The Criminal Procedure Rules 2005

Time limits for beginning of trials

39.1.  The periods set out for the purposes of section 77(2)(a) and (b) of the Supreme Court 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.

[Note. Formerly rule 24 of the Crown Court Rules 1982(2). For time limits for the listing of plea and directions hearings see direction IV.42 in the Practice Direction.]

(1)

1981 c. 54; section 77(2) was amended by the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (c. 33), Schedule 9, paragraph 18. It is further amended by the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 (c. 23), Schedule 2 and the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), Schedule 3, Part 2, paragraph 54(1) and (3)(b), with effect from dates to be appointed.

(2)

S.I. 1982/1109.