The Civil Procedure Rules 1998 No. 3132 (L. 17)

PART 1 E+W OVERRIDING OBJECTIVE

The overriding objective E+W

1.1—(1) These Rules are a F1 ... procedural code with the overriding objective of enabling the court to deal with cases justly [F2 and at proportionate cost].

(2) Dealing with a case justly [F3 and at proportionate cost] includes, so far as is practicable—

(a) ensuring that the parties are on an equal footing [F4 and can participate fully in proceedings, and that parties and witnesses can give their best evidence];

(b) saving expense;

(c) dealing with the case in ways which are proportionate—

(i) to the amount of money involved;

(ii) to the importance of the case;

(iii) to the complexity of the issues; and

(iv) to the financial position of each party;

(d) ensuring that it is dealt with expeditiously and fairly; F5 ...

(e) allotting to it an appropriate share of the court’s resources, while taking into account the need to allot resources to other cases; F6 ...

[F7 (f) promoting or using alternative dispute resolution;]

[F8 [F9 (g)] enforcing compliance with rules, practice directions and orders.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Word in rule 1.1(1) omitted (6.4.2022) by virtue of The Civil Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2022 (S.I. 2022/101), rules 1(1), 4

F2 Words in rule 1.1(1) inserted (1.4.2013) by The Civil Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2013 (S.I. 2013/262), rules 2, 4(a) (with rule 22)

F3 Words in rule 1.1(2) inserted (1.4.2013) by The Civil Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2013 (S.I. 2013/262), rules 2, 4(b)(i) (with rule 22)

F4 Words in rule 1.1(2)(a) inserted (6.4.2021) by The Civil Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2021 (S.I. 2021/117), rules 1(1), 4(2)

F5 Word in rule 1.1(2)(d) omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of The Civil Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2013 (S.I. 2013/262), rules 2, 4(b)(ii) (with rule 22)

F6 Word in rule 1.1(2)(e) omitted (1.10.2024) by virtue of The Civil Procedure (Amendment No. 3) Rules 2024 (S.I. 2024/839), rules 1(1), 3(1)(a)

F7 Rule 1.1(2)(f) inserted (1.10.2024) by The Civil Procedure (Amendment No. 3) Rules 2024 (S.I. 2024/839), rules 1(1), 3(1)(b)

F8 Rule 1.1(2)(f) inserted (1.4.2013) by The Civil Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2013 (S.I. 2013/262), rules 2, 4(b)(iv) (with rule 22)

F9 Rule 1.1(2)(f) renumbered as rule 1.1(2)(g) (1.10.2024) by The Civil Procedure (Amendment No. 3) Rules 2024 (S.I. 2024/839), rules 1(1), 3(1)(c)

Commencement Information

I1 Rule 1.1 in force at 26.4.1999, see Signature