Criminal Procedure Rules (CrimPR)

What are they and what are the latest updates?

The Criminal Procedure Rules (CrimPR) govern criminal cases in England and Wales, ensuring that all cases are conducted fairly, efficiently, and justly. These rules apply to all participants, including legal professionals, court staff, and witnesses. By following CrimPR, the justice system aims to provide clarity, accountability, and efficiency in every criminal proceeding.

The Criminal Procedure Rules (CrimPR) were originally introduced in 2005 and restructured in 2015, with several significant updates since 2015.

Key Elements to the CrimPR

The CrimPR are arranged to reflect the main stages of a criminal case and are divided into parts and each part runs consecutively. There are a total of 50 parts.

Parts 1-3 are particularly significant. These parts give effect to the intention of the Criminal Procedure Rules Committee to increase the efficiency of the criminal justice system. They deal with:

  • the overriding objective of the CrimPR (Part 1)
  • understanding and applying the rules (Part 2), and
  • case management (Part 3)

CrimPR Part 1

Part 1 sets out the duties of everyone involved in the case. Participants, as defined by the CrimPR, include legal representatives, expert witnesses, court staff, probation officers, and anyone else associated with the case. Under the rules, participants are obligated to inform the court of any significant failures to follow procedures. If a participant fails to do so, the court has the power to impose sanctions, which may include costs orders or other penalties.

CrimPR Part 2

Part 2 focuses on the application of the rules. It requires participants to understand and apply the rules correctly in each case. This section ensures that the procedural framework is consistently adhered to by all parties involved, further reinforcing the overriding objective of fairness and efficiency in legal proceedings.

CrimPR Part 3

Part 3 governs the management of all criminal cases, from the magistrates’ courts to the Crown Court, up to the conclusion of the case, including appeals. It emphasises active case management, which requires early identification of issues, early identification of witness requirements, clear procedural timelines, and close monitoring of case progression. All courts must actively further the overriding objective through this structured management approach.

The overriding objective of the CrimPR is that cases are dealt with ‘justly’. This includes acquitting the innocent, convicting the guilty and dealing with the prosecution and defence fairly. The concept of ‘justly’ also means dealing with a case ‘efficiently and expeditiously’.

Key Updates to the CrimPR in 2023 and 2024

There have been some recent updates to CrimPR since 2015, including:

April 2023: The Criminal Practice Directions 2023 were introduced, replacing the 2015 version. These revisions focus on streamlining case management, improving disclosure processes, and clarifying procedures for dealing with unused prosecution materials.

October & November 2023: Updates to Parts 2 (Understanding and applying the rules), 3 (Case management), and 14 (Bail and custody time limits) introduced clearer obligations for case preparation, handling of witnesses, and disclosure. This ensures that cases progress smoothly and fairly, minimising delays.

CrimPR 2024 updates: Amendments in February and April 2024 further strengthen case management. Courts are empowered to enforce compliance with procedural timelines, and updates to live-link directions have made it easier for witnesses located outside the UK to participate in trials remotely.

Non-Compliance and Sanctions

Failure to adhere to the Criminal Procedure Rules can result in sanctions, including costs orders. Updates in 2017 and 2024 have emphasised the courts’ ability to enforce compliance, ensuring that cases proceed without unnecessary delays.

Embracing Digital Transformation

The CrimPR has embraced the digital age, with updates focusing on electronic evidence management. This shift helps streamline communication between courts and legal professionals, making it easier to submit, manage, and access case records in real time. These changes are crucial for improving transparency and ensuring procedural fairness.

Criminal Defence Barrister 

If you’re looking for expert representation in serious crime cases, you would be advised to consult a Criminal Defence Barrister.  Whether you’re facing general or serious criminal charges, having an experienced barrister can help you navigate the complexities of the justice system, ensuring that your rights are protected at every stage of the process. See here for further details: https://tqlegal.co.uk/serious-general-crime/.

For more detailed information on CrimPR you can also visit the Government’s Criminal Procedure Rules page.

Tanveer Qureshi is a Legal 500 barrister, specialising in serious crimes, criminal defence, money laundering, account freezing orders and more. If you require legal representation, please contact me for free consultation or call me directly on 0203 637 2190.