Practice direction on criminal appeals issued
A new practice direction from the President of the Court of Appeal has come into effect from 27 May.
Practice Direction CA15, which supersedes Practice Direction CA02, addresses submissions, books of appeal, and authorities in criminal appeals.
It also addresses issues relating to case management in the Court of Appeal (Criminal), and possible consequences that may result from non-compliance with the new practice direction or other directions given in case management.
The direction from Ms Justice Caroline Costello cites order 86, rule 2(1) of the Rules of the Superior Courts, which requires that “all appeals before the Court of Appeal shall be prepared for hearing or determination and heard and determined in a manner which is just, expeditious, and likely to minimise the costs of the proceedings”.
Written submissions
The direction sets out which documents the appellant must provide to the court’s registrar.
It also sets a limit of 10,000 words on written submissions in cases of appeals against conviction, or against conviction and sentence. In appeals against sentence, the limit is 5,000 words.
Under the direction, Books of Appeal must be lodged not later than four weeks before the date fixed for the hearings of the appeal.
It also sets timescales for the delivery of a Book of Authorities, with a draft list to be provided to the respondent and any other parties to the appeal no later than eight weeks before the hearing date. Any additional authorities to be included must be provided no later than six weeks before the hearing date.