Part 2Lawful interception of communications

CHAPTER 1Interception and examination with a warrant

Approval of warrants by Judicial Commissioners

24Approval of warrants issued in urgent cases

(1)

This section applies where—

(a)

a warrant under this Chapter is issued without the approval of a Judicial Commissioner, and

(b)

the person who decided to issue the warrant considered that there was an urgent need to issue it.

(2)

The person who decided to issue the warrant must inform a Judicial Commissioner that it has been issued.

(3)

The Judicial Commissioner must, before the end of the relevant period—

(a)

decide whether to approve the decision to issue the warrant, and

(b)

notify the person of the Judicial Commissioner's decision.

“The relevant period” means the period ending with the F1third F1ninth working day after the day on which the warrant was issued.

(4)

If a Judicial Commissioner refuses to approve the decision to issue a warrant, the warrant—

(a)

ceases to have effect (unless already cancelled), and

(b)

may not be renewed,

and section 23(5) does not apply in relation to the refusal to approve the decision.

(5)

Section 25 contains further provision about what happens if a Judicial Commissioner refuses to approve the decision to issue a warrant.