Part 2Lawful interception of communications

CHAPTER 1Interception and examination with a warrant

Approval of warrants by Judicial Commissioners

I124Approval of warrants issued in urgent cases

1

This section applies where—

a

a warrant under this Chapter is issued without the approval of a Judicial Commissioner, and

b

the person who decided to issue the warrant considered that there was an urgent need to issue it.

2

The person who decided to issue the warrant must inform a Judicial Commissioner that it has been issued.

3

The Judicial Commissioner must, before the end of the relevant period—

a

decide whether to approve the decision to issue the warrant, and

b

notify the person of the Judicial Commissioner's decision.

“The relevant period” means the period ending with the F1thirdF1ninth working day after the day on which the warrant was issued.

4

If a Judicial Commissioner refuses to approve the decision to issue a warrant, the warrant—

a

ceases to have effect (unless already cancelled), and

b

may not be renewed,

and section 23(5) does not apply in relation to the refusal to approve the decision.

5

Section 25 contains further provision about what happens if a Judicial Commissioner refuses to approve the decision to issue a warrant.