Part 7

Procedure rules and practice directions

Criminal Procedure Rules and practice directions

Practice directions as to practice and procedure of the criminal courts
74
1
Directions may be given in accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 as to the practice and procedure of the criminal courts.
2
Directions as to the practice and procedure of the criminal courts given otherwise than under subsection (1) may not be given without the approval of—
a
the Lord Chancellor, and
b
the Lord Chief Justice.
3
The power to give directions under subsection (1) includes power—
a
to vary or revoke directions as to the practice and procedure of the criminal courts (or any of them), whether given under subsection (1) or otherwise ,
b
to give directions containing different provision for different cases (including different areas), and
c
to give directions containing provision for a specific court, for specific proceedings or for a specific jurisdiction.
4
Subsection (2)(a) does not apply to directions to the extent that they consist of guidance about any of the following—
a
the application or interpretation of the law;
b
the making of judicial decisions.
5
Subsection (2)(a) does not apply to directions to the extent that they consist of criteria for determining which judges may be allocated to hear particular categories of case; but the directions may, to that extent, be given only—
a
after consulting the Lord Chancellor, and
b
with the approval of the Lord Chief Justice.
Words in s. 74(1) substituted (3.4.2006) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), s. 13, Sch. 2 para. 8(2); S.I. 2006/1014, art. 2(a), Sch. 1 para. 7
Words in s. 74(2) substituted (3.4.2006) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), s. 13, Sch. 2 para. 8(3); S.I. 2006/1014, art. 2(a), Sch. 1 para. 7
Words in s. 74(3)(a) substituted (3.4.2006) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), s. 13, Sch. 2 para. 8(4); S.I. 2006/1014, art. 2(a), Sch. 1 para. 7
S. 74(4)(5) substituted (3.4.2006) for s. 74(4) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), s. 13, Sch. 2 para. 8(5); S.I. 2006/1014, art. 2(a), Sch. 1 para. 7
Pt. 7 modified (6.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 36(4), 94(1); S.I. 2008/755, art. 15(1)(f)