This Practice Note provides guidance on when parties, the public or media may request access to information held on file by the criminal courts in England and Wales in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Rules 2020 (CrimPR 2020), SI 2020/759 and the Criminal Practice Directions. It explains the type of information that can be accessed by a non-party or a party affected by the case and also explains when the court’s permission is required, any conditions to be satisfied to gain access, the process and Requirements for making an application seeking access to information held by the criminal courts as well as explaining when a party to a prosecution can object to the Disclosure of information held on in court records. It also explains the position in relation to the provision of information by the criminal courts with the media and court reporters.

The Rules contained in CrimPR 2020, SI 2020/759, rr 5.7–5.12 enable the court to release information held on court records about the cases being heard in the criminal courts in England and Wales. It is important for practitioners to advise clients involved