Explanatory note

These Rules contain provisions relating to applications for reporting directions in respect of adult witnesses under section 46 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999. A reporting direction is a direction by the court that no matter relating to the witness is to be included in any publication during the witness’s lifetime if it is likely to lead members of the public to identify him as a witness in proceedings.

Rule 2 provides for applications for a reporting direction to be made. Rule 3 provides that any party to the proceedings who seeks to oppose an application for a reporting direction must do so by notifying the court as well as all other parties to those proceedings. Rule 4 makes provision for urgent applications to the court to make a reporting restriction in exceptional circumstances.

Rule 5 contains provision for applications for an excepting direction to dispense with the restrictions imposed by a reporting direction. Rule 6 contains provision relating to applications for the revocation of reporting directions or the variation or revocation of excepting directions. Rule 7 contains provision for applications for an extension of time. Rule 9 contains provision where an application has been made for the trial to be held in camera.