Supreme Court goes digital — new rules taking effect on 2 December 2024

The Supreme Court has announced that its new rules will take effect on 2 December 2024. This is part of its 2023-2026 business plan to deliver a wide-ranging ‘Change Programme’, which includes launching a new case management system and providing a more digital service.

Here, Glyn Lancefield outlines the key changes to be aware of.

Supreme Court goes digital

The Change Programme is designed to “provide a responsive, user led digital service for Court users” and introduce new rules “which reflect a more digital way of working, the introduction of the case management system and implementing statutory requirements”.

Most litigants will welcome the use of technology to deliver digital processes that should provide a more efficient and transparent Court service with fewer hard copy documents and hopefully cases proceeding more quickly.

‘Portal parties’ requirement

The rules cover use of the new case management portal which is due to launch in December. The portal will include a real-time case tracker, task and document management facilities, and electronic service through the portal on ‘portal parties’. All legally represented parties participating in an appeal are required to be ‘portal parties’ and must use the portal.

Changes to permission application deadline

A key point to note is that under the new rules the 28-day deadline to file an Application that seeks permission to appeal runs from the date on which the Court refused permission to appeal — rather than the date of the order or decision being appealed (as is the position in the 2009 Supreme Court Rules).

Unless the Court or Registrar directs otherwise, the 2009 rules will continue to apply to appeals that were proceeding and permission Applications and notices of appeal filed before 2 December 2024.

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If you need help with deciding whether or not to seek permission to appeal to the Supreme Court, or in dealing with processes in the Supreme Court, talk to us by giving us a call on 0333 004 4488, sending us an email at hello@brabners.com or completing our contact form below.