5Overriding objective

5 Overriding objective

(1) The overriding objective of these Rules is to enable the Court to secure the just and timely determination of every criminal proceeding.

(2) Dealing with a case in a just and timely manner includes, so far as is practicable, the following—

(a) ensuring simplicity in procedure, fairness in administration and the elimination of unnecessary delay;

(b) efficiently determining all the issues in the case;

(c) ensuring an appropriate allocation of the Court's resources, while taking into account the needs of other cases.

(3) The Court, where practicable, must further the overriding objective by actively case managing criminal proceedings to—

(a) promote the early resolution of summary proceedings; and

(b) facilitate accurate and early disclosure of the prosecution case once a proceeding is commenced; and

(c) encourage parties to discuss issues in dispute relating to disclosure and negotiate outcomes; and

(d) decide the order in which the issues are to be resolved; and

(e) fix timetables or otherwise manage the progress of the case; and

(f) make use of technology to further the overriding objective; and

(g) give directions to ensure that the hearing of a case proceeds in a timely and efficient manner.

(4) In exercising any power under these Rules or interpreting any Rule the Court must seek to give effect to the overriding objective.

(5) The parties are required to assist the Court to further the overriding objective and to ensure that cases are dealt with fairly and expeditiously.

(6) For the purposes of paragraph (5) the parties are required to assist the Court to minimise delay between the date of commencement of proceedings and their final determination, other than as required to identify the factual and legal issues genuinely in dispute, and for sentencing purposes.