Practice Direction

• September 8, 2026

  National Listing Framework (Guidance No. 3): Guidance for Presiding Judges

  This Guidance Note addresses the main responsibilities of Presiding Judges under the Practice Direction on Listing in the Criminal Courts

  CriminalCrown CourtPractice DirectionPractice Guidance

• September 8, 2026

  National Listing Framework (Guidance No. 2): Guidance for Resident Judges

  This Guidance Note addresses the main responsibilities of Resident Judges under the Practice Direction on Listing in the Criminal Courts

  CriminalCrown CourtPractice DirectionPractice Guidance

• September 8, 2026

  National Listing Framework (Guidance No. 1) Judicial Guidance on Listing Decisions at the Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing

  Guidance Note to assist judges in the practical application of the Practice Direction on Listing in the Criminal Courts

  CriminalCrown CourtPractice DirectionPractice Guidance

• July 6, 2026

  New Practice Direction on Listing will support criminal courts to prioritise cases and reduce backlogs

  The new framework is intended to ensure that cases are prioritised with proper regard to the human impact of delay

  CriminalCrown CourtLady Chief JusticeMagistrates' courtPractice Direction

• February 17, 2026

  Practice Direction by the Senior President of Tribunals: Allocation of cases to track in the First-tier Tribunal (General Regulatory Chamber)

  Read the details outlined by Lord Justice Dingemans and see the schedule for the different jurisdictions

  General Regulatory Chamber (First-tier Tribunal)Senior President of TribunalsTribunalsPractice Direction

• November 11, 2025

  Fourth Amendment to the Criminal Practice Directions 2023 – November 2025

  Issued by the Lady Chief Justice, this amendment comes into force on Tuesday 18 November 2025

  Court of Appeal Criminal DivisionCriminalCrown CourtLady Chief JusticeMagistrates' courtPractice Direction

• October 24, 2025

  Practice Direction: Use of Forms in the First-tier Tribunal (General Regulatory Chamber)

  This direction explains which forms should be used to start proceedings and applies to all parties whether or not they are represented by lawyers

  General Regulatory Chamber (First-tier Tribunal)Senior President of TribunalsPractice Direction

• October 20, 2025

  New pilot to provide greater access to Commercial Court case documents

  This scheme, part of efforts to advance the principle of open justice in the civil courts, will begin on Thursday 1 January 2026. Find out more

  Chancery DivisionCommercial CourtFinancial ListHigh CourtKing's Bench DivisionPractice DirectionPractice Guidance

• August 18, 2025

  Practice Directions from the Senior District Judge (Chief Magistrate): water company warrants

  Please read Senior District Judge Paul Goldspring's directions regarding warrants of entry to premises under the Water Industry Act 1991

  Magistrates' courtPractice Direction

• April 22, 2025

  Practice Direction: Preparation of hearing bundles in the First-tier Tribunal, Health, Education and Social Care (HESC)

  This practice direction relates to the special educational needs and disability discrimination jurisdictions of the HESC

  Health, Education and Social Care Chamber (First-tier Tribunal)TribunalsPractice Direction