Courts Act 1971

52 Award of costs where information or complaint is not proceeded with. E+W

(1), (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F1

(3) Where—

(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F2

(b) a complaint is made to a justice of the peace [F3 acting in any local justice area]F3 but the complaint is not proceeded with,

a magistrates’ court [F4 acting in that area]F4 may make such order as to costs to be paid . . . F5 , by the complainant to the defendant as it thinks just and reasonable.

F6 (3A ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) An order under subsection (3) above shall specify the amount of the costs ordered to be paid.

(5) . . . F5 for the purpose of enforcement an order under subsection (3) above made in relation to a complaint which is not proceeded with shall be treated as if it were an order made under [F7 section 64 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980] (power to award, and enforcement of, costs in civil proceedings).

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 52(1)(2) repealed by Costs in Criminal Cases Act 1973 (c. 14), Sch. 2

F2 S. 52(3)(a) repealed by Costs in Criminal Cases Act 1973 (c. 14), Sch. 2

F3 Words in s. 52(3)(b) substituted (1.4.2005) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 29), ss. 109(1), 110, Sch. 8 para. 140(a); S.I. 2009/910, art. 3(y)

F4 Words in s. 52(3) substituted (1.4.2005) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 29), ss. 109(1), 110, Sch. 8 para. 140(b); S.I. 2005/910, art. 3(y)

F5 Words repealed by Costs in Criminal Cases Act 1973 (c. 14), Sch. 2

F6 S. 52(3A) omitted (22.4.2014) by virtue of Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 10 para. 19; S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(d) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

F7 Words substituted by Magistrates Courts' Act 1980 (c. 43, SIF 82), s. 154(1), Sch. 7 para. 96