CRIMINAL LITIGATION

These rules, which come into force on 2 April 2007, amend the Criminal Procedure Rules 2005. They add: a new Pt 4 (service of documents), revising the rules about the service of documents in criminal cases; a new Pt 14 (indictments), revising the rules about the form and content of indictments; and a new Pt 28 (witness summonses, warrants and orders), revising the rules about applications for witnesses to give evidence or produce documents for use in evidence.

Part 19 (custody and bail) is amended to allow for applications under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s 47(1E) to vary bail conditions before charge and Pt 31 (restriction on cross-examination by a defendant acting in person) is amended to apply in magistrates’ courts as well as in crown courts.