The Criminal Procedure Rules 2020

The overriding objective E+W

1.1.—(1) The overriding objective of this procedural code is that criminal cases be dealt with justly.

(2) Dealing with a criminal case justly includes―

(a) acquitting the innocent and convicting the guilty;

[F1 (b) treating all participants with politeness and respect;]

[F2 (c)] dealing with the prosecution and the defence fairly;

[F2 (d)] recognising the rights of a defendant, particularly those under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights;

[F2 (e)] respecting the interests of witnesses, victims and jurors and keeping them informed of the progress of the case;

[F2 (f)] dealing with the case efficiently and expeditiously;

[F2 (g)] ensuring that appropriate information is available to the court when bail and sentence are considered; and

[F2 (h)] dealing with the case in ways that take into account―

(i) the gravity of the offence alleged,

(ii) the complexity of what is in issue,

(iii) the severity of the consequences for the defendant and others affected, and

(iv) the needs of other cases.

Textual Amendments

F1 Rule 1.1(2)(b) inserted (8.2.2021) by The Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2021 (S.I. 2021/40), rules 2, 5(b)

F2 Rules 1.1(2)(c)-(h): rule 1.1(2)(b)-(g) renumbered as rule 1.1(2)(c)-(h) (8.2.2021) by The Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2021 (S.I. 2021/40), rules 2, 5(a)

Commencement Information

I1 Rule 1.1 in force at 5.10.2020, see Preamble