Civil Procedure Rules — overview
What the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) are, how they are organised, and which parts a litigant in person needs to know.
概述
The Civil Procedure Rules 1998 (SI 1998/3132) replaced the Rules of the Supreme Court and County Court Rules in 1999 following Lord Woolf's reforms. They aim to simplify civil litigation and make it accessible to non-lawyers. The CPR are extensive (over 100 Parts including PDs) but litigants in person only need to know a handful to navigate most cases. This guide explains the structure and points to the most-used Parts.
谁可以使用此程序
- You are likely eligible to use this guide if your situation involves civil procedure rules — overview.
- You have a genuine legal basis for the matter (contract, tort, statutory right, etc.).
- You have made reasonable attempts to resolve the matter directly with the other party first.
逐步流程
Understand the overriding objective (Part 1)
The court must deal with cases justly and at proportionate cost. This includes equal footing, expedition, fairness, and active case management. Cite Part 1 when arguing for accommodations as a litigant in person.
Issuing a claim (Parts 7, 16)
Part 7 is the standard procedure. Part 8 is for claims with no substantial dispute of fact (e.g. construction of documents). Part 16 sets out what a claim form and particulars must contain.
Allocation to tracks (Part 26)
Once a defence is filed, the court allocates to small claims (up to £10,000), fast track (up to £25,000, simple cases), intermediate (new track since 2023, mid-complexity), or multi-track (everything else). Allocation determines costs recovery and procedure.
Small claims (Part 27)
Designed for litigants in person. Costs recovery is very limited. Evidence rules are relaxed. Hearings are usually informal. Most claims under £10,000 go here.
Settlement offers (Part 36)
A Part 36 offer is a formal written offer to settle. Failure to beat a Part 36 offer at trial triggers automatic costs consequences — the receiver-of-the-offer pays the other side's costs from when they should have accepted. Powerful tool.
Costs (Parts 44–47)
The general rule (Part 44) is that the loser pays the winner's costs. But small claims, conduct, Part 36, and proportionality can vary this. Costs are assessed on standard or indemnity basis at the end of the case.
重要警告
The CPR are amended regularly. Always check you are looking at the current version on justice.gov.uk.
Filing deadlines under the CPR are strict and the court will not extend without good reason. Missing a deadline can lead to your claim or defence being struck out.