These Rules make provision for regulating the practice and procedure of the criminal division of the Court of Appeal for the purposes of appeals against rulings as to the admissibility of evidence or as to questions of law, made at preparatory hearings in cases which are complex or involve a lengthy trial, under section 31 of the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 (c. 25).

Rules 3 and 4 provide for giving notice of appeal or of an application for leave to appeal and for the respondent’s notice in response thereto. Rule 5 makes provision enabling persons in custody to be present on appeals or applications for leave to appeal. Rule 6 provides for the supply of documentary and other exhibits by the registrar to the parties to an appeal. Rule 7 applies with modifications rule 10 of the Criminal Appeal Rules 1968 (S.I. 1968/1262) (abandonment of proceedings). Rule 8 gives a single judge power to determine certain applications and rule 9 permits the applicant in case of refusal to apply to the Court of Appeal. Rules 10, 11, 12 and 13 make supplementary provision.

These Rules by virtue of rule 1, come into force on 15th April 1997.