# The Criminal Procedure Rules 2025, Rule 22.7: Special measures, etc. for a witness

Extent: E+W

(1) This rule applies where the court allows an application under rule 22.4 (Application for permission to introduce evidence or cross-examine).
(2) Despite the time limits in rule 18.4 (Making an application for a direction or order)—
(a) a party may apply for a special measures direction or for the variation of an existing special measures direction not more than 10 business days after the court’s decision; and
(b) the court may shorten the time for opposing that application.
(3) Where the court allows the cross-examination of a witness, the court must give directions for the appropriate treatment and questioning of that witness in accordance with rule 3.8(6) and (7) (setting ground rules for the conduct of questioning).
[Note. Special measures to improve the quality of evidence given by certain witnesses may be directed by the court under section 19 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 and varied under section 20. An application for a special measures direction may be made by a party under Part 18 or the court may make a direction on its own initiative. Rule 18.13(2) sets the usual time limit (10 business days) for opposing a special measures application.]

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2025/909/rule/22.7 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/criminal-procedure-rules-2025/rule-22.7
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.