QEB Hollis Whiteman

This Practice Note explains the case management powers of the magistrates’ courts when dealing with summary only cases or cases triable either way which are before the magistrates’ courts. It covers the case management powers under Part 3 of the Criminal Procedure Rules 2020, SI 2020/759 (CrimPR), before the case comes before the court, the case management steps to expect at the first appearance of the defendant before the court, the completion of the Preparation for Effective Trial form (PET form) and the use of live links in case management. It also explains the principles the court will apply in determining applications for adjournments in the magistrates’ court and the consequences of failure to comply with case management directions.

This Checklist summarises the case management steps which lawyers can expect to take in the magistrates’ courts. It covers obtaining the Initial Details of the Prosecution Case; issues to be addressed at the first appearance of the accused in court; additional case management hearings; how to address non-compliance with case management directions in the magistrates’ court as well as the factors which will be considered by the court when determining applications to adjourn.