This essential 1-hour webinar is designed for legal practitioners navigating the complex landscape of criminal law, offering a deep dive into the most recent updates and amendments to the Criminal Procedure Rules and the Criminal Practice Directions. Whether advising clients, representing defendants in the Magistrates' Court or Crown Court, or prosecuting, understanding these critical documents is paramount.
The webinar focuses on the Criminal Procedure Rules 2020 (as amended by Statutory Instrument 2024 No. 62) and the new Criminal Practice Directions published by the Lord Chief Justice in 2023, replacing the 2015 Directions.
Participants will gain insights into key Rules and Chapters that regularly influence criminal law proceedings, including but not limited to:
- Rule 3: Case Management
- Rule 7: Commencing Proceedings in a Magistrates' Court
- Rule 12: Discontinuing Proceedings
- Rule 15: Disclosure
- Rule 24: Trials and Sentencing
- Rule 44: Re-openings
- Chapter 4: Custody and Bail
- Chapter 5: Trial Management
- Chapter 6: Vulnerable People and Witnesses
- Chapter 7: Experts