Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Rules.)

These Rules amend the County Court Rules (Northern Ireland) 1981 so as to—

(a)

provide that a certificate of readiness may not be filed before the expiry of 21 days after service of the notice of intention to defend;

(b)

make minor amendments to Order 32 to take account of amendments made to the Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 by the Criminal Justice (Children) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998;

(c)

take account of Article 5(3)-(9) of the Protection from Harassment (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 by prescribing the procedure in connection with applications for a warrant of arrest under that Article and the form of such a warrant; and

(d)

revoke obsolete provisions.