The Supreme Court

Practice Directions & Guidance

Practice Directions and Guidance

Protocols:

Protocol on Judgments

The following protocol was issued in October 2024 to assist practitioners and members of the public by seeking to explain the process of producing a judgment of the Supreme Court and give guidance on what can be expected when the Court reserves judgment at the conclusion of a hearing. The protocol outlines the internal working practice of the Supreme Court when preparing a judgment and sets out an agreed process regarding the steps which will be followed where a judgment is outstanding for more than a specified duration. Please click on the link below to access the protocol.

Guidance Notes:

Booklets of Authorities and E-Filing

The following guidance note was issued in July 2024 to assist practitioners and members of the public by clarifying the practice regarding the preparation of books of authorities and electronic filing. This guidance note should be read alongside the provisions of Practice Direction SC 19 which govern the conduct of proceedings in the Supreme Court. Please click on the link below to access the guidance note.

Supreme Court Practice Directions:

Practice Directions complement the Rules of Court and set out the procedures to be followed when bringing proceedings before the Supreme Court. Every effort has been made to ensure that the Practice Directions linked below are accurate and up to date. Any queries regarding Practice Directions should be directed to [email protected]

SC01European Convention on Human Rights
SC03Appointment of notaries public
SC04Child Abduction and Enforcement of Custody Orders Act 1991 (Hague Convention)
SC05Written submissions
SC06Applications by notice of motion
SC07Appointment by the Chief Justice of commissioners for oaths
SC08Appointment by the Chief Justice of notaries public
SC09Mode of address
SC10European Arrest Warrants Act 2003 as amended by the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005
SC11European Communities (Freedom to Provide Services) (Lawyers) Regulations 1979 to 2004
SC12Appointment by the Chief Justice of notaries public
SC14Appeals under section 29(2) of the Courts of Justice Act 1924 (as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 2004 and the Criminal Justice Act 2007)
SC15Written submissions
SC16Conduct of proceedings in the Supreme Court
SC17Applications to vary or rescind a final judgment or order made by the Supreme Court
SC18Use of cameras and electronic devices in court
SC19Conduct of proceedings in the Supreme Court
SC20Access to court files in the Superior Courts 
SC21Conduct of proceedings in the Supreme Court (COVID-19)
SC22Commissioner for oaths - complaints in writing
SC23Access to court files in the Superior Courts