Practice Directions

Crown Office List

In preparation for the full implementation of the Human Rights Act 1998 the number of courts sitting in the Crown Office List from May to the end of July is to be substantially increased. The success of this initiative depends on all those involved.

In order to ensure that these courts function as efficiently as possible, in any case which has a hearing date from May 2nd onwards, solicitors for applicants/appellants must lodge the paginated bundles and advocates' skeleton arguments in the Crown Office at least three weeks before the hearing date of substantive applications/appeals. Advocates for respondents must lodge their skeleton arguments at least 14 days before the hearing. The time tables set out in the Practice Direction [1994] 1 W.L.R. 1551 are therefore suspended until further notice.

Although as much advance notice as possible will be given of fixtures, there will remain a need to list cases at very short notice. Parties are reminded that any case appearing in the Crown Office Warned List is regarded as ready to be heard. Applications for adjournment will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

Judgments on applications without notice will be recorded on tape. If a transcript of such a judgment is required, the court reporters will use that tape for transcription purposes. If any party wishes proceedings to be noted for transcription purposes, that party must contact WordWave International in advance of the hearing to make the necessary arrangements. Judgments in substantive matters will be noted and transcribed as at present.

In some instances counsel may be asked after judgment has been delivered to draft the order of the Court for submission to the Court for approval and sealing.

23rd March 2000