47.29 Application for warrant under section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act 1987
(1) This rule applies where an applicant wants a magistrates’ court to issue a warrant or warrants under section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act 1987.
(2) As well as complying with rule 47.26, the application must—
(a) describe the investigation being conducted by the Director of the Serious Fraud Office and include—
(i) an explanation of what is alleged and why, and
(ii) a chronology of relevant events;
(b) specify the document, documents or description of documents sought by the applicant (and see paragraphs (3) and (4)); and
(c) specify the premises which the applicant wants to be searched (and see paragraph (5)).
(3) In relation to each document or description of documents sought, the application must—
(a) explain the grounds for believing that each such document—
(i) relates to a matter relevant to the investigation, and
(ii) could not be withheld from disclosure or production on grounds of legal professional privilege;
(b) explain the grounds for believing that—
(i) a person has failed to comply with a notice by the Director to produce the document or documents,
(ii) it is not practicable to serve such a notice, or
(iii) the service of such a notice might seriously impede the investigation; and
(c) if the document or documents may be stored in an electronic device or devices—
(i) so far as practicable, describe each device or kind of device sought, and
(ii) explain the grounds for believing that the document or documents may be stored there.
(4) In relation to any document or description of documents which the applicant wants to be preserved but not seized under a warrant, the application must—
(a) specify the steps for which the applicant wants the court’s authority in order to preserve and prevent interference with the document or documents; and
(b) explain why such steps are necessary.
(5) In respect of each set of premises which the applicant wants to be searched, the application must explain the grounds for believing that a document or description of documents sought by the applicant is on those premises.
(6) If the court so directs, the applicant must make available to the court material on which is based the information given under paragraph (2).
[Note. Under section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act 1987, where the Director of the Serious Fraud Office is investigating a case of serious or complex fraud a member of that Office may apply to a justice of the peace for a warrant authorising a search of specified premises for documents relating to any matter relevant to the investigation. Under section 66 of the Courts Act 2003, a Circuit judge can exercise the power to issue a warrant.
Under section 16(3) of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, entry and search under a warrant must be within 3 months from the date of its issue.]
47.30 Application for warrant under paragraph 12 of Schedule 1 to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
(1) This rule applies where an applicant wants a Circuit judge to issue a warrant or warrants under paragraph 12 of Schedule 1 to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
(2) As well as complying with rule 47.26, the application must—
(a) specify the offence under investigation (and see paragraph (3)(a));
(b) specify the set of access conditions on which the applicant relies (and see paragraphs (3) and (4));
(c) so far as practicable, identify the material sought and if that material may be stored in an electronic device or devices—
(i) so far as practicable, describe each device or kind of device sought, and
(ii) explain the grounds for believing that the material may be stored there;
(d) specify the premises to be searched (and see paragraphs (6) and (7)); and
(e) state whether the applicant wants other persons to accompany the officers executing the warrant or warrants (and see paragraph (8)).
(3) Where the applicant relies on paragraph 2 of Schedule 1 to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (‘the first set of access conditions’: general power to gain access to special procedure material), the application must—
(a) specify the indictable offence under investigation;
(b) explain the grounds for believing that the offence has been committed;
(c) explain the grounds for believing that the material sought—
(i) is likely to be of substantial value to the investigation (whether by itself, or together with other material),
(ii) is likely to be admissible evidence at trial for the offence under investigation, and
(iii) does not consist of or include items subject to legal privilege or excluded material;
(d) explain what other methods of obtaining the material—
(i) have been tried without success, or
(ii) have not been tried because they appeared bound to fail; and
(e) explain why it is in the public interest to obtain the material, having regard to—
(i) the benefit likely to accrue to the investigation if the material is obtained, and
(ii) the circumstances under which the material is held.
(4) Where the applicant relies on paragraph 3 of Schedule 1 to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (‘the second set of access conditions’: use of search warrant power to gain access to excluded or special procedure material), the application must—
(a) state the legislation under which a search warrant could have been issued, had the material sought not been excluded or special procedure material (in this paragraph, described as ‘the main search power’);
(b) include or attach the terms of the main search power;
(c) explain how the circumstances would have satisfied any criteria prescribed by the main search power for the issue of a search warrant; and
(d) explain why the issue of such a search warrant would have been appropriate.
(5) Where the applicant relies on the second set of access conditions and on an assertion that a production order made under paragraph 4 of Schedule 1 to the 1984 Act in respect of the material sought has not been complied with—
(a) the application must—
(i) identify that order and describe its terms, and
(ii) specify the date on which it was served; but
(b) the application need not comply with paragraphs (6) or (7).
(6) In relation to premises which the applicant wants to be searched and can specify, the application must (unless paragraph (5) applies)—
(a) specify each set of premises;
(b) in respect of each set of premises, explain the grounds for believing that material sought is on those premises; and
(c) in respect of each set of premises, explain the grounds for believing that—
(i) it is not practicable to communicate with any person entitled to grant entry to the premises,
(ii) it is practicable to communicate with such a person but it is not practicable to communicate with any person entitled to grant access to the material sought,
(iii) the material sought contains information which is subject to a restriction on disclosure or an obligation of secrecy contained in an enactment and is likely to be disclosed in breach of the restriction or obligation if a warrant is not issued, or
(iv) service of notice of an application for a production order under paragraph 4 of Schedule 1 to the 1984 Act may seriously prejudice the investigation.
(7) In relation to premises which the applicant wants to be searched but at least some of which the applicant cannot specify, the application must (unless paragraph (5) applies)—
(a) explain the grounds for believing that—
(i) because of the particulars of the offence under investigation it is necessary to search any premises occupied or controlled by a specified person, and
(ii) it is not reasonably practicable to specify all the premises which that person occupies or controls which might need to be searched;
(b) specify as many sets of premises as is reasonably practicable;
(c) in respect of each set of premises, whether specified or not, explain the grounds for believing that material sought is on those premises; and
(d) in respect of each specified set of premises, explain the grounds for believing that—
(i) it is not practicable to communicate with any person entitled to grant entry to the premises,
(ii) it is practicable to communicate with such a person but it is not practicable to communicate with any person entitled to grant access to the material sought,
(iii) the material sought contains information which is subject to a restriction on disclosure or an obligation of secrecy contained in an enactment and is likely to be disclosed in breach of the restriction or obligation if a warrant is not issued, or
(iv) service of notice of an application for a production order under paragraph 4 of Schedule 1 to the 1984 Act may seriously prejudice the investigation.
(8) In relation to any set of premises which the applicant wants to be searched by the officers executing the warrant with other persons authorised by the court, the application must—
(a) identify those other persons, by function or description; and
(b) explain why those persons are required.
[Note. Under paragraph 12 of Schedule 1 to the Police and Criminal Evidenced Act 1984, where the conditions listed in that paragraph and, if applicable, in paragraphs 12A and 14 of that Schedule are fulfilled a constable may apply to a Circuit judge for a warrant authorising a search for evidence consisting of special procedure material or, in some cases, excluded material on specified premises or on the premises of a specified person.
Under section 16(3) of the 1984 Act, entry and search under a warrant must be within 3 months from the date of its issue.
See also the code of practice for the search of premises issued under section 66 of the 1984 Act.]
47.31 Application for warrant under Schedule 5 to the Terrorism Act 2000 or Schedule 2 to the National Security Act 2023
(1) This rule applies where an applicant wants a judge or justice of the peace, as applicable—
(a) to issue a search warrant or warrants under—
(i) paragraph 1 or paragraph 11 of Schedule 5 to the Terrorism Act 2000, or
(ii) paragraph 2 or paragraph 9 of Schedule 2 to the National Security Act 2023; or
(b) to issue a warrant for the retention of confidential journalistic material seized by order made under paragraph 15 of Schedule 5 to the Terrorism Act 2000 or paragraph 12 of Schedule 2 to the National Security Act 2023 (urgent cases: seizure of confidential material under the authority of a senior police officer) under, as applicable—
(i) paragraph 15A of Schedule 5 to the Terrorism Act 2000, or
(ii) paragraph 13 of Schedule 2 to the National Security Act 2023.
(2) As well as complying with rule 47.26, on an application for a search warrant the application must—
(a) specify the offence or relevant act under investigation and, as applicable, either—
(i) explain how the investigation constitutes a terrorist investigation within the meaning of the 2000 Act, or
(ii) explain the grounds for suspecting that a relevant act within the meaning of the 2023 Act has been, or is about to be, committed;
(b) so far as practicable, identify the material sought and if that material may be stored in an electronic device or devices—
(i) so far as practicable, describe each device or kind of device sought, and
(ii) explain the grounds for suspecting that the material may be stored there;
(c) in relation to premises which the applicant can specify—
(i) specify each set of premises to be searched, and
(ii) in respect of each set of premises, explain the grounds for believing (where the application is under Schedule 5 to the 2000 Act) or suspecting (where the application is under Schedule 2 to the 2023 Act) that material sought is on those premises;
(d) in relation to premises at least some of which the applicant cannot specify—
(i) identify the person who occupies or controls the premises,
(ii) explain why it is not reasonably practicable to specify all the premises which that person occupies or controls which might need to be searched,
(iii) specify as many sets of premises as is reasonably practicable, and
(iv) in respect of each set of premises, whether specified or not, explain the grounds for believing (where the application is under Schedule 5 to the 2000 Act) or suspecting (where the application is under Schedule 2 to the 2023 Act) that material sought is on those premises;
(e) in relation to any set of premises which the applicant wants to be searched on more than one occasion—
(i) explain why it is necessary to search on more than one occasion in order to achieve the purpose for which the applicant wants the court to issue the warrant, and
(ii) specify any proposed maximum number of occasions; and
(f) in relation to any set of premises which the applicant wants to be searched by the officers executing the warrant with other persons authorised by the court—
(i) identify those other persons, by function or description, and
(ii) explain why those persons are required.
(3) Where the grounds of an application for a search warrant are those listed in paragraph 1 of Schedule 5 to the 2000 Act (terrorist investigation; application to a justice of the peace), the application must explain—
(a) the grounds for believing that—
(i) the material sought does not consist of or include excluded material, special procedure material or items subject to legal privilege,
(ii) the material is likely to be of substantial value to a terrorist investigation (whether by itself, or together with other material), and
(iii) the material must be seized in order to prevent it from being concealed, lost, damaged, altered or destroyed; and
(b) why the issue of a warrant is likely to be necessary in the circumstances of the case, unless the application—
(i) is made by a police officer of at least the rank of superintendent, and
(ii) does not relate to residential premises.
(4) Where the grounds of an application for a search warrant are those listed in paragraph 2 of Schedule 2 to the 2023 Act (relevant act investigation; application to a justice of the peace), the application must explain the grounds for suspecting that the material sought—
(a) is likely to be evidence that a relevant act has been, or is about to be, committed; and
(b) does not consist of or include confidential material.
(5) Where the grounds of an application for a search warrant are those listed in paragraphs 11 and 12(1) of Schedule 5 to the 2000 Act or paragraph 9(2) of the 2023 Act (non-compliance with a production, etc. order; application to a judge) the application must—
(a) identify the order and describe its terms; and
(b) specify the date on which it was served.
(6) Where the grounds of an application for a search warrant are those listed in paragraphs 11 and 12(2) to (4) of Schedule 5 to the 2000 Act (terrorist investigation; application to a judge), the application must explain the grounds for believing that—
(a) the material sought consists of or includes excluded material or special procedure material but does not include items subject to legal privilege;
(b) the material is likely to be of substantial value to a terrorist investigation (whether by itself, or together with other material); and
(c) it is not appropriate to make an order under paragraph 5 of Schedule 11 to the 2000 Act in relation to the material because—
(i) it is not practicable to communicate with any person entitled to produce the material,
(ii) it is not practicable to communicate with any person entitled to grant access to the material or entitled to grant entry to premises to which the application for the warrant relates, or
(iii) a terrorist investigation may be seriously prejudiced unless a constable can secure immediate access to the material.
(7) Where the grounds of an application for a search warrant are those listed in paragraph 9(3) of Schedule 2 to the 2023 Act (relevant act investigation; application to a judge), the application must—
(a) explain the grounds for suspecting that the material sought—
(i) is likely to be evidence that a relevant act has been, or is about to be, committed, and
(ii) consists of or includes confidential material but does not include items subject to legal privilege;
(b) explain the grounds for believing that the material is likely to be of substantial value, whether by itself or with other material, to an investigation into whether a relevant act has been, or is about to be, committed;
(c) explain the grounds for believing that it is in the public interest for the material to be obtained having regard to—
(i) the benefit likely to accrue to the investigation if it is obtained, and
(ii) the circumstances in which the respondent has any of the material; and
(d) explain how any one or more of the following applies—
(i) it is not practicable to communicate with any person entitled to grant entry to those premises,
(ii) it is not practicable to communicate with any person entitled to grant access to the material,
(iii) the investigation may be seriously prejudiced unless a constable can secure immediate access to the material.
(8) Where the application is for a warrant for the retention of confidential journalistic material under paragraph 15A of Schedule 5 to the 2000 Act or under paragraph 13 of Schedule 2 to the 2023 Act, as well as complying with rule 47.26 the application must—
(a) be made as soon as reasonably practicable after the confidential journalistic material is seized;
(b) describe the circumstances of the seizure;
(c) specify the offence or relevant act under investigation and, as applicable, either—
(i) explain how the investigation constitutes a terrorist investigation within the meaning of the 2000 Act, or
(ii) explain the grounds for suspecting that a relevant act within the meaning of the 2023 Act has been, or is about to be, committed;
(d) explain the grounds for believing that the confidential journalistic material seized is likely to be of substantial value, whether by itself or with other material, to the investigation;
(e) explain the grounds for believing that it is in the public interest for that material to be retained having regard to the benefit likely to accrue to the investigation if it is retained;
(f) explain to what conditions, if any, the applicant proposes that the retention of the material should be made subject, if the court issues a warrant; and
(g) explain whether, if the court declines to issue a warrant, the applicant proposes that the material should be—
(i) returned to the person from whom it was seized, or
(ii) destroyed.
[Note. Under paragraph 1 of Schedule 5 to the Terrorism Act 2000, where the conditions listed in that paragraph are fulfilled a constable may apply to a justice of the peace for a warrant authorising a search for material, other than excluded material or special procedure material, on specified premises or on any premises of a specified person. Under paragraph 2 of Schedule 2 to the National Security Act 2023, where the conditions listed in that paragraph are fulfilled a constable may apply to a justice of the peace for a warrant authorising a search for material, other than confidential material. Under paragraphs 11 and 12 of Schedule 5 to the 2000 Act a constable may apply to a Circuit judge for such a warrant in respect of excluded or special procedure material. Under paragraph 9 of Schedule 2 to the 2023 Act, a constable may apply to a Crown Court judge for a warrant in respect of confidential material. No such warrant authorises the seizure of items subject to legal privilege.
Under paragraph 4 of Schedule 5 to the 2000 Act, ‘legal privilege’, ‘excluded material’ and ‘special procedure material’ mean the same as under sections 10, 11 and 14 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
Under paragraph 15 of Schedule 5 to the 2000 Act, ‘confidential journalistic material’ means material which is excluded material by virtue of section 11(1)(c) of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (journalistic material which a person holds in confidence and which consists of documents or records other than documents).
Under paragraph 17 of Schedule 2 to the 2023 Act, ‘confidential material’ means—
(a) material created or acquired for the purposes of journalism which is held in confidence or which the sender of that material to someone else intends the intended recipient to hold in confidence (‘confidential journalistic material’);
(b) items subject to legal privilege within the meaning of section 10 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984; and
(c) excluded material and special procedure material within the meaning of sections 11 and 14 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, other than journalistic material.
Under section 16(3) of the 1984 Act, entry and search under a warrant must be within 3 months from the date of its issue.
See also the code of practice for the search of premises issued under section 66 of the 1984 Act.]
47.32 Application for warrant under section 352 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
(1) This rule applies where an applicant wants a Crown Court judge to issue a warrant or warrants under—
(a) section 352 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002; or
(b) article 13 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (External Investigations) Order 2014.
(2) As well as complying with rule 47.26, the application must—
(a) explain whether the investigation is a confiscation investigation, a money laundering investigation, a detained cash investigation, a detained property investigation, a frozen funds investigation or an external investigation;
(b) in the case of an investigation in the United Kingdom, explain why the applicant suspects that—
(i) the person under investigation has benefited from criminal conduct, in the case of a confiscation investigation, or committed a money laundering offence, in the case of a money laundering investigation, or
(ii) in the case of a detained cash investigation, a detained property investigation or a frozen funds investigation, the cash or property involved, or the money held in the frozen account, was obtained through unlawful conduct or is intended to be used in unlawful conduct;
(c) in the case of an investigation outside the United Kingdom, explain why the applicant believes that—
(i) there is an investigation by an overseas authority which relates to a criminal investigation or to criminal proceedings (including proceedings to remove the benefit of a person’s criminal conduct following that person’s conviction), and
(ii) the investigation is into whether property has been obtained as a result of or in connection with criminal conduct, or into the extent or whereabouts of such property;
(d) indicate what material is sought (and see paragraphs (4) and (5));
(e) specify the premises to be searched (and see paragraph (6)); and
(f) state whether the applicant wants other persons to accompany the officers executing the warrant or warrants (and see paragraph (7)).
(3) Where the applicant relies on an assertion that a production order made under sections 345 and 351 of the 2002 Act or under articles 6 and 12 of the 2014 Order has not been complied with—
(a) the application must—
(i) identify that order and describe its terms,
(ii) specify the date on which it was served, and
(iii) explain the grounds for believing that the material in respect of which the order was made is on the premises specified in the application for the warrant; but
(b) the application need not comply with paragraphs (4) or (5).
(4) Unless paragraph (3) applies, in relation to the material sought the application must—
(a) specify the material and if that material may be stored in an electronic device or devices—
(i) so far as practicable, describe each device or kind of device sought, and
(ii) explain the grounds for believing that the material may be stored there; or
(b) give a general description of the material and explain the grounds for believing that it relates to the person, cash, property or money under investigation and—
(i) in the case of a confiscation investigation, relates to the question whether that person has benefited from criminal conduct, or to any question about the extent or whereabouts of that benefit,
(ii) in the case of a money laundering investigation, relates to the question whether that person has committed a money laundering offence,
(iii) in the case of a detained cash investigation, a detained property investigation or a frozen funds investigation into the derivation of cash, property or money, relates to the question whether that cash, property or money is recoverable property,
(iv) in the case of a detained cash investigation, a detained property investigation or a frozen funds investigation into the intended use of cash, property or money, relates to the question whether that cash, property or money is intended by any person to be used in unlawful conduct, or
(v) in the case of an investigation outside the United Kingdom, relates to that investigation.
(5) Unless paragraph (3) applies, in relation to the material sought the application must explain also the grounds for believing that—
(a) the material consists of or includes special procedure material but does not include excluded material or privileged material;
(b) the material is likely to be of substantial value to the investigation (whether by itself, or together with other material); and
(c) it is in the public interest for the material to be obtained, having regard to—
(i) other potential sources of information, and
(ii) the benefit likely to accrue to the investigation if the material is obtained.
(6) In relation to the premises which the applicant wants to be searched, unless paragraph (3) applies the application must—
(a) explain the grounds for believing that material sought is on those premises;
(b) if the application specifies the material sought, explain the grounds for believing that it is not appropriate to make a production order under sections 345 and 351 of the 2002 Act or under articles 6 and 12 of the 2014 Order because—
(i) it is not practicable to communicate with any person against whom the production order could be made,
(ii) it is not practicable to communicate with any person who would be required to comply with an order to grant entry to the premises, or
(iii) the investigation might be seriously prejudiced unless an appropriate person is able to secure immediate access to the material; and
(c) if the application gives a general description of the material sought, explain the grounds for believing that—
(i) it is not practicable to communicate with any person entitled to grant entry to the premises,
(ii) entry to the premises will not be granted unless a warrant is produced, or
(iii) the investigation might be seriously prejudiced unless an appropriate person arriving at the premises is able to secure immediate access to them.
(7) In relation to any set of premises which the applicant wants to be searched by those executing the warrant with other persons authorised by the court, the application must—
(a) identify those other persons, by function or description; and
(b) explain why those persons are required.
[Note. Under section 352 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 where there is a confiscation investigation, a money laundering investigation, a detained cash investigation, a detained property investigation or a frozen funds investigation, an ‘appropriate officer’ within the meaning of that section may apply to a Crown Court judge for a warrant authorising a search for special procedure material on specified premises, on the conditions listed in that section and in section 353 of the Act.
Under article 13 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (External Investigations) Order 2014, where there is an external investigation an ‘appropriate officer’ within the meaning of that article may apply to a Crown Court judge for a warrant authorising a search for special procedure material on specified premises, on the conditions listed in that article and in article 14 of the Order.
Under section 16(3) of the 1984 Act, as applied by article 3 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Application of Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984) Order 2015, entry and search under a warrant must be within 3 months from the date of its issue.
See also the code of practice for the search of premises issued under section 66 of the 1984 Act.]
47.33 Application for warrant under section 160 of the Extradition Act 2003
(1) This rule applies where an applicant wants a Circuit judge to issue a warrant or warrants under section 160 of the Extradition Act 2003.
(2) As well as complying with rule 47.26, the application must—
(a) identify the person whose extradition is sought (and see paragraph (3));
(b) specify the extradition offence of which that person is accused;
(c) specify the material, or description of material, sought (and see paragraph (4)); and
(d) specify the premises to be searched (and see paragraph (5)).
(3) In relation to the person whose extradition is sought, the application must explain the grounds for believing that—
(a) that person has committed the offence for which extradition is sought;
(b) that offence is an extradition offence; and
(c) that person is in the United Kingdom or is on the way to the United Kingdom.
(4) In relation to the material sought, the application must
(a) explain the grounds for believing that—
(i) the material consists of or includes special procedure or excluded material, and
(ii) the material would be likely to be admissible evidence at a trial in England and Wales for the offence for which extradition is sought; and
(b) if that material may be stored in an electronic device or devices—
(i) so far as practicable, describe each device or kind of device sought, and
(ii) explain the grounds for believing that the material may be stored there.
(5) In relation to the premises which the applicant wants to search, the application must explain the grounds for believing that—
(a) material sought is on those premises; and
(b) one or more of the following conditions is satisfied, namely—
(i) it is not practicable to communicate with any person entitled to grant entry to the premises,
(ii) it is practicable to communicate with such a person but it is not practicable to communicate with any person entitled to grant access to the material sought, or
(iii) the material contains information which is subject to a restriction on disclosure or an obligation of secrecy contained in an enactment and is likely to be disclosed in breach of the restriction or obligation if a warrant is not issued.
(6) In relation to any set of premises which the applicant wants to be searched by the officers executing the warrant with other persons authorised by the court, the application must—
(a) identify those other persons, by function or description; and
(b) explain why those persons are required.
[Note. Under section 160 of the Extradition Act 2003, where a person’s extradition is sought a constable may apply to a Circuit judge for a warrant authorising a search for special procedure material or excluded material on specified premises, on the conditions listed in that section.
Under section 16(3) of the 1984 Act, entry and search under a warrant must be within 3 months from the date of its issue.
See also the code of practice for the search of premises issued under section 66 of the 1984 Act.]
47.34 Application for warrant under any other power
(1) This rule applies—
(a) where an applicant wants a court to issue a warrant or warrants under a power (in this rule, ‘the relevant search power’) to which rule 47.24(d) (other powers) refers; but
(b) subject to any inconsistent provision in legislation that applies to the relevant search power.
(2) As well as complying with rule 47.26, the application must—
(a) demonstrate the applicant’s entitlement to apply;
(b) identify the relevant search power (and see paragraph (3));
(c) so far as practicable, identify the articles or persons sought (see also paragraph (4)) and if such an article may be stored in an electronic device or devices—
(i) so far as practicable, describe each device or kind of device sought, and
(ii) explain the grounds for believing that the article may be stored there;
(d) specify the premises to be searched (and see paragraphs (5) and (6));
(e) state whether the applicant wants the premises to be searched on more than one occasion, if the relevant search power allows (and see paragraph (7)); and
(f) state whether the applicant wants other persons to accompany the officers executing the warrant or warrants, if the relevant search power allows (and see paragraph (8)).
(3) The application must—
(a) include or attach the terms of the relevant search power; and
(b) explain how the circumstances satisfy the criteria prescribed by that power for making the application.
(4) In relation to the articles or persons sought, the application must explain how they satisfy the criteria prescribed by the relevant search power about such articles or persons.
(5) In relation to premises which the applicant wants to be searched and can specify, the application must—
(a) specify each set of premises; and
(b) in respect of each, explain how the circumstances satisfy any criteria prescribed by the relevant search power—
(i) for asserting that the articles or persons sought are on those premises, and
(ii) for asserting that the court can exercise its power to authorise the search of those particular premises.
(6) In relation to premises which the applicant wants to be searched but at least some of which the applicant cannot specify, the application must—
(a) explain how the relevant search power allows the court to authorise such searching;
(b) specify the person who occupies or controls such premises;
(c) specify as many sets of such premises as is reasonably practicable;
(d) explain why—
(i) it is necessary to search more premises than those specified, and
(ii) it is not reasonably practicable to specify all the premises which the applicant wants to be searched;
(e) in respect of each set of premises, whether specified or not, explain how the circumstances satisfy any criteria prescribed by the relevant search power for asserting that the articles or persons sought are on those premises; and
(f) in respect of each specified set of premises, explain how the circumstances satisfy any criteria prescribed by the relevant search power for asserting that the court can exercise its power to authorise the search of those premises.
(7) In relation to any set of premises which the applicant wants to be searched on more than one occasion, the application must—
(a) explain how the relevant search power allows the court to authorise such searching;
(b) explain why the applicant wants the premises to be searched more than once; and
(c) specify any proposed maximum number of occasions.
(8) In relation to any set of premises which the applicant wants to be searched by the officers executing the warrant with other persons authorised by the court, the application must—
(a) identify those other persons, by function or description; and
(b) explain why those persons are required.
[Note. See, among other provisions, sections 15 and 16 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, which apply to an application by a constable under any Act for a warrant authorising the search of specified premises, or the search of premises of a specified person, and to the execution of such a warrant. Unless other legislation otherwise provides, under section 16(3) of the 1984 Act entry and search under a warrant must be within 3 months from the date of its issue.]
(1) This Section applies where—
(a) under section 1 of the Police (Property) Act 1897, a magistrates’ court can—
(i) order the return to the owner of property which has come into the possession of the police or the National Crime Agency in connection with an investigation of a suspected offence, or
(ii) make such order with respect to such property as the court thinks just, where the owner cannot be ascertained; and
(b) a Crown Court judge can—
(i) order the return of seized property under section 59(4) of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001, or
(ii) order the examination, retention, separation or return of seized property under section 59(5) of the Act.
(2) In this Section, a reference to a person with ‘a relevant interest’ in seized property means someone from whom the property was seized, or someone with a proprietary interest in the property, or someone who had custody or control of it immediately before it was seized.
(1) The court may determine an application for an order—
(a) at a hearing (which must be in private unless the court otherwise directs), or without a hearing; and
(b) in a party’s absence, if that party—
(i) applied for the order, or
(ii) has had at least 10 business days in which to make representations.
(2) The court officer must arrange for the court to hear such an application no sooner than 10business days after it was served, unless—
(a) the court directs that no hearing need be arranged; or
(b) the court gives other directions for the hearing.
(3) If the court so directs, the parties to an application may attend a hearing by live link.
(4) The court may—
(a) shorten or extend (even after it has expired) a time limit under this Section;
(b) dispense with a requirement for service under this Section (even after service was required); and
(c) consider an application made orally instead of in writing.
(5) A person who wants an extension of time must—
(a) apply when serving the application or representations for which it is needed; and
(b) explain the delay.
47.37 Application for an order under section 1 of the Police (Property) Act 1897
(1) This rule applies where an applicant wants the court to make an order to which rule 47.35(1)(a) refers.
(2) The applicant must apply in writing and serve the application on—
(a) the court officer; and
(b) as appropriate—
(i) the officer who has the property,
(ii) any person who appears to be its owner.
(3) The application must—
(a) explain the applicant’s interest in the property (either as a person who claims to be its owner or as an officer into whose possession the property has come);
(b) specify the direction that the applicant wants the court to make, and explain why; and
(c) include or attach a list of those on whom the applicant has served the application.
[Note. Under section 1 of the Police (Property) Act 1897, the owner of property which has come into the possession of the police or the National Crime Agency in connection with the investigation of a suspected offence can apply to a magistrates’ court for an order for its delivery to the claimant.]
47.38 Application for an order under section 59 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001
(1) This rule applies where an applicant wants the court to make an order to which rule 47.35(1)(b) refers.
(2) The applicant must apply in writing and serve the application on—
(a) the court officer; and
(b) as appropriate—
(i) the person who for the time being has the seized property,
(ii) each person whom the applicant knows or believes to have a relevant interest in the property.
(3) In each case, the application must—
(a) explain the applicant’s interest in the property (either as a person with a relevant interest, or as possessor of the property in consequence of its seizure, as appropriate);
(b) explain the circumstances of the seizure of the property and identify the power that was exercised to seize it (or which the person seizing it purported to exercise, as appropriate); and
(c) include or attach a list of those on whom the applicant has served the application.
(4) On an application for an order for the return of property under section 59(4) of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001, the application must explain why any one or more of these applies—
(a) there was no power to make the seizure;
(b) the property seized is, or contains, an item subject to legal privilege which is not an item that can be retained lawfully in the circumstances listed in section 54(2) of the Act;
(c) the property seized is, or contains, excluded or special procedure material which is not material that can be retained lawfully in the circumstances listed in sections 55 and 56 of the Act; or
(d) the property seized is, or contains, something taken from premises under section 50 of the Act, or from a person under section 51 of the Act, in the circumstances listed in those sections and which cannot lawfully be retained on the conditions listed in the Act.
(5) On an application for an order for the examination, retention, separation or return of property under section 59(5) of the 2001 Act, the application must—
(a) specify the direction that the applicant wants the court to make, and explain why;
(b) if applicable, specify each requirement of section 53(2) of the Act (examination and return of property) which is not being complied with; and
(c) if applicable, explain why the retention of the property by the person who now has it would be justified on the grounds that, even if it were returned, it would immediately become appropriate for that person to get it back under—
(i) a warrant for its seizure, or
(ii) a production order made under paragraph 4 of Schedule 1 to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, section 20BA of the Taxes Management Act 1970 or paragraph 5 of Schedule 5 to the Terrorism Act 2000.
[Note. Under section 59 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001, a person with a ‘relevant interest’ (see rule 47.35(2)) in seized property can apply in the circumstances listed in the Act to a Crown Court judge for an order for its return. A person who has the property in consequence of its seizure can apply for an order authorising its retention. Either can apply for an order relating to the examination of the property.]
47.39 Application containing information withheld from another party
(1) This rule applies where—
(a) an applicant serves an application to which rule 47.37 (Application for an order under section 1 of the Police (Property) Act 1897) or rule 47.38 (Application for an order under section 59 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001) applies; and
(b) the application includes information that the applicant thinks ought not be revealed to another party.
(2) The applicant must—
(a) omit that information from the part of the application that is served on that other party;
(b) mark the other part to show that, unless the court otherwise directs, it is only for the court; and
(c) in that other part, explain why the applicant has withheld that information from that other party.
(3) If the court so directs, any hearing of an application to which this rule applies may be, wholly or in part, in the absence of a party from whom information has been withheld.
(4) At any hearing of an application to which this rule applies—
(a) the general rule is that the court must consider, in the following sequence—
(i) representations first by the applicant and then by each other party, in all the parties’ presence, and then
(ii) further representations by the applicant, in the absence of a party from whom information has been withheld; but
(b) the court may direct other arrangements for the hearing.
(1) This rule applies where a person wants to make representations about an application under rule 47.37 or rule 47.38.
(2) Such a person must—
(a) serve the representations on—
(i) the court officer, and
(ii) the applicant and any other party to the application;
(b) do so not more than 10 business days after service of the application; and
(c) ask for a hearing, if that person wants one.
(3) Representations in opposition to an application must explain why the grounds on which the applicant relies are not met.
(4) Where representations include information that the person making them thinks ought not be revealed to another party, that person must—
(a) omit that information from the representations served on that other party;
(b) mark the information to show that, unless the court otherwise directs, it is only for the court; and
(c) with that information include an explanation of why it has been withheld from that other party.
(1) This rule applies where a person is accused of disobeying an order under section 59 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001.
(2) A person who wants the court to exercise its power to punish that person for contempt of court must comply with the rules in Part 48 (Contempt of court).
[Note. A Crown Court judge has power to punish a person who disobeys an order under section 59 of the 2001 Act as if that were a contempt of the Crown Court: see section 59(9) of the Act.]
This Section applies where—
(a) a magistrates’ court consisting of a District Judge (Magistrates’ Court) can make an order under—
(i) section 63F(7) or 63R(6) of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984,
(ii) paragraph 20B(5) or 20G(6) of Schedule 8 to the Terrorism Act 2000, or
(iii) paragraph 20(6) or 25(9) of Schedule 6 to the National Security Act 2023; and
(b) the Crown Court can determine an appeal under—
(i) section 63F(10) of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984,
(ii) paragraph 20B(8) of Schedule 8 to the Terrorism Act 2000, or
(iii) paragraph 20(9) of Schedule 6 to the National Security Act 2023.
[Note. Under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, under the Terrorism Act 2000 or under the National Security Act 2023, an order may be made extending the period during which fingerprints, DNA profiles or samples may be retained by the police.]
(1) The court must determine an application under rule 47.44, and an appeal under rule 47.45—
(a) at a hearing, which must be in private unless the court otherwise directs; and
(b) in the presence of the applicant or appellant.
(2) The court must not determine such an application or appeal unless any person served under those rules—
(a) is present; or
(b) has had an opportunity—
(i) to attend, or
(ii) to make representations.
(1) This rule applies where a magistrates’ court can make an order extending the period for which there may be retained material consisting of—
(a) fingerprints taken from a person—
(i) under a power conferred by Part V of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984,
(ii) with that person’s consent, in connection with the investigation of an offence by the police,
(iii) under a power conferred by Schedule 8 to the Terrorism Act 2000 in relation to a person detained under section 41 of that Act, or
(iv) under a power conferred by Schedule 6 to the National Security Act 2023 in relation to a person detained under section 27 of that Act;
(b) a DNA profile derived from a DNA sample so taken; or
(c) a sample so taken.
(2) A chief officer of police who wants the court to make such an order must—
(a) apply in writing—
(i) within the period of 3 months ending on the last day of the retention period, where the application relates to fingerprints or a DNA profile, or
(ii) before the expiry of the retention period, where the application relates to a sample;
(b) in the application—
(i) identify the material,
(ii) state when the retention period expires,
(iii) give details of any previous such application relating to the material, and
(iv) outline the circumstances in which the material was acquired;
(c) serve the application on the court officer, in every case; and
(d) serve the application on the person from whom the material was taken, where—
(i) the application relates to fingerprints or a DNA profile, or
(ii) the application is for the renewal of an order extending the retention period for a sample.
(3) An application to extend the retention period for fingerprints or a DNA profile must explain why that period should be extended.
(4) An application to extend the retention period for a sample must explain why, having regard to the nature and complexity of other material that is evidence in relation to the offence, the sample is likely to be needed in any proceedings for the offence for the purposes of—
(a) disclosure to, or use by, a defendant; or
(b) responding to any challenge by a defendant in respect of the admissibility of material that is evidence on which the prosecution proposes to rely.
(5) On an application to extend the retention period for fingerprints or a DNA profile, the applicant must serve notice of the court’s decision on any respondent where—
(a) the court makes the order sought; and
(b) the respondent was absent when it was made.
[Note. See rule 47.42(a). The powers to which rule 47.44 applies may be exercised only by a District Judge (Magistrates’ Courts).
The time limits for making an application under this rule are prescribed by sections 63F(8) and 63R(8) of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, by paragraphs 20B(6) and 20G(8) of Schedule 8 to the Terrorism Act 2000 and by paragraphs 20(7) and 25(8) of Schedule 6 to the National Security Act 2023. They may be neither extended nor shortened.
Sections 63D and 63R of the 1984 Act, paragraphs 20A and 20G of Schedule 8 to the 2000 Act and paragraphs 19 and 24 of Schedule 6 to the 2023 Act provide for the circumstances in which there must be destroyed the material to which this rule applies.
Section 63F of the 1984 Act, paragraph 20B of Schedule 8 to the 2000 Act and paragraph 20 of Schedule 6 to the 2023 Act provide for the circumstances in which fingerprints and DNA profiles may be retained instead of being destroyed. Under section 63F(7) of the 1984 Act, paragraph 20B(5) of Schedule 8 to the 2000 Act and paragraph 20(6) of Schedule 6 to the 2023 Act a chief officer of police to whom those provisions apply may apply for an order extending the statutory retention period of 3 years by up to another 2 years.
Section 63R of the 1984 Act, paragraph 20G of Schedule 8 to the 2000 Act and paragraph 25 of Schedule 6 to the 2023 Act provide for the circumstances in which samples taken from a person may be retained instead of being destroyed. Under section 63R(6) of the 1984 Act, paragraph 20G(6) of Schedule 8 to the 2000 Act and paragraph 25(6) of Schedule 6 to the 2023 Act, a chief officer of police to whom those provisions apply may apply for an order to retain a sample for up to 12 months after the date on which it would otherwise have to be destroyed. Under section 63R(9) of the 1984 Act, paragraph 20G(9) of Schedule 8 to the 2000 Act and paragraph 25(9)(b) of Schedule 6 to the 2023 Act such an order may be renewed, on one or more occasions, for a further period of not more than 12 months from the end of the period when the order would otherwise cease to have effect.]
(1) This rule applies where, under rule 47.44, a magistrates’ court determines an application relating to fingerprints or a DNA profile and—
(a) the person from whom the material was taken wants to appeal to the Crown Court against an order extending the retention period; or
(b) a chief officer of police wants to appeal to the Crown Court against a refusal to make such an order.
(2) The appellant must—
(a) serve an appeal notice—
(i) on the Crown Court officer and on the other party, and
(ii) not more than 15 business days after the magistrates’ court’s decision, or, if applicable, service of notice under rule 47.44(5); and
(b) in the appeal notice, explain, as appropriate, why the retention period should, or should not, be extended.
(3) Rule 34.11 (Constitution of the Crown Court) applies on such an appeal.
[Note. Under section 63F(10) of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, under paragraph 20B(8) of Schedule 8 to the Terrorism Act 2000 and under paragraph 20(9) of Schedule 6 to the National Security Act 2023, the person from whom fingerprints were taken, or from whom a DNA profile derives, may appeal to the Crown Court against an order extending the retention period; and a chief officer of police may appeal to the Crown Court against the refusal of such an order.]
This Section applies where—
(a) a justice of the peace can make or discharge an investigation anonymity order, under sections 76 and 80(1) of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009; and
(b) a Crown Court judge can determine an appeal against—
(i) a refusal of such an order, under section 79 of the 2009 Act, or
(ii) a decision on an application to discharge such an order, under section 80(6) of the 2009 Act.
[Note. Under the Coroners and Justice Act 2009, an investigation anonymity order may be made prohibiting the disclosure of information that identifies, or might identify, a specified person as someone who is, or was, willing to assist the investigation of an offence of murder or manslaughter caused by a gun or knife.]
(1) The court may determine an application for an investigation anonymity order, and any appeal against the refusal of such an order—
(a) at a hearing (which must be in private unless the court otherwise directs); or
(b) without a hearing.
(2) The court must determine an application to discharge an investigation anonymity order, and any appeal against the decision on such an application—
(a) at a hearing (which must be in private unless the court otherwise directs); and
(b) in the presence of the person specified in the order, unless—
(i) that person applied for the discharge of the order,
(ii) that person has had an opportunity to make representations, or
(iii) the court is satisfied that it is not reasonably practicable to communicate with that person.
(3) The court may consider an application or an appeal made orally instead of in writing.
47.48 Application for an investigation anonymity order
(1) This rule applies where an applicant wants a magistrates’ court to make an investigation anonymity order.
(2) The applicant must—
(a) apply in writing;
(b) serve the application on the court officer;
(c) identify the person to be specified in the order, unless—
(i) the applicant wants the court to determine the application at a hearing, or
(ii) the court otherwise directs;
(d) explain how the proposed order meets the conditions prescribed by section 78 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009;
(e) say if the applicant intends to appeal should the court refuse the order;
(f) attach any material on which the applicant relies; and
(g) propose the terms of the order.
(3) At any hearing of the application, the applicant must—
(a) identify to the court the person to be specified in the order, unless—
(i) the applicant has done so already, or
(ii) the court otherwise directs; and
(b) unless the applicant has done so already, inform the court if the applicant intends to appeal should the court refuse the order.
[Note. See section 77 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009.]
47.49 Application to discharge an investigation anonymity order
(1) This rule applies where one of the following wants a magistrates’ court to discharge an investigation anonymity order—
(a) an applicant; or
(b) the person specified in the order.
(2) That applicant or the specified person must—
(a) apply in writing as soon as practicable after becoming aware of the grounds for doing so;
(b) serve the application on—
(i) the court officer, and as applicable
(ii) the applicant for the order, and
(iii) the specified person;
(c) explain—
(i) what material circumstances have changed since the order was made, or since any previous application was made to discharge it, and
(ii) why it is appropriate for the order to be discharged; and
(d) attach—
(i) a copy of the order, and
(ii) any material on which the applicant relies.
(3) A party must inform the court if that party intends to appeal should the court discharge the order.
[Note. See section 80 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009.]
(1) This rule applies where one of the following (‘the appellant’) wants to appeal to the Crown Court—
(a) the applicant for an investigation anonymity order, where a magistrates’ court has refused to make the order; or
(b) a party to an application to discharge such an order, where a magistrates’ court has decided that application.
(2) The appellant must—
(a) serve on the Crown Court officer a copy of the application to the magistrates’ court; and
(b) where the appeal concerns a discharge decision, notify each other party,
not more than 15 business days after the decision against which the appellant wants to appeal.
(3) The Crown Court must hear the appeal without justices of the peace.
[Note. See sections 79 and 80(6) of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009, and section 74 of the Senior Courts Act 1981.]
This Section applies where a justice of the peace can make an order approving the grant or renewal of an authorisation under section 32A of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.
[Note. Under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, an order may be made approving a local authority officer’s authorisation for the use of surveillance or of a ‘covert human intelligence source’.]
(1) Rule 47.5 (Investigation orders; Exercise of court’s powers) applies, subject to section 32B(2) of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.
(2) Where a magistrates’ court refuses to approve the grant ... or renewal of an authorisation ..., the court must not exercise its power to quash that authorisation ... unless the applicant has had at least 2 business days from the date of the refusal in which to make representations.
[Note. Under section 32B(2) of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, the applicant is not required to give notice of an application to any person to whom the authorisation or notice relates, or to such a person’s legal representatives. See also section 32B(3) of the 2000 Act.]
47.53 Application for approval for authorisation ...
(1) This rule applies where an applicant wants a magistrates’ court to make an order approving, under sections 32A and 32B of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, an authorisation for—
(a) the carrying out of directed surveillance, under section 28 of the 2000 Act; or
(b) the conduct or use of a covert human intelligence source, under section 29 of the Act.
(2) The applicant must—
(a) apply in writing and serve the application on the court officer;
(b) attach the authorisation or notice which the applicant wants the court to approve;
(c) attach such other material (if any) on which the applicant relies to satisfy the court—
(i) as required by section 32A(3) and (4) of the 2000 Act, in relation to directed surveillance, or
(ii) as required by section 32A(5) and (6), and, if relevant, section 43(6A), of the Act, in relation to a covert human intelligence source; and
(d) propose the terms of the order.
[Note. See also rule 47.5, under which the court may—
(a) exercise its powers in the parties’ absence; and
(b) consider an application made orally.
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Under section 32A(3) and (4) of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, on an application for an order approving an authorisation concerning directed surveillance (as defined in section 26 of the Act), the court must be satisfied that—
(a) the person who granted the authorisation was entitled to do so;
(b) the grant met any prescribed restrictions or conditions;
(c) at the time the authorisation was granted there were reasonable grounds for believing that the surveillance described in the authorisation was—
(i) necessary, for the purpose of preventing or detecting crime or preventing disorder, and
(ii) proportionate to what was sought to be achieved by it; and
(d) there remain reasonable grounds for believing those things, at the time the court considers the application.
Under section 32A(5) and (6) of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, on an application for an order approving an authorisation of the conduct or use of a covert human intelligence source (as defined in section 26 of the Act), the court must be satisfied that—
(a) the person who granted the authorisation was entitled to do so;
(b) the grant met any prescribed restrictions or conditions;
(c) at the time the authorisation was granted there were reasonable grounds for believing that the conduct or use of a covert human intelligence source described in the authorisation was—
(i) necessary, for the purpose of preventing or detecting crime or preventing disorder, and
(ii) proportionate to what was sought to be achieved by it; and
(d) there remain reasonable grounds for believing those things, at the time the court considers the application.
Under section 43(6A) of the 2000 Act, on an application to approve the renewal of such an authorisation the court in addition must—
(a) be satisfied that, since the grant or latest renewal of the authorisation, a review has been carried out of the use made of the source, of the tasks given to him or her and of the information obtained; and
(b) consider the results of that review.
The Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Directed Surveillance and Covert Human Intelligence Sources) Order 2010 specifies the persons who are entitled to grant an authorisation concerning such surveillance or such a source, and for what purpose each may do so.
Under section 32B(2) of the 2000 Act, the applicant is not required to give notice of an application to any person to whom the authorisation or notice relates, or to such a person’s legal representatives.]
This Section applies where the Crown Court can order a person to give the Criminal Cases Review Commission access to a document or other material under section 18A of the Criminal Appeal Act 1995.
[Note. Under section 18A of the Criminal Appeal Act 1995, on an application by the Criminal Cases Review Commission the court may order that the Commission be given access to a document or material in a person’s possession or control if the court thinks that that document or material may assist the Commission in the exercise of any of their functions.]
(1) Subject to paragraphs (2), (3) and (4), the court may determine an application by the Criminal Cases Review Commission for an order—
(a) at a hearing (which must be in private unless the court otherwise directs), or without a hearing; and
(b) in the absence of—
(i) the Commission,
(ii) the respondent, and
(iii) any other person affected by the order.
(2) The court must not determine such an application in the Commission’s absence if—
(a) the Commission asks for a hearing; or
(b) it appears to the court that the application is so complex or serious as to require the court to hear the Commission.
(3) The court must not determine such an application in the absence of any respondent or other person affected, unless—
(a) the absentee has had at least 2 business days in which to make representations; or
(b) the court is satisfied that—
(i) the Commission cannot identify or contact the absentee,
(ii) it would prejudice the exercise of the Commission’s functions to adjourn or postpone the application so as to allow the absentee to attend, or
(iii) the absentee has waived the opportunity to attend.
(4) The court must not determine such an application in the absence of any respondent who, if the order sought by the Commission were made, would be required to produce or give access to journalistic material, unless that respondent has waived the opportunity to attend.
(5) The court officer must arrange for the court to hear such an application no sooner than 2business days after it was served, unless—
(a) the court directs that no hearing need be arranged; or
(b) the court gives other directions for the hearing.
(6) The court must not determine an application unless satisfied that sufficient time has been allowed for it.
(7) If the court so directs, the parties to an application may attend a hearing by live link.
(8) The court must not make an order unless an officer of the Commission states, in writing or orally, that to the best of that officer’s knowledge and belief—
(a) the application discloses all the information that is material to what the court must decide; and
(b) the content of the application is true.
(9) Where the statement required by paragraph (8) is made orally—
(a) the statement must be on oath or affirmation, unless the court otherwise directs; and
(b) the court must arrange for a record of the making of the statement.
(10) The court may shorten or extend (even after it has expired) a time limit under this Section.
(1) Where the Criminal Cases Review Commission wants the court to make an order for access to a document or other material, the Commission must—
(a) apply in writing and serve the application on the court officer;
(b) give the court an estimate of how long the court should allow—
(i) to read the application and prepare for any hearing, and
(ii) for any hearing of the application;
(c) attach a draft order in the terms proposed by the Commission; and
(d) serve the application and draft order on the respondent.
(2) The application must—
(a) identify the respondent;
(b) describe the document, or documents, or other material sought;
(c) explain the reasons for thinking that—
(i) what is sought is in the respondent’s possession or control, and
(ii) access to what is sought may assist the Commission in the exercise of any of their functions; and
(d) explain the Commission’s proposals for—
(i) the manner in which the respondent should give access, and
(ii) the period within which the order should take effect.
(3) The Commission must serve any order made on the respondent.
[Note. Under section 18A(3) of the Criminal Appeal Act 1995, the court may give directions for the manner in which access to a document or other material must be given, and may direct that the Commission must be allowed to take away such a document or material, or to make copies. Under section 18A(4) of the Act, the court may direct that the respondent must not destroy, damage or alter a document or other material before the direction is withdrawn by the court.]
47.57 Application containing information withheld from a respondent or other person
(1) This rule applies where—
(a) the Criminal Cases Review Commission serves an application under rule 47.56 (Application for an order for access); and
(b) the application includes information that the Commission thinks ought not be revealed to a recipient.
(2) The Commission must—
(a) omit that information from the part of the application that is served on that recipient;
(b) mark the other part, to show that it is only for the court; and
(c) in that other part, explain why the Commission has withheld it from that recipient.
(3) A hearing of an application to which this rule applies may take place, wholly or in part, in the absence of that recipient and any other person.
(4) At a hearing of an application to which this rule applies—
(a) the general rule is that the court must consider, in the following sequence—
(i) representations first by the Commission and then by the other parties, in the presence of them all, and then
(ii) further representations by the Commission, in the others’ absence; but
(b) the court may direct other arrangements for the hearing.
(1) This rule applies where a person is accused of disobeying an order for access made under section 18A of the Criminal Appeal Act 1995.
(2) An applicant who wants the court to exercise its power to punish that person for contempt of court must comply with the rules in Part 48 (Contempt of court).
[Note. The Crown Court has power to punish for contempt of court a person who disobeys its order. See section 45 of the Senior Courts Act 1981.]
(1) This Section applies where the Crown Court can extend a moratorium period under section 336A of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
(2) In this Section, ‘respondent’ means, as well as a person within the meaning of rule 47.2(c), an ‘interested person’ within the meaning of section 336D of the 2002 Act.
[Note. Under section 336A of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, the Crown Court may extend a moratorium period under section 335 or section 336 of the Act by up to 31 days beginning with the day after the day on which the period otherwise would end.
Under sections 335 and 336 of the 2002 Act, a moratorium period is the period of 31 days starting with the day on which consent to the doing of an act is refused by a constable, a customs officer or the Director General of the National Crime Agency. The act to which those sections refer is one that would be an offence under section 327, 328 or 329 of the 2002 Act (money laundering offences) but for the making of a disclosure within the meaning of section 338 to such an officer in relation to that act. On the expiry of the moratorium period the person who made the disclosure will be treated as having the relevant officer’s consent to the doing of the act and so will commit no offence by doing it.
The Crown Court may extend a moratorium period more than once, but the total period of extension may not exceed 186 days beginning with the day after the day on which the first 31 day period ended.
Under section 336D(3) of the 2002 Act, ‘interested person’ means the person who made the disclosure and any other person who appears to the person making an application under rule 47.61 to have an interest in the property that is the subject of that disclosure.]
(1) The court may determine an application to which rule 47.61 (Application for extension of moratorium period) applies—
(a) at a hearing (which must be in private unless the court otherwise directs), or without a hearing; and
(b) in the absence of—
(i) the applicant, and
(ii) a respondent.
(2) The court must not determine such an application in the applicant’s absence if the applicant asks for a hearing.
(3) The court must not determine such an application in the absence of a respondent unless—
(a) the absentee has had at least 2 business days in which to make representations; or
(b) the court is satisfied that—
(i) the applicant cannot identify or contact the absentee,
(ii) it would prejudice the investigation if the absentee were present,
(iii) it would prejudice the investigation to adjourn or postpone the application so as to allow the absentee to attend, or
(iv) the absentee has waived the opportunity to attend.
(4) The court officer must arrange for the court to hear such an application no sooner than 2business days after notice of the application was served, unless—
(a) the court directs that no hearing need be arranged; or
(b) the court gives other directions for the hearing.
(5) If the court so directs, the parties to an application may attend a hearing by live link.
(6) The court must not extend a moratorium period unless the applicant states, in writing or orally, that to the best of the applicant’s knowledge and belief—
(a) the application discloses all the information that is material to what the court must decide; and
(b) the content of the application is true.
(7) Where the statement required by paragraph (6) is made orally—
(a) the statement must be on oath or affirmation, unless the court otherwise directs; and
(b) the court must arrange for a record of the making of the statement.
(8) The court may—
(a) shorten or extend (even after it has expired) a time limit imposed by this rule;
(b) dispense with a requirement for service under this Section (even after service was required); and
(c) consider an application made orally instead of in writing.
47.61 Application for extension of moratorium period
(1) This rule applies where an applicant wants the court to extend a moratorium period.
(2) The applicant must—
(a) apply in writing before the date on which the moratorium period otherwise would end;
(b) demonstrate that the applicant is entitled to apply as a senior officer within the meaning of section 336D of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002;
(c) serve the application on the court officer;
(d) serve notice on each respondent that an application has been made; and
(e) serve the application on each respondent to such extent, if any, as the court directs.
(3) The application must specify—
(a) the disclosure in respect of which the application is made;
(b) the date on which the moratorium period began;
(c) the date and period of any previous extension of that period; and
(d) the date on which that period is due to end.
(4) The application must—
(a) describe the investigation being carried out in relation to that disclosure; and
(b) explain the grounds for believing that—
(i) the investigation is being conducted diligently and expeditiously,
(ii) further time is needed for conducting the investigation, and
(iii) it would be reasonable in all the circumstances for the moratorium period to be extended.
(5) A respondent who objects to the application must—
(a) serve notice of the objection on—
(i) the court officer, and
(ii) the applicant
not more than 2 business days after service of notice of the application; and
(b) in that notice explain the grounds of the objection.
(6) The applicant must serve any order made on each respondent.
[Note. Under section 336D of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, ‘senior officer’ means the Director General of the National Crime Agency or an authorised officer of that Agency, a police officer of at least the rank of inspector, an officer of HM Revenue and Customs or an immigration officer of equivalent rank, a senior member of the Financial Conduct Authority, the Director of the Serious Fraud Office or an authorised member of that Office, or an accredited financial investigator.
The time limit for making an application is prescribed by section 336A(3) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. It may be neither extended nor shortened. Under section 336B(2) of the Act the court must determine the application as soon as reasonably practicable. Under section 336C, where an application is made and not determined before the moratorium period otherwise would expire then that period is extended until (i) the application is determined, or (ii) the expiry of 31 days beginning with the day after the day on which that period expired, whichever occurs first.]
47.62 Application containing information withheld from a respondent
(1) This rule applies where an application to extend a moratorium period includes an application to withhold information from a respondent.
(2) The applicant must—
(a) omit that information from any part of the application that is served on the respondent;
(b) mark the other part to show that, unless the court otherwise directs, it is only for the court; and
(c) in that other part, explain the grounds for believing that the disclosure of that information would have one or more of the following results—
(i) evidence of an offence would be interfered with or harmed,
(ii) the gathering of information about the possible commission of an offence would be interfered with,
(iii) a person would be interfered with or physically injured,
(iv) the recovery of property under this Act would be hindered, or
(v) national security would be put at risk.
(3) At any hearing of an application to which this rule applies—
(a) the court must first determine the application to withhold information, in the respondent’s absence and that of any legal representative of the respondent; and
(b) if the court allows the application to withhold information, then in the following sequence—
(i) the court must consider representations first by the applicant and then by the respondent, in the presence of both, and
(ii) the court may consider further representations by the applicant in the respondent’s absence and that of any legal representative of the respondent.
(4) If the court refuses an application to withhold information from the respondent, the applicant may withdraw the application to extend the moratorium period.
[Note. See section 336B of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.]
(1) This Section applies where the Crown Court can make an overseas production order under section 1 of the Crime (Overseas Production Orders) Act 2019.
(2) In this Section, a reference to a person affected by such an order includes a person by whom or on whose behalf there is stored any journalistic data specified or described in the application for that order.
[Note. Under section 1 of the Crime (Overseas Production Orders) Act 2019, on an application by an appropriate officer (defined by section 2 of the Act) a Crown Court judge may order a person (in these rules, ‘the respondent’) to produce or give access to electronic data (by section 3, ‘data stored electronically’), other than excepted such data, where, among other criteria listed in sections 1 and 4 of the Act, the judge is satisfied that—
(a) there are reasonable grounds for believing that—
(i) an indictable offence has been committed and proceedings in respect of the offence have been instituted or the offence is being investigated, or
(ii) the order is sought for the purposes of a terrorist investigation within the meaning of the Terrorism Act 2000; and
(b) there are reasonable grounds for believing that the respondent operates in, or is based in, a country or territory outside the United Kingdom which is a party to, or which participates in, a designated international co-operation arrangement.
Section 3 of the 2019 Act defines ‘excepted electronic data’ as data stored electronically that is (a) an item subject to legal privilege, or (b) a personal record within the meaning of section 3(7) (medical, etc. records) which (i) was created in circumstances giving rise to a continuing obligation of confidence to an individual who can be identified from that record, or (ii) is held subject to a restriction on disclosure, or an obligation of secrecy, contained in an enactment. Where the respondent against whom an overseas production order is sought is a telecommunications operator, within the meaning of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, ‘excepted electronic data’ also includes communications data within the meaning of the 2016 Act unless that communications data is comprised in, included as part of, attached to or logically associated with the electronic data sought. Where the investigation in aid of which an overseas production order is sought is a terrorist investigation other than a terrorist financing investigation within the meaning of the Terrorism Act 2000, ‘excepted electronic data’ does not include a confidential personal record.
Section 12 of the Act defines ‘journalistic data’ as electronic data that (a) was created or acquired for the purposes of journalism and (b) is stored by or on behalf of a person who created or acquired it for those purposes.]
(1) Subject to paragraphs (2), (3) and (4), the court may determine an application under rule 47.65 for an overseas production order, or an application under rule 47.66 to vary or revoke an order—
(a) at a hearing (which must be in private unless the court otherwise directs), or without a hearing; and
(b) in the absence of—
(i) the applicant,
(ii) the respondent, and
(iii) any other person affected by the order.
(2) The court must not determine such an application in the applicant’s absence if—
(a) the applicant asks for a hearing; or
(b) it appears to the court that—
(i) the proposed order may require the production of excepted electronic data, within the meaning of section 3 of the Crime (Overseas Production Orders) Act 2019, or
(ii) for any other reason the application is so complex or serious as to require the court to hear the applicant.
(3) The court must not determine such an application in the absence of any respondent or other person affected unless—
(a) the absentee has had at least 2 business days in which to make representations; or
(b) the court is satisfied that—
(i) the applicant cannot identify or contact the absentee,
(ii) it would prejudice the investigation if the absentee were present,
(iii) where journalistic data is sought, it would prejudice the investigation of another indictable offence or another terrorist investigation if the absentee were present,
(iv) it would prejudice the investigation to adjourn or postpone the application so as to allow the absentee to attend, or
(v) the absentee has waived the opportunity to attend.
(4) The court must not determine such an application in the absence of any respondent who, if the order sought by the applicant were made, would be required to produce or give access to journalistic data, unless that respondent has waived the opportunity to attend.
(5) The court officer must arrange for the court to hear such an application no sooner than 2business days after notice of the application was served, unless—
(a) the court directs that no hearing need be arranged; or
(b) the court gives other directions for the hearing.
(6) The court must not determine an application unless satisfied that sufficient time has been allowed for it.
(7) If the court so directs, the parties to an application may attend a hearing by live link.
(8) The court must not make, vary or revoke an order unless the applicant states, in writing or orally, that to the best of the applicant’s knowledge and belief—
(a) the application discloses all the information that is material to what the court must decide; and
(b) the content of the application is true.
(9) Where the statement required by paragraph (8) is made orally—
(a) the statement must be on oath or affirmation, unless the court otherwise directs; and
(b) the court must arrange for a record of the making of the statement.
(10) The court may—
(a) shorten or extend (even after it has expired) a time limit under this Section;
(b) dispense with a requirement for service under this Section (even after service was required); and
(c) consider an application made orally instead of in writing.
(11) A person who wants an extension of time must—
(a) apply when serving the application for which it is needed; and
(b) explain the delay.
(1) An applicant who wants the court to make an overseas production order must—
(a) apply in writing and serve the application on the court officer;
(b) demonstrate that the applicant is entitled to apply;
(c) give the court an estimate of how long the court should allow—
(i) to read the application and prepare for any hearing, and
(ii) for any hearing of the application;
(d) attach a draft order in the terms proposed by the applicant;
(e) serve notice of the application on the respondent and on any other person affected by the order, unless the court otherwise directs; and
(f) serve the application on the respondent and on any such other person to such extent, if any, as the court directs.
(2) A notice served on the respondent and on any other person affected by the order must—
(a) specify or describe the electronic data in respect of which the application is made; and
(b) identify—
(i) the power that the applicant invites the court to exercise, and
(ii) the conditions for the exercise of that power which the applicant asks the court to find are met.
(3) The application must—
(a) specify the designated international co-operation arrangement by reference to which the application is made;
(b) identify the respondent;
(c) explain the grounds for believing that the respondent operates in, or is based in, a country or territory outside the United Kingdom which is a party to, or participates in, that designated international co-operation arrangement;
(d) specify or describe the electronic data in respect of which the order is sought;
(e) explain the grounds for believing that the electronic data sought does not consist of or include excepted electronic data;
(f) briefly describe the investigation for the purposes of which the electronic data is sought and explain—
(i) the grounds for believing that an indictable offence has been committed which is under investigation or in respect of which proceedings have begun, or
(ii) how the investigation constitutes a terrorist investigation within the meaning of the Terrorism Act 2000;
(g) explain the grounds for believing that the respondent has possession or control of all or part of the electronic data sought;
(h) explain the grounds for believing that the electronic data sought is likely to be of substantial value to the investigation, or to the proceedings (as the case may be), whether by itself or together with other material;
(i) where paragraph (3)(f)(i) applies, explain the grounds for believing that all or part of the electronic data sought is likely to be relevant evidence in respect of the offence concerned;
(j) explain the grounds for believing that it is in the public interest for the respondent to produce or give access to the electronic data sought, having regard to—
(i) the benefit likely to accrue to the investigation, or to the proceedings (as the case may be), if that data is obtained, and
(ii) the circumstances under which the respondent has possession or control of any of that data;
(k) specify—
(i) the person, or the description of person, to whom the applicant wants the court to order that electronic data must be produced or made accessible, and
(ii) the period by the end of which the applicant wants the court to order that that electronic data must be produced or made accessible (which must be a period of 7days beginning with the day on which the order is served on the respondent, unless the court otherwise directs); and
(l) where the applicant wants the court to include a non-disclosure requirement in the order—
(i) explain why such a requirement would be appropriate, and
(ii) specify or describe when the applicant wants that requirement, if ordered, to expire.
(4) In the event that an overseas production order is made, the applicant must serve the order on the Secretary of State, or on a person prescribed by regulations, for service on the respondent.
(5) Where notice of the application was served on a respondent, in the event that the application is dismissed or abandoned the applicant must—
(a) promptly so notify that respondent; and
(b) where the application is dismissed, promptly inform that respondent if the court nonetheless orders that for a period that respondent must not—
(i) conceal, destroy, alter or dispose of any of the electronic data specified or described in the application, or
(ii) disclose the making of the application or its contents to any person.
[Note. See sections 1, 2, 4 and 5 of the Crime (Overseas Production Orders) Act 2019.
Under section 8 of the 2019 Act, an overseas production order may include a non-disclosure requirement obliging the respondent not to disclose the making of the order or its contents to any person except with the court’s permission or with the written permission of the applicant (or an equivalent appropriate officer).
Under section 9 of the Act, an overseas production order may be served only by the Secretary of State or by a person prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State.
Under section 12 of the Act, if there are reasonable grounds for believing that the electronic data specified or described in the application consists of or includes journalistic data then unless the judge otherwise directs notice of the application must be served on (a) the person against whom the overseas production order is sought and (b) if different, the person by whom, or on whose behalf, the journalistic data is stored. The criteria for making such a direction correspond with those listed in rule 47.64(3)(b).
Under section 13 of the Act, following service of notice of an application for an overseas production order the respondent must not conceal, destroy, alter or dispose of any of the electronic data specified or described in the application, or disclose the making of the application or its contents to any person, except with the court’s permission or with the written permission of the applicant (or an equivalent appropriate officer). Those obligations are superseded if an order is made. If the application is abandoned or dismissed, those obligations cease unless, in the event of dismissal, the court otherwise orders.
Section 14 of the Act provides for the means of service of notices and orders.]
(1) The orders to which this rule applies are—
(a) an overseas production order;
(b) an order under section 8(4) of the Crime (Overseas Production Orders) Act 2019 maintaining an unexpired non-disclosure requirement;
(c) an order under section 13(3) of the 2019 Act maintaining a duty not to conceal, destroy, alter or dispose of electronic data, and not to disclose the making or content of an application for an overseas production order; and
(d) an order under section 13(4)(b) of the Act maintaining a duty not to conceal, destroy, alter or dispose of electronic data.
(2) This rule applies where one of the following wants the court to vary, to further vary or to revoke an order listed in paragraph (1)—
(a) the applicant for that order, or an equivalent appropriate officer;
(b) the respondent;
(c) another person affected by the order; or
(d) the Secretary of State.
(3) The applicant for the variation or revocation must—
(a) apply in writing as soon as practicable after becoming aware of the grounds for doing so;
(b) serve the application on—
(i) the court officer, and
(ii) as applicable, the applicant for the order, the respondent, any other person known to be affected and the Secretary of State;
(c) attach a draft order in the terms proposed by the applicant; and
(d) ask for a hearing, if one is wanted, and explain why it is needed.
(4) Where the applicant wants the court to vary, or further vary, an overseas production order, the application must—
(a) specify or describe the electronic data in respect of which the varied order is sought (which may include electronic data not specified or described in the original order);
(b) satisfy or, as the case may be, continue to satisfy, the requirements of rule 47.65(3)(a) and (c) to (i) (which may be done by reference to the original application); and
(c) meet the requirements of rule 47.65(3)(j).
(5) Where the applicant wants the court to revoke an overseas production order, the application must—
(a) explain why revocation is appropriate;
(b) if the applicant wants the court, despite revocation, to maintain the requirement that for a period the respondent must not conceal, destroy, alter or dispose of any of the electronic data specified or described in the order—
(i) explain why it would be appropriate to maintain that requirement, and
(ii) specify or describe when the applicant wants that requirement, if maintained, to expire; and
(c) if the order includes an unexpired non-disclosure requirement that the applicant wants the court, despite revocation, to maintain—
(i) explain why it would be appropriate to maintain that requirement, and
(ii) specify or describe when the applicant wants that requirement, if maintained, to expire.
(6) Where the applicant wants the court to vary, to further vary or to revoke an order under section 8(4), section 13(3) or section 13(4)(b) of the 2019 Act the application must—
(a) explain—
(i) what material circumstances have changed since the order was made, and
(ii) why the order should be varied or revoked, as the case may be, as a result; and
(b) if applicable, specify the variation proposed.
(7) The court officer must serve on the applicant for the overseas production order under rule 47.65 any order made on an application under this rule, and—
(a) in the event that the court varies the overseas production order, the applicant under rule 47.65 must serve the order as varied on the Secretary of State, or on a person prescribed by regulations, for service on the respondent on whom the overseas production order first was served;
(b) in any other event, the applicant under rule 47.65 must serve the order made on the application under this rule on every other person served under paragraph (3)(b).
[Note. See sections 7, 9, 11(1) and 18(2) of the Crime (Overseas Production Orders) Act 2019.
Under section 8(4) of the 2019 Act, where the court revokes an overseas production order which includes an unexpired non-disclosure requirement the court may order that the respondent is to remain subject to that requirement for a defined period.
Under section 13(3) of the Act, where the court dismisses an application for an overseas production order then the duty under section 13(1)(a) not to conceal, destroy, alter or dispose of any of the electronic data specified or described in the application, and under section 13(1)(b) not to disclose the making of the application or its contents to any person except with the court’s permission or with the written permission of the applicant (or an equivalent appropriate officer), ceases to apply unless the court orders that a person served with notice of the application is to remain subject to that duty for a defined period.
Under section 13(4)(b) of the Act, where the court revokes an overseas production order before it is served then the duty under section 13(1)(a) not to conceal, destroy, alter or dispose of any of the electronic data specified or described in the application for the order ceases to apply unless the court orders that a person served with notice of the application is to remain subject to that duty for a defined period.]
47.67 Application containing information withheld from a respondent or other person
(1) This rule applies where an application under rule 47.65 or 47.66 includes information that the applicant thinks ought to be revealed only to the court.
(2) The application must—
(a) identify that information; and
(b) explain why that information ought not to be served on the respondent or another person.
(3) At a hearing of an application to which this rule applies—
(a) the general rule is that the court must consider, in the following sequence—
(i) representations first by the applicant and then by the respondent and any other person, in the presence of them all, and then
(ii) further representations by the applicant, in the others’ absence; but
(b) the court may direct other arrangements for the hearing.
(1) This rule applies where a person is accused of disobeying an order made by the court under the Crime (Overseas Production Orders) Act 2019.
(2) An applicant who wants the court to exercise its power to punish that person for contempt of court must comply with the rules in Part 48 (Contempt of court).
[Note. The Crown Court has power to punish for contempt of court a person who disobeys its order: see section 45 of the Senior Courts Act 1981. Under section 11(4) of the Crime (Overseas Production Orders) Act 2019, an order made by a judge under the Act has effect as if it were an order of the Crown Court.]