Lady Chief Justice issues fourth amendment to Criminal Practice Directions 2023
The Lady Chief Justice has issued the Fourth Amendment to the Criminal Practice Directions 2023, which comes into force on 18 November 2025. The amendment introduces new provisions requiring court permission for anyone to be accompanied by an animal other than an assistance dog in courtrooms or when participating in trials remotely. It also implements significant changes to expert evidence requirements, mandating disclosure of any material advice or warnings issued by professional or regulatory bodies, including the Forensic Science Regulator, and requiring disclosure of past adverse findings or disciplinary proceedings even if subsequently resolved. The amendment updates compliance declarations to ensure compatibility between the Criminal Practice Directions and the Forensic Science Regulator's statutory code of practice, with different declaration requirements depending on whether experts are subject to the Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021 code. These changes follow consultation by the Criminal Procedure Rule Committee with expert witnesses subject to the Regulator's code.