Referral of Release Decisions Consultation: proposed amendments to CPR Part 77 and... Referral of Release Decisions Consultation: proposed amendments to CPR Part 77 and...

Referral of Release Decisions Consultation: proposed amendments to CPR Part 77 and...

The Civil Procedure Rule Committee ('Committee') is consulting on proposed amendments to the Civil Procedure Rules Part 77 and the Practice...
Expert evidence and the materiality of a risk Expert evidence and the materiality of a risk

Expert evidence and the materiality of a risk

Although this is an orthopaedic case and in which given its preliminary nature the expert evidence was not tested, it is helpful for experts in...
Frederick Ayinde, R (on the application of) v The London Borough of Haringey [2025] EWHC... Frederick Ayinde, R (on the application of) v The London Borough of Haringey [2025] EWHC...

Frederick Ayinde, R (on the application of) v The London Borough of Haringey [2025] EWHC...

The barrister for the Claimant was unable to explain to the court's satisfaction why she had cited several non-existent cases in pleadings. The...
Podcast Episode 14: Reflections on the EWI Annual Conference 2025 Podcast Episode 14: Reflections on the EWI Annual Conference 2025

Podcast Episode 14: Reflections on the EWI Annual Conference 2025

In the 14th episode of the Expert Matters Podcast, Simon and EWI's Marketing and Events Manger, Heather George, reflect on their highlights from...
Online Procedure Rule Committee Consultation: Inclusion framework and pre-action model Online Procedure Rule Committee Consultation: Inclusion framework and pre-action model

Online Procedure Rule Committee Consultation: Inclusion framework and pre-action model

The Online Procedure Rule Committee ('OPRC') is holding a consultation on its draft inclusion framework and pre-action model. Responses to the...
ADHD, ASD and disability ADHD, ASD and disability

ADHD, ASD and disability

This case is a useful reminder about the meaning of disability in the Equality Act and the matters that expert evidence must address.  Stedman...
A Day in the Life of a Town Planning Expert Witness A Day in the Life of a Town Planning Expert Witness

A Day in the Life of a Town Planning Expert Witness

Susan Jones, founder of SJ Consultancy, has been a town planning consultant for over 40 years. As an Expert Witness, she provides evidence at public...
AI and the Expert Witness AI and the Expert Witness

AI and the Expert Witness

It’s impossible to ignore Artificial Intelligence (AI) which suddenly exploded into the public conscious a couple of years ago with the launch...
Podcast Episode 13: Long-Standing Policy Issues Podcast Episode 13: Long-Standing Policy Issues

Podcast Episode 13: Long-Standing Policy Issues

In the 13th episode of the Expert Matters Podcast, we look at five long-standing policy issues that have had significant developments recently: (1)...
A Day in the Life of a Plastic, Aesthetic and Hair transplant Surgeon and Expert Witness A Day in the Life of a Plastic, Aesthetic and Hair transplant Surgeon and Expert Witness

A Day in the Life of a Plastic, Aesthetic and Hair transplant Surgeon and Expert Witness

Dr. Rohit Seth is trained in Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic and Hair Transplant Surgery with over 20 years of surgical experience. A practicing...
A Day in the Life of a Digital Forensics Expert Witness A Day in the Life of a Digital Forensics Expert Witness

A Day in the Life of a Digital Forensics Expert Witness

Ryan Shields is a digital forensics expert who has worked in the police and private sector. Here, he explains why he is passionate about using his...
Podcast Episode 12: Expert Discussions and Joint Statements Podcast Episode 12: Expert Discussions and Joint Statements

Podcast Episode 12: Expert Discussions and Joint Statements

In the 12th episode of the Expert Matters Podcast, we discuss Expert Discussions and Joint Statements. Joint Statements are critical documents in any...

Check out our Case Updates and Member Magazine

Looking for more news relevant to the Expert Witness community? Why not check out our database of cases relevant to Expert Evidence or the latest and previous editions of our member magazine, Expert Matters.

News

Clicking on one of the topics below will display news items relevant to that topic. You can also use the search bar below to identify news items.

Family Procedure Rule Committee Consultation on New Draft Practice Direction 27A
Sean Mosby 1174

Family Procedure Rule Committee Consultation on New Draft Practice Direction 27A

bySean Mosby

The Family Procedure Rule Committee ('Committee') is consulting on a new draft Practice Direction 27A. Practice Direction 27A sets out universal practice in respect of court bundles in family proceedings in the High Court and the Family Court. 

The Committee’s aim is for a new PD27A to reflect the fact that electronic bundles are commonly used now in most family proceedings and also to bring into PD27A provisions which are currently made in judicial guidance. This guidance includes the General Guidance on electronic court bundles (29 November 2021), the Guidance on e-bundles for use in the family court and Family Division (21 December 2021) and the Statement on the Efficient Conduct of Financial Remedy Proceedings in the Financial Remedies Court (11 January 2022).

A key purpose is to ensure clarity on the process and consistency across how bundles are formulated. The Committee intends for the new PD27A to be a comprehensive source of requirements for the preparation of bundles in family proceedings, with which anyone preparing a bundle is able to comply, providing in-depth guidance on the preparation of bundles, including in relation to the content, structure, filing and service of bundles, whether electronic (“e-bundles”) or paper.

The consultation documents sets out 10 questions on which the Committee is particularly interested in hearing views. 

The main amendments that will be of interest to Expert Witnesses would appear to be:

  • 4.2 The list of documents that must not be inserted in the bundle. 

  • The draft PD drawing a distinction between (a) financial remedy proceedings (see Chapter 5) and (b) all other proceedings (see this Chapter 6).

  • 5.2 The more detailed requirements which apply to a bundle, including expert reports, for a hearing in proceedings for a financial remedy.

  • 6.2 The more detailed requirements which apply to a bundle, including expert reports, for a hearing other than for a financial remedy.

  • 5.3(d) and 6.3(e) Removal of the specific references to reports of a "guardian" and "litigant friend" which are set out in the existing PD 27A 4.2.

  • 10 The format of e-bundles.

  • 11 The format of paper bundles. 

Note, the draft new PD27A would not amend the existing limit of 40 pages for an expert report and 4 pages for the report's executive summary. 

The deadline for responses is 21 October 2024, with the new PD27A coming into force by Spring 2025. The EWI may provide a response to the consultation and would welcome the views of members at policy@ewi.org.uk to help inform the response. 

Share

Print
Comments are only visible to subscribers.