Civil Procedure Rules

What are the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR)?

The Civil Procedure Rules, usually called CPR, are the main procedural rules for civil court cases in England and Wales. They set out how civil cases must be handled by the courts and by the parties involved.

The CPR form the legal framework for civil proceedings. They do not decide who is right or wrong in a dispute. Instead, they explain how a case must move through the court system. This includes how claims are started, how documents are exchanged, and how decisions are made.

The rules apply to a wide range of civil matters. These include disputes between individuals, between companies, and between individuals and businesses. The CPR are part of the official court rules and have legal force.

The purpose of the Civil Procedure Rules is to create a clear, consistent process for civil cases. They are designed to make procedures understandable and structured. Every civil case follows the CPR unless another specific rule applies.

For which proceedings do the Civil Procedure Rules apply?

The Civil Procedure Rules apply to civil proceedings in the courts of England and Wales. They govern cases that are not criminal and not family law matters.

Typical proceedings covered by the CPR include:

• civil money claims

• contractual disputes

• claims for unpaid invoices

• other private law disputes

The rules apply mainly in the County Court and the High Court. These courts handle most civil cases in England and Wales.

The CPR do not apply to criminal cases. They also do not usually apply to family proceedings, employment tribunals, or certain specialist tribunals, which follow their own procedural rules.

If a case is handled as a civil matter by a court in England or Wales, the Civil Procedure Rules form the procedural basis for that case.

When do the Civil Procedure Rules apply?

The Civil Procedure Rules apply from the start of a civil case until its conclusion. They cover the full life cycle of a civil proceeding.

The rules become relevant as soon as a claim is brought before a court. From that moment on, each procedural step is governed by the CPR. This includes early stages, such as filing documents, as well as later stages, such as hearings and judgments.

The CPR also connect to steps that take place before a claim is issued. Certain parts of the rules work together with pre-court procedures, which prepare a case before it reaches the court.

The rules continue to apply until the court has finished dealing with the case. This includes the issuing of judgments and related procedural decisions.

Who is bound by the Civil Procedure Rules?

The Civil Procedure Rules are binding on courts and parties involved in civil proceedings.

Courts must apply the CPR when managing cases and making procedural decisions. Judges use the rules to guide how cases are handled and how hearings are organised.

The parties to a case are also bound by the rules. This includes:

• claimants

• defendants

• legal representatives

All parties must follow the procedural requirements set out in the CPR. This applies regardless of whether a party is represented by a lawyer or acts on their own.

Court staff also work within the framework of the CPR when processing claims and managing court files. The rules therefore apply across the entire civil justice process.

How are the Civil Procedure Rules structured?

The Civil Procedure Rules are organised in a clear and layered structure. This structure helps users find the relevant rules for each stage of a case.

Parts

The CPR are divided into numbered Parts. Each Part covers a specific area of civil procedure. For example, some Parts deal with starting a claim, while others deal with hearings or judgments.

Each Part contains detailed procedural rules that explain how that part of the process works.

Practice Directions

Alongside the Parts, there are Practice Directions. These provide additional detail and practical guidance. They explain how the rules should be applied in practice.

Practice Directions do not replace the rules. They support them and give more precise instructions.

Supplementary materials

The CPR system also includes schedules and related procedural guidance. These materials help clarify specific points and ensure consistent application of the rules.

Together, these elements form a single procedural system that governs civil cases in England and Wales.

How do the Civil Procedure Rules relate to other procedural rules?

The Civil Procedure Rules work together with other procedural frameworks within the civil justice system.

One important connection is with the Pre-Action Protocols. These protocols apply before a court case is started. They set out steps that should be taken before issuing a claim. Once a case moves into court, the CPR become the main governing rules.

The CPR also interact with court orders. Judges may issue orders that apply specifically to a case. These orders operate within the framework of the CPR and must be consistent with them.

If different procedural rules appear to overlap, the Civil Procedure Rules generally provide the central reference point for civil cases. They form the backbone of civil procedure and coordinate how other procedural rules are applied.

The CPR therefore sit at the centre of the civil procedural system. They link pre-court processes, court management, and judicial decisions into one structured framework.