7 Key Steps to Understand Civil Procedure Rule Changes 2020

Let’s face it—legal procedures aren’t always the easiest thing to wrap your head around. The Civil Procedure Rules (CPR), which guide how civil cases are handled in England and Wales, can feel like learning a whole new language. But don't worry! We’re here to break it all down for you. In 2020, several important updates were made to these rules, and knowing them could make a real difference whether you're dealing with a court case or just want to be better informed.

In this guide, you’ll learn the 7 essential steps to understanding the Civil Procedure Rule changes introduced in 2020. We’ll keep it simple, jargon-free, and easy to follow.

Why Should You Care About Civil Procedure Rules?

Good question! Civil Procedure Rules shape the way civil legal cases—such as disputes over money, contracts, or personal injury—are handled in court. Whether you’re a lawyer, a business owner, or someone with an upcoming court case, staying updated with the rule changes ensures you're not caught off guard.

Step 1: Learn What the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) Are

Before diving into the changes, let’s get the basics covered. The CPR is like a guidebook that explains how you should act when bringing or defending a case in civil court. It includes everything from filing paperwork, attending hearings, to presenting evidence.

Introduced back in 1999, the rules aimed to simplify court procedures and make sure everyone is playing fair. But just like technology or fashion, the rules need updating every now and then. That’s what brought us to the 2020 changes.

Step 2: Understand What Changed in 2020

Several updates were rolled in during 2020, and they impacted multiple areas of legal proceedings. These included amendments to:

• Statements of truth
• Electronic working and filings
• Use of video and telephone hearings
• Remote hearings procedure
• Handling of small claims and fast-track cases
• Costs budgeting
• Deadlines and case management rules

To give you a clear picture, let’s walk through each notable area of change step by step.

Step 3: Statements of Truth Got Stricter

If you've ever been part of a legal case, you may recognize statements of truth—those are the statements you sign to confirm that what you're saying is accurate to the best of your knowledge. In 2020, new wording was introduced and it’s more serious than before. It now includes a clear warning that knowingly giving false evidence could land you with criminal charges.

Why it matters: Anyone preparing a court document must be extra careful. This rule aims to stop people from fibbing on legal documents.

Step 4: Embracing the Digital World with Electronic Working

Gone are the days when you had to run down to the court to file paperwork. Thanks to the 2020 updates, there’s now an increased push for electronic filing throughout England and Wales.

What changed:

• Mandatory electronic working was introduced in certain courts
• Scanned documents and PDF uploads became standard
• Even signatures could be made digitally in many cases

This shift was partly triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic, but even after lockdowns eased, the changes remained. It makes handling cases less paper-heavy and more accessible.

Tip: If you’re handling your own case, take time to learn how to upload court documents online. That one click could save you hours.

Step 5: Video and Telephone Hearings Became the Norm

Who would’ve thought we’d be attending court hearings from our kitchen tables? One of the biggest shifts in the CPR changes was to make remote hearings an accepted and often preferred method of conducting court sessions.

Key updates included:

• Clear guidance on when and how remote hearings can take place
• Rules on the conduct of parties during video hearings
• Provisions for ensuring fair access to technology

Don’t have Zoom courtroom etiquette down yet? Start practicing! The judge may appear on your screen sooner than you think.

Step 6: Adjustments to How Cases Are Managed

The 2020 updates also focused on helping courts move more efficiently. This involved tweaking several background processes in case management, such as:

• Stricter timelines for submission of documents
• Clearer communication requirements between parties
• Updated protocol for multi-track case hearings

In short, the updates aim to prevent delays and encourage parties to be better organized. If you're dealing with a court case, knowing when and how to respond could be crucial in helping your case move forward.

Step 7: Costs and Budgeting Rules Saw Important Tweaks

Court cases can be expensive, and budgeting plays a key role. One part that got updated in 2020 includes changes to how cost budgets are submitted and who needs to submit them.

What you should know: Cost budgeting helps prevent surprises by giving parties and the court a breakdown of expected legal spending. Missing a deadline or failing to follow these rules could mean not recovering costs later.

Bonus Tip: Small Claims and Fast Track Cases Became Smoother

If you’ve ever had to resolve a small money dispute—let’s say a disagreement over a faulty service or unpaid invoices—you probably went through the small claims track. In 2020, the CPR changes helped simplify how these cases are handled.

Some of the improvements include:

• Clearer guidance on evidence submission
• Increased use of remote hearings for small cases
• Better access to justice for people representing themselves

What This Means for You

You don’t have to be a barrister or solicitor to understand the Civil Procedure Rule changes. Whether you're preparing for a case, navigating a dispute, or just want to stay informed, these updates are about making the legal journey less complicated and more accessible for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a lawyer to understand these rules?

Nope! While a legal expert is always helpful in court, these 2020 updates are designed to be more user-friendly. With a bit of time and research, anyone can understand the basics.

Q: What if I ignore these rule changes?

If you’re involved in a civil case and don’t follow the updated rules, you could face penalties or even risk losing your case. When in doubt, double-check the deadlines and steps involved—or better yet, consult a lawyer.

Q: Are these rules going to change in the future?

Almost certainly. Just as the 2020 changes reflected shifts in technology and working habits, future updates will likely address new challenges. It's always a good idea to check the official government website for the latest news.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the Civil Procedure Rule changes of 2020 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Think of it as learning the updated “rules of the road” for the legal world. By keeping these 7 key steps in mind, you’ll be better prepared, more confident, and ready to handle civil court procedures head-on.

Still curious and want to explore the official updates in detail? Read More Here.

Let us know below—have you ever been part of a civil case? What was your biggest challenge? Share your story in the comments or reach out through our contact page.