Civil Procedure Rules

The rules governing civil proceedings in the courts of England and Wales, introduced in 1999 to make litigation more accessible, fair and efficient.

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Overriding Objective: The principle that civil cases be dealt with justly and at proportionate cost, including fairly, efficiently and with appropriate allocation of court resources. It guides how courts interpret and apply the Civil Procedure Rules.
County Court: A court in England and Wales that hears many civil claims, including disputes over money, housing and personal injury. Its civil cases are among the proceedings governed by these rules.
Woolf Reforms: The reforms to civil justice in England and Wales led by Lord Woolf in the 1990s, aimed at reducing cost, delay and complexity. They supplied the recommendations that led to the Civil Procedure Rules.
Interim Injunction: A temporary court order that preserves a position or prevents conduct until a claim is resolved or further order is made. The rules provide procedures for seeking urgent protective relief before trial.
Case Management: The organization and control of court proceedings to identify issues, set directions and bring cases to resolution efficiently. The rules strengthened active judicial management of civil cases.
Pre-action Protocols: Procedural guidance for parties to exchange information and consider settlement before starting specified types of civil claims. They govern steps parties are expected to take before issuing a claim.
High Court of Justice: A senior court in England and Wales with civil jurisdiction, including complex or high-value disputes and appeals from lower courts. The rules apply to its civil proceedings as well as those in the County Court.
Lord Woolf: Harry Woolf, a British judge who led the review of civil justice that proposed wide-ranging procedural reform. His review provided the blueprint for the rules introduced in 1999.
Summary Judgment: A judgment given without trial when a party has no real prospect of succeeding and there is no compelling reason for a trial. It lets courts dispose of claims or defences that need no full trial.
Civil Justice Council: An advisory public body in England and Wales that promotes the civil justice system and makes recommendations for its improvement. It advises on developments affecting the operation and reform of civil procedure.