1Practice directions may be given in relation to—
(a)civil proceedings in England and Wales that are governed by Online Procedure Rules;
(b)family proceedings in England and Wales that are governed by Online Procedure Rules.
Commencement Information
I1Sch. 3 para. 1 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 51(4)
I2Sch. 3 para. 1 in force at 28.6.2023 by S.I. 2023/631, reg. 2
2(1)Practice directions under paragraph 1(a) may provide for any matter which may be provided for in Online Procedure Rules for civil proceedings in England and Wales.
(2)Practice directions under paragraph 1(b) may provide for any matter which may be provided for in Online Procedure Rules for family proceedings in England and Wales.
Commencement Information
I3Sch. 3 para. 2 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 51(4)
I4Sch. 3 para. 2 in force at 28.6.2023 by S.I. 2023/631, reg. 2
3(1)Practice directions under paragraph 1 may be given in accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Constitutional Reform Act 2005.
(2)Practice directions under paragraph 1 may be given otherwise than in accordance with that Part of that Schedule; but, in this case, the directions may not be given without the approval of—
(a)the Lord Chancellor, and
(b)the Lord Chief Justice.
(3)Sub-paragraph (2)(a) does not require the approval of the Lord Chancellor for practice directions to the extent that they consist of guidance about—
(a)the application or interpretation of the law;
(b)the making of judicial decisions.
(4)Sub-paragraph (2)(a) does not require the approval of the Lord Chancellor for practice 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 after consultation with the Lord Chancellor (as well as with the approval of the Lord Chief Justice required by sub-paragraph (2)(b)).
Commencement Information
I5Sch. 3 para. 3 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 51(4)
I6Sch. 3 para. 3 in force at 28.6.2023 by S.I. 2023/631, reg. 2
4The power under paragraph 1 to give practice directions includes power—
(a)to vary or revoke directions given under paragraph 1 by any person;
(b)to give directions containing different provision for different cases (including different areas);
(c)to give directions containing provision for a specific court, for specific proceedings or for a specific jurisdiction.
Commencement Information
I7Sch. 3 para. 4 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 51(4)
I8Sch. 3 para. 4 in force at 28.6.2023 by S.I. 2023/631, reg. 2