Visit UKSCAmendments to UKSC and JCPC Practice Directions
The UKSC and JCPC Practice Directions were amended on 22 December 2025. Now that Statements of Facts and Issues and Written Cases are routinely published on the UKSC and JCPC websites (see JCPC PD 5.39 and UKSC PD 5.33), it is no longer a requirement for these documents to include Counsel’s signature. A printed name will be sufficient. UKSC PD 5.6, 5.9 and 5.15, and JCPC PD 5.9, 5.15 and 5.23, have been amended accordingly, as has the Electronic Bundle guidance. In addition, if an appellant wishes to apply for a costs order which differs from the standard convention that the unsuccessful party pays the successful party’s costs, the appellant should file submissions in support of their proposed order as to costs at the same time as filing their application for permission to appeal. The panel will determine costs at the same time as determining the application for permission to appeal. UKSC PD 3.7, 3.31, and 3.51, and JCPC PD 3.4, 3.34 and 3.52 have been amended accordingly. Finally, UKSC PD 3.52 has been amended to clarify that when assessing costs at permission to appeal stage, there is discretion to allow the fee for Leading Counsel in addition to or instead of Junior Counsel in the circumstances described in PD13.30.