The Criminal Procedure Rules 2010

Time limits for beginning of trials

39.1.  The periods set out for the purposes of section 77(2)(a) and (b) of the Senior Courts Act 1981(1) shall be 14 days and 8 weeks respectively and accordingly, the trial of a person committed by a magistrates’ court—

(a) shall not begin until the expiration of 14 days beginning with the date of his committal, except with his consent and the consent of the prosecution; and

(b) shall, unless the Crown Court has otherwise ordered, begin not later than the expiration of 8 weeks beginning with the date of his committal.

(1)

1981 c. 54; section 77(2) was amended by paragraph 18 of Schedule 9 to the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (c. 33) and, for certain purposes by paragraph 54 of Schedule 3 to, the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44). It is further amended by Schedule 2 to the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 (c. 23) and paragraph 54 of Schedule 3 to, the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), with effect from dates to be appointed. The Act’s title was amended by section 59(5) of, and paragraph 1 of Schedule 11 to, the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4).