Compliance and relief from sanctions

Compliance

The Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) are a ‘procedural code with the overriding objective of enabling the court to deal with cases justly and at proportionate cost’ (CPR 1.1(1)). Compliance refers to the parties’ need to comply with these rules, the accompanying practice directions and any applicable court orders. The courts have the power to enforce compliance (CPR 1.1(2)(g)) and there may be sanctions for failure to comply with the defaulting party needing to apply for relief from sanctions (CPR 3.8).

It is therefore extremely important for a party to comply with any court orders and applicable rules and practice directions. For further information on what is compliance, why it is important and the effect of non-compliance, see Practice Notes: Case management—compliance and Case management of civil claims under the CPR.

Depending on the court in which the claim is proceeding, parties may be subject to additional provisions specific to the court in which the claim is proceeding, either set out in the CPR or in the relevant court guide. For more information on case management specific