Explanatory note

These Rules are made for the purposes of the holding by Crown Court judges of preparatory hearings under Part I of the Criminal Justice Act 1987 (c. 38) in cases of serious and complex fraud. By virtue of rule 2 they come into force on 31st October 1988.

Rules 3 and 4 regulate the making of applications for preparatory hearings. Rule 5 provides for notification of the decision on an application. Rule 6 provides for disclosure of the prosecution case, and rule 7 provides for disclosure of the defence case when the prosecution have complied with their obligations. Rules 8, 9 and 10 make supplementary provision including provision for the service of documents and for forms to be used in connection with preparatory hearings.