come into force.

Commencement Orders listed in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ box as not yet applied may bring this prospective version into force.

Changes to legislation:

Courts Act 2003, Part 7 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 14 November 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. Help about Changes to Legislation

Close

Changes to Legislation

Changes and effects yet to be applied by the editorial team are only applicable when viewing the latest version or prospective version of legislation. They are therefore not accessible when viewing legislation as at a specific point in time. To view the ‘Changes to Legislation’ information for this provision return to the latest version view using the options provided in the ‘What Version’ box above.

Part 7 E+WProcedure rules and practice directions

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Criminal Procedure Rules and practice directionsE+W

68Meaning of “criminal court”E+W

In this Part “criminal court” means—

(a)the criminal division of the Court of Appeal;

(b)when dealing with any criminal cause or matter—

(i)the Crown Court;

(ii)a magistrates' court.

[F1(c)the High Court in relation to its jurisdiction under the Extradition Act 2003.]

Textual Amendments

69Criminal Procedure RulesE+W

(1)There are to be rules of court (to be called “Criminal Procedure Rules”) governing the practice and procedure to be followed in the criminal courts.

(2)Criminal Procedure Rules are to be made by a committee known as the Criminal Procedure Rule Committee.

(3)The power to make Criminal Procedure Rules includes power to make different provision for different cases or different areas, including different provision—

(a)for a specified court or description of courts, or

(b)for specified descriptions of proceedings or a specified jurisdiction.

(4)Any power to make F2. . . Criminal Procedure Rules is to be exercised with a view to securing that—

(a)the criminal justice system is accessible, fair and efficient, and

(b)the rules are both simple and simply expressed.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I1S. 69 wholly in force at 1.9.2004, see s. 110(1)(2) and S.I. 2004/2066, art. 2(b)(i) (subject to art. 3)

70Criminal Procedure Rule CommitteeE+W

(1)The Criminal Procedure Rule Committee is to consist of—

(a)the Lord Chief Justice, and

[F3(b)the persons currently appointed in accordance with subsections (1A) and (1B).]

[F4(1A)The Lord Chief Justice must appoint the persons falling within paragraphs (a) to (e) of subsection (2).

(1B)The Lord Chancellor must appoint the persons falling within paragraphs (f) to (k) of subsection (2).]

(2)[F5The persons to be appointed in accordance with subsections (1A) and (1B) are]—

(a)a person nominated by the [F6Lord Chancellor],

(b)three persons each of whom is either a puisne judge of the High Court or an ordinary judge of the Court of Appeal,

(c)two Circuit judges with particular experience of sitting in criminal courts,

(d)one District Judge (Magistrates' Courts),

(e)one lay justice,

(f)one justices' clerk,

(g)the Director of Public Prosecutions or a person nominated by the Director,

(h)two persons who have a [F7Senior Courts] qualification and who have particular experience of practice in criminal courts,

(i)two persons who—

(i)have been [F8authorised by a relevant approved regulator] to conduct litigation in relation to all proceedings in the [F7Senior Courts], and

(ii)have particular experience of practice in criminal courts,

(j)one person who appears to represent [F9the National Police Chiefs' Council], and

(k)two persons who appear to represent voluntary organisations with a direct interest in the work of criminal courts.

[F10(2A)In subsection (2)(i)(i) “relevant approved regulator” is to be construed in accordance with section 20(3) of the Legal Services Act 2007.]

[F11(3)Before appointing a person in accordance with subsection (1A), [F12other than a person falling within subsection (2)(a),] the Lord Chief Justice must consult the Lord Chancellor.

(3A)Before appointing a person in accordance with subsection (1B), the Lord Chancellor must consult the Lord Chief Justice.]

(4)The Criminal Procedure Rule Committee is to be chaired by the Lord Chief Justice; and one of the judges appointed under subsection (2)(b) is to be his deputy.

(5)The Lord Chancellor may reimburse—

(a)the travelling and out-of-pocket expenses of the members of the Criminal Procedure Rule Committee, and

(b)authorised travelling and out-of-pocket expenses of persons invited to participate in the work of the Committee.

[F13(5A)The Lord Chief Justice may nominate a judicial office holder (as defined in section 109(4) of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005) to exercise his functions under this section.]

(6)“The 1990 Act” means the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 (c. 41).

Textual Amendments

F6Words in s. 70(2)(a) substituted (22.8.2007) by The Secretary of State for Justice Order (S.I. 2007/2128), art. 8, {Sch. para. 8(2)(a)}

F8Words in s. 70(2)(i)(i) substituted (1.1.2010) by Legal Services Act 2007 (c. 29), ss. 208, 211, Sch. 21 para. 143(a) (with ss. 29, 192, 193); S.I. 2009/3250, art. 2(h) (with art. 9)

F9Words in s. 70(2)(j) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 3.4.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 14 paras. 6, 7(f); S.I. 2017/399, Sch. para. 41

F10S. 70(2A) inserted (1.1.2010) by Legal Services Act 2007, ss. 208, 211(2), {Sch. 21 para. 143(b)} (with ss. 29, 192, 193); S.I. 2009/3250, art. 2(h) (with art. 9)

F12Words in s. 70(3) inserted (28.8.2007) by The Secretary of State for Justice Order (S.I. 2007/2128), art. 8, {Sch. para. 8(2)(b)}

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2S. 70(2)(a): functions transferred (22.8.2007) by virtue of The Secretary of State for Justice Order 2007/2128, {art. 4(1)(b)} (with art. 7)

71Power to change certain requirements relating to CommitteeE+W

(1)The Lord Chancellor may by order—

[F14(a)amend section 70(2) or (3A), and]

(b)make consequential amendments in any other provision of section 70.

[F15(2)The Lord Chancellor may make an order under this section only with the concurrence of the Lord Chief Justice.

(3)The Lord Chief Justice may nominate a judicial office holder (as defined in section 109(4) of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005) to exercise his functions under this section.]

Textual Amendments

72Process for making Criminal Procedure RulesE+W

(1)The Criminal Procedure Rule Committee must, before making Criminal Procedure Rules—

(a)consult such persons as they consider appropriate, and

(b)meet (unless it is inexpedient to do so).

(2)Rules made by the Criminal Procedure Rule Committee must be—

(a)signed by a majority of the members of the Committee, and

(b)submitted to the Lord Chancellor.

[F16(3)The Lord Chancellor may F17. . . allow or disallow rules so made.

(4)If the Lord Chancellor disallows rules, he must give the Committee written reasons for doing so.]

(5)Rules so made [F18and allowed] by the Lord Chancellor—

(a)come into force on such day as the Lord Chancellor directs, and

(b)are to be contained in a statutory instrument to which the Statutory Instruments Act 1946 (c. 36) applies as if the instrument contained rules made by a Minister of the Crown.

(6)F19. . . a statutory instrument containing Criminal Procedure Rules is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(7)F20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F17Words in s. 72(3) omitted (22.8.2007) by virtue of The Secretary of State for Justice Order (S.I. 2007/2128), art. 8, {Sch. para. 8(3)}

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3S. 72(3): functions transferred (22.8.2007) by virtue of The Secretary of State for Justice Order (S.I. 2007/2128), {art. 4(1)(b)} (with art. 7)

Commencement Information

I2S. 72 wholly in force at 1.9.2004, see s. 110(1)(2) and S.I. 2004/2066, art. 2(b)(ii) (subject to art. 3)

[F2172ARules to be made if required by Lord ChancellorE+W

(1)This section applies if the Lord Chancellor gives the Criminal Procedure Rules Committee written notice that he thinks it is expedient for Criminal Procedure Rules to include provision that would achieve a purpose specified in the notice.

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

(3)Those rules must be—

(a)made within a reasonable period after the Lord Chancellor gives notice to the Committee;

(b)made in accordance with section 72.

(4)F22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

Textual Amendments

F22s. 72A(4) omitted (22.8.2007) by virtue of The Secretary of State for Justice Order 2007/2828, art. 8, {Sch. para. 8(4)}

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4S. 72A(4): functions transferred (22.8.2007) by virtue of The Secretary of State for Justice Order (S.I. 2007/2128), {art. 4(1)(b)} (with art. 7)

73Power to amend legislation in connection with the rulesE+W

F231The Lord Chancellor may, F24. . . [F25F24. . . after consulting the Lord Chief Justice] , by order amend, repeal or revoke any enactment to the extent that he considers necessary or desirable—

(a)in order to facilitate the making of Criminal Procedure Rules, or

(b)in consequence of section 69 or 72 or Criminal Procedure Rules.

[F26(2)The Lord Chief Justice may nominate a judicial office holder (as defined in section 109(4) of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005) to exercise his functions under this section.]

Textual Amendments

F24Words in s. 73(1) omitted (22.8.2007) by virtue of The Secretary of State for Justice Order (S.I. 2007/2128), art. 8, {Sch. para. 8(5)}

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5S. 73(1): functions transferred (22.8.2007) by virtue of The Secretary of State for Justice Order (S.I. 2007/2128), {art. 4(1)(b)} (with art. 7)

Commencement Information

I3S. 73 wholly in force at 1.9.2004, see s. 110(1)(2) and S.I. 2004/2066, art. 2(b)(iii) (subject to art. 3)

74Practice directions as to practice and procedure of the criminal courtsE+W

(1)[F27Directions may be given in accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Constitutional Reform Act 2005] as to the practice and procedure of the criminal courts.

(2)Directions as to the practice and procedure of the criminal courts [F28 given otherwise than under subsection (1) may not be given without the approval of—

(a)the Lord Chancellor, and

(b)the Lord Chief Justice.]

(3)The power to give directions under subsection (1) includes power—

(a)to vary or revoke directions as to the practice and procedure of the criminal courts (or any of them), whether given [F29under subsection (1) or otherwise] ,

(b)to give directions containing different provision for different cases (including different areas), and

(c)to give directions containing provision for a specific court, for specific proceedings or for a specific jurisdiction.

[F30(4)Subsection (2)(a) does not apply to directions to the extent that they consist of guidance about any of the following—

(a)the application or interpretation of the law;

(b)the making of judicial decisions.

(5)Subsection (2)(a) does not apply to directions to the extent that they consist of criteria for determining which judges may be allocated to hear particular categories of case; but the directions may, to that extent, be given only—

(a)after consulting the Lord Chancellor, and

(b)with the approval of the Lord Chief Justice.]

Textual Amendments

Family Procedure Rules and practice directionsE+W

75Family Procedure RulesE+W

(1)There are to be rules of court (to be called “Family Procedure Rules”) governing the practice and procedure to be followed in family proceedingsF31...

F31(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F31(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F31(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2)Family Procedure Rules are to be made by a committee known as the Family Procedure Rule Committee.

[F32(3)Family proceedings” means—

(a)proceedings in the family court, and

(a)proceedings in the Family Division of the High Court which are business assigned, by or under section 61 of (and Schedule 1 to) the Senior Courts Act 1981, to that Division of the High Court and no other.]

(4)The power to make Family Procedure Rules includes power to make different provision for [F33different cases or] different areas, including different provision—

(a)for a specified court or description of courts, or

(b)for specified descriptions of proceedings or a specified jurisdiction.

(5)Any power to make F34. . . Family Procedure Rules is to be exercised with a view to securing that—

(a)the family justice system is accessible, fair and efficient, and

(b)the rules are both simple and simply expressed.

Textual Amendments

F31Words in s. 75(1) omitted (22.4.2014) by virtue of Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 10 para. 91(2); S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(d) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

F32S. 75(3) substituted (22.4.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 10 para. 91(3); S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(d) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

F33Words in s. 75(4) inserted (22.4.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 10 para. 91(4); S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(d) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

Commencement Information

I4S. 75 partly in force; s. 75 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(1)(2); s. 75 in force for certain purposes at 7.10.2005 by S.I. 2005/2744, art. 2(2)(a) (with arts. 2(1), 3)

I5S. 75 in force at 12.12.2010 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2010/2921, art. 2(a)

76Further provision about scope of Family Procedure RulesE+W

(1)Family Procedure Rules may not be made in respect of matters which may be dealt with in probate rules made F35. . . under section 127 of the 1981 Act.

(2)Family Procedure Rules may —

(a)modify or exclude the application of any provision of the County Courts Act 1984 (c. 28), and

[F36(aa)provide, subject to any provision that may be made in rules under section 31O(1) of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984, for any functions of a court in family proceedings to be carried out by officers or other staff of the court.]

F37(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F38(2A)Family Procedure Rules may, for the purposes of the law relating to contempt of court, authorise the publication in such circumstances as may be specified of information relating to family proceedings held in private.]

(3)Family Procedure Rules may modify the rules of evidence as they apply to family proceedingsF39....

(4)Family Procedure Rules may apply any rules of court (including in particular Civil Procedure Rules) which relate to—

(a)courts which are outside the scope of Family Procedure Rules, or

(b)proceedings other than family proceedings.

(5)Any rules of court, not made by the Family Procedure Rule Committee, which apply to proceedings of a particular kind in a court within the scope of Family Procedure Rules may be applied by Family Procedure Rules to family proceedings in such a court.

(6)In subsections (4) and (5) “rules of court” includes any provision governing the practice and procedure of a court which is made by or under an enactment.

(7)Where Family Procedure Rules may be made by applying other rules, the other rules may be applied—

(a)to any extent,

(b)with or without modification, and

(c)as amended from time to time.

(8)Family Procedure Rules may, instead of providing for any matter, refer to provision made or to be made about that matter by directions.

Textual Amendments

F36S. 76(2)(aa) inserted (22.4.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 10 para. 92(2)(a); S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(d) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

F37S. 76(2)(b) omitted (22.4.2014) by virtue of Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 10 para. 92(2)(b); S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(d) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

F38S. 76(2A) inserted (12.4.2005) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), s. 62(7); S.I. 2005/847, art. 2

F39Words in s. 76(3) omitted (22.4.2014) by virtue of Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 10 para. 92(3); S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(d) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

Commencement Information

I6S. 76 partly in force; s. 76 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(1)(2); s. 76 in force for certain purposes at 7.10.2005 by S.I. 2005/2744, art. 2(2)(b) (with arts. 2(1), 3)

I7S. 76 in force at 12.12.2010 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2010/2921, art. 2(b)

77Family Procedure Rule CommitteeE+W

(1)The Family Procedure Rule Committee is to consist of—

(a)the President of the Family Division, and

[F40(b)the persons currently appointed in accordance with subsections (1A) and (1B).]

[F41(1A)The Lord Chief Justice must appoint the persons falling within paragraphs (a) to (f) of subsection (2).

(1B)The Lord Chancellor must appoint the persons falling within paragraphs (g) to (o) of subsection (2).]

(2)[F42The persons to be appointed in accordance with subsections (1A) and (1B) are]—

(a)two judges of the [F43Senior Courts], at least one of whom must be a puisne judge attached to the Family Division,

(b)one Circuit judge,

[F44(ba)one judge of the family court who sits exclusively or primarily in Wales,]

[F45(c)one person who is either a district judge of the principal registry of the Family Division or a district judge appointed under section 6 of the County Courts Act 1984,]

(d)one district judge appointed under section 6 of the County Courts Act 1984 (c. 28),

(e)one District Judge (Magistrates' Courts),

(f)one lay justice,

(g)one justices' clerk,

(h)one person who has—

(i)a [F43Senior Courts] qualification, and

(ii)particular experience of family practice in the High Court,

F46(i). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(j)one person who has—

(i)a [F43Senior Courts] qualification, and

(ii)particular experience of family practice in [F47the family court],

(k)one person who—

(i)has been [F48authorised by a relevant approved regulator] to conduct litigation in relation to all proceedings in the [F43Senior Courts], and

(ii)has particular experience of family practice in the High Court,

F49(l). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(m)one person who—

(i)has been so [F50authorised], and

(ii)has particular experience of family practice in [F51the family court],

(n)one person nominated by CAFCASS, F52...

[F53(na)one person nominated by the Welsh Ministers to represent the interests of Welsh family proceedings officers (within the meaning given by section 35(4) of the Children Act 2004), and]

(o)one person with experience in and knowledge of the lay advice sector or the system of justice in relation to family proceedings.

(3)Before appointing a person [F54in accordance with subsection (1A), the Lord Chief Justice must consult the Lord Chancellor and] the President of the Family Division.

(4)F55. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5)Before appointing a person [F56in accordance with subsection (1B), the Lord Chancellor must consult the Lord Chief Justice and, if the person falls within any of paragraphs (h) to (m) of subsection (2), must also consult] any body which—

(a)has members eligible for appointment under the provision in question, and

[F57(b)is a relevant approved regulator in relation to the exercise of a right of audience or the conduct of litigation (or both).]

(6)The Lord Chancellor may reimburse the members of the Family Procedure Rule Committee their travelling and out-of-pocket expenses.

[F58(7)The Lord Chief Justice may nominate a judicial office holder (as defined in section 109(4) of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005) to exercise his functions under this section.]

[F59(8)In this section “relevant approved regulator” is to be construed in accordance with section 20(3) of the Legal Services Act 2007.]

Textual Amendments

F46S. 77(2)(i) omitted (22.4.2014) by virtue of Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 10 para. 93(2); S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(d) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

F47Words in s. 77(2)(j) substituted (22.4.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 10 para. 93(3); S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(d) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

F48Words in s. 77(2)(k) substituted (1.1.2010) by Legal Services Act 2007 (c. 29), ss. 208, 211, Sch. 21 para. 144(2)(a) (with ss. 29, 192, 193); S.I. 2009/3250, art. 2(h) (with art. 9)

F49S. 77(2)(l) omitted (22.4.2014) by virtue of Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 10 para. 93(2); S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(d) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

F50Words in s. 77(2)(l)(m) substituted (1.1.2010) by Legal Services Act 2007 (c. 29), ss. 208, 211, Sch. 21 para. 144(2)(b)(c) (with ss. 29, 192, 193); S.I. 2009/3250, art. 2(h) (with art. 9)

F51Words in s. 77(2)(m) substituted (22.4.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 10 para. 93(3); S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(d) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

F52Word in s. 77(2)(n) omitted (27.3.2017) by virtue of The Courts Act 2003 (Amendment) Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/198), arts. 1, 2(c)

78Power to change certain requirements relating to CommitteeE+W

(1)The Lord Chancellor may by order—

(a)amend section 77(2) (persons to be appointed to Committee by Lord Chancellor [F60or Lord Chief Justice]), and

(b)make consequential amendments in any other provision of section 77.

[F61(1A)The Lord Chancellor may make an order under this section only with the concurrence of the Lord Chief Justice.]

(2)Before making an order under this section the Lord Chancellor must consult the President of the Family Division.

[F62(3)The Lord Chief Justice may nominate a judicial office holder (as defined in section 109(4) of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005) to exercise his functions under this section.]

Textual Amendments

79Process for making Family Procedure RulesE+W

(1)The Family Procedure Rule Committee must, before making Family Procedure Rules—

(a)consult such persons as they consider appropriate, and

(b)meet (unless it is inexpedient to do so).

(2)Rules made by the Family Procedure Rule Committee must be—

(a)signed by a majority of the members of the Committee, and

(b)submitted to the Lord Chancellor.

[F63(3)The Lord Chancellor may allow or disallow rules so made.

(4)If the Lord Chancellor disallows rules, he must give the Committee written reasons for doing so.]

(5)Rules so made, [F64and allowed] by the Lord Chancellor—

(a)come into force on such day as the Lord Chancellor directs, and

(b)are to be contained in a statutory instrument to which the Statutory Instruments Act 1946 (c. 36) applies as if the instrument contained rules made by a Minister of the Crown.

(6)F65. . . a statutory instrument containing Family Procedure Rules is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(7)F66. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I8S. 79 partly in force; s. 79 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(1)(2); s. 79 in force for certain purposes at 7.10.2005 by S.I. 2005/2744, art. 2(2)(c) (with arts. 2(1), 3)

I9S. 79 in force at 12.12.2010 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2010/2921, art. 2(c)

[F6779ARules to be made if required by Lord ChancellorE+W

(1)This section applies if the Lord Chancellor gives the Family Procedure Rules Committee written notice that he thinks it is expedient for Family Procedure Rules to include provision that would achieve a purpose specified in the notice.

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

(3)Those rules must be—

(a)made within a reasonable period after the Lord Chancellor gives notice to the Committee;

(b)made in accordance with section 79.]

Textual Amendments

80Power to amend legislation in connection with the rulesE+W

F681The Lord Chancellor may [F69, after consulting the Lord Chief Justice,] by order amend, repeal or revoke any enactment to the extent that he considers necessary or desirable—

(a)in order to facilitate the making of Family Procedure Rules, or

(b)in consequence of section 75, 76 or 79 or Family Procedure Rules.

[F70(2)The Lord Chief Justice may nominate a judicial office holder (as defined in section 109(4) of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005) to exercise his functions under this section.]

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I10S. 80 partly in force; s. 80 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 110(1)(2); s. 80 in force for certain purposes at 7.10.2005 by S.I. 2005/2744, art. 2(2)(d) (with arts. 2(1), 3)

I11S. 80 in force at 12.12.2010 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2010/2921, art. 2(d)

81Practice directions relating to family proceedingsE+W

(1)[F71Directions may be given in accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Constitutional Reform Act 2005] as to the practice and procedure of—

[F72(za)the civil division of the Court of Appeal [F73in proceedings on appeal from the Family Division of the High Court or from the family court],

[F74(zb)the Family Division of the High Court in proceedings which are business assigned, by or under section 61 of (and Schedule 1 to) the Senior Courts Act 1981, to that Division of the High Court and no other, and

(aa)the family court.]

(2)Directions as to the practice and procedure [F75mentioned in subsection (1) which are] [F76given otherwise than under subsection (1) may not be given without the approval of—

(a)the Lord Chancellor, and

(b)the Lord Chief Justice.]

[F77(2A)Directions as to the practice and procedure [F78mentioned in subsection (1)] (whether given under subsection (1) or otherwise) may provide for any matter which, by virtue of paragraph 3 of Schedule 1 to the Civil Procedure Act 1997, may be provided for by Civil Procedure Rules.]

(3)The power to give directions under subsection (1) includes power—

(a)to vary or revoke directions as to the practice and procedure [F79mentioned in subsection (1),] whether given [F80under subsection (1) or otherwise],

(b)to give directions containing different provision for different cases (including different areas), and

(c)to give directions containing provision for a specific court, for specific proceedings or for a specific jurisdiction.

[F81(4)Subsection (2)(a) does not apply to directions to the extent that they consist of guidance about any of the following—

(a)the application or interpretation of the law;

(b)the making of judicial decisions.

(5)Subsection (2)(a) does not apply to directions to the extent that they consist of criteria for determining which judges may be allocated to hear particular categories of case; but the directions may, to that extent, be given only—

(a)after consulting the Lord Chancellor, and

(b)with the approval of the Lord Chief Justice.]

[F82(5)In this section—

  • “Civil Procedure Rules” has the same meaning as in the Civil Procedure Act 1997;]

  • F83...]

Textual Amendments

F73Words in s. 81(1)(za) inserted (22.4.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 10 para. 94(2)(a); S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(d) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

F74S. 81(1)(zb)(aa) substituted for words in s. 81(1) (22.4.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 10 para. 94(2)(b); S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(d) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

F75Words in s. 81(2) substituted (22.4.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 10 para. 94(3); S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(d) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

F78Words in s. 81(2A) substituted (22.4.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 10 para. 94(4); S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(d) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

F79Words in s. 81(3)(a) substituted (22.4.2014) by virtue of Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 10 para. 94(5); S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(d) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

F83Words in s. 81(5) omitted (22.4.2014) by virtue of Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 10 para. 94(6); S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(d) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

Civil Procedure RulesE+W

Prospective

82Civil Procedure RulesE+W

(1)For section 1(3) of the 1997 Act (general objectives of Civil Procedure Rules) substitute—

“(3)Any power to make or alter Civil Procedure Rules is to be exercised with a view to securing that—

(a)the system of civil justice is accessible, fair and efficient, and

(b)the rules are both simple and simply expressed.”

(2)“The 1997 Act” means the Civil Procedure Act 1997 (c. 12).

83Civil Procedure Rule CommitteeE+W

(1)For section 2(1)(a) and (b) of the 1997 Act (ex officio members of the Committee) substitute—

“(aa)the Head of Civil Justice,

(ab)the Deputy Head of Civil Justice (if there is one),

(a)the Master of the Rolls (unless he holds an office mentioned in paragraph (aa) or (ab)), and”.

(2)For section 2(2)(a) of the 1997 Act (one judge of the [F84Senior Courts] to be appointed to Committee) substitute—

“(a)either two or three judges of the Supreme Court,”.

(3)For section 2(2)(g) and (h) of the 1997 Act (appointment of persons with experience etc. of lay advice sector and consumer affairs) substitute “and

(g)two persons with experience in and knowledge of the lay advice sector or consumer affairs.”

Textual Amendments

84Power to change certain requirements relating to CommitteeE+W

After section 2 of the 1997 Act insert—

“2APower to change certain requirements relating to Committee

(1)The Lord Chancellor may by order—

(a)amend section 2(2) (persons to be appointed to Committee by Lord Chancellor), and

(b)make consequential amendments in any other provision of section 2.

(2)Before making an order under this section the Lord Chancellor must consult—

(a)the Head of Civil Justice,

(b)the Deputy Head of Civil Justice (if there is one), and

(c)the Master of the Rolls (unless he holds an office mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b)).

(3)The power to make an order under this section is exercisable by statutory instrument.

(4)A statutory instrument containing such an order is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.”

Prospective

85Process for making Civil Procedure RulesE+W

(1)Omit section 2(6) to (8) of the 1997 Act (process for making Civil Procedure Rules).

(2)For section 3 of the 1997 Act (section 2: supplementary) substitute—

“3Process for making Civil Procedure Rules

(1)The Civil Procedure Rule Committee must, before making Civil Procedure Rules—

(a)consult such persons as they consider appropriate, and

(b)meet (unless it is inexpedient to do so).

(2)Rules made by the Civil Procedure Rule Committee must be—

(a)signed by a majority of the members of the Committee, and

(b)submitted to the Lord Chancellor.

(3)The Lord Chancellor may allow, disallow or alter rules so made.

(4)Before altering rules so made the Lord Chancellor must consult the Committee.

(5)Rules so made, as allowed or altered by the Lord Chancellor—

(a)come into force on such day as the Lord Chancellor directs, and

(b)are to be contained in a statutory instrument to which the Statutory Instruments Act 1946 applies as if the instrument contained rules made by a Minister of the Crown.

(6)Subject to subsection (7), a statutory instrument containing Civil Procedure Rules is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(7)A statutory instrument containing rules altered by the Lord Chancellor is of no effect unless approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament before the day referred to in subsection (5)(a).”

Back to top

Options/Help

Print Options

You have chosen to open The Whole Act

The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open The Whole Act as a PDF

The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open the Whole Act

The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open Schedules only

The Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

Close

Legislation is available in different versions:

Latest Available (revised):The latest available updated version of the legislation incorporating changes made by subsequent legislation and applied by our editorial team. Changes we have not yet applied to the text, can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area.

Original (As Enacted or Made): The original version of the legislation as it stood when it was enacted or made. No changes have been applied to the text.

Point in Time: This becomes available after navigating to view revised legislation as it stood at a certain point in time via Advanced Features > Show Timeline of Changes or via a point in time advanced search.

Close

See additional information alongside the content

Geographical Extent: Indicates the geographical area that this provision applies to. For further information see ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

Show Timeline of Changes: See how this legislation has or could change over time. Turning this feature on will show extra navigation options to go to these specific points in time. Return to the latest available version by using the controls above in the What Version box.

Close

Opening Options

Different options to open legislation in order to view more content on screen at once

Close

Explanatory Notes

Text created by the government department responsible for the subject matter of the Act to explain what the Act sets out to achieve and to make the Act accessible to readers who are not legally qualified. Explanatory Notes were introduced in 1999 and accompany all Public Acts except Appropriation, Consolidated Fund, Finance and Consolidation Acts.

Close

More Resources

Access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item from this tab. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy
  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • correction slips
  • links to related legislation and further information resources
Close

Timeline of Changes

This timeline shows the different points in time where a change occurred. The dates will coincide with the earliest date on which the change (e.g an insertion, a repeal or a substitution) that was applied came into force. The first date in the timeline will usually be the earliest date when the provision came into force. In some cases the first date is 01/02/1991 (or for Northern Ireland legislation 01/01/2006). This date is our basedate. No versions before this date are available. For further information see the Editorial Practice Guide and Glossary under Help.

Close

More Resources

Use this menu to access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy
  • correction slips

Click 'View More' or select 'More Resources' tab for additional information including:

  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • links to related legislation and further information resources

The data on this page is available in the alternative data formats listed: