Practice Directions

In July of 1994, the Chief Justice, noting that it had become apparent to Justices of the Supreme Court that there was, in many instances, need for guidance in the form of a Practice Direction, signifying the acceptable forms of address for use by counsel and attorneys in relation to judges in court, out of court and in orders of court, issued a practice direction (unnumbered) on forms of address.

In September of 2003, I found it necessary to re-issue Practice Direction No. 3 of 1992 on addressing correspondence to the court and the Practice Note providing specimen forms for orders of court. Notwithstanding this recent re-issue, it is obvious that some counsel and attorneys (not limited to those admitted to practice since 2003) need to be reminded of those instructions.

For the information of counsel and attorneys and, indeed, for the convenience of all persons who have dealings with the courts, I have consolidated, with revisions, all of these Practice Directions into a comprehensive guide on forms of address for use in relation to judges and other judicial officers in court, in chambers, out of court and in orders of court.

Download Practice Directions (PDF Format):

Practice Direction 1 of 2008
Practice Note No. 1 of 2006
Practice Directions: 1 of 2006
Practice Directions: 1974 - 2005