Define: Practice Direction

A Practice Direction is a formal directive issued by a court or judicial authority that provides guidance on procedural matters and the administration of justice within the court system. Practice Directions typically supplement existing rules of court and govern the conduct of legal proceedings, including filing procedures, case management, evidence presentation, and court protocols. These directives are intended to promote consistency, efficiency, and fairness in the administration of justice. Practice Directions may be issued by courts at various levels, such as trial courts, appellate courts, or specialised tribunals, and they may address specific areas of law or procedural issues relevant to the jurisdiction. Compliance with Practice Directions is generally mandatory, and failure to adhere to their requirements may result in sanctions or adverse rulings by the court.

Practice directions and practice statements are rules of procedure established for specific courts. Typically, they are handed down by, or with the concurrence of, that member of the judiciary with overall responsibility for the court in question. So, for instance, practice directions pertaining to the Criminal Division of the Court of Appeal would be issued by the Lord Chief Justice. The civil procedure rules contain a ‘practice direction on practice directions. This states, in addition to the above, that the Lord Chancellor may nominate any person to create practice directions for county courts.

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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March 2024.