Appeals to the Court of Appeal: procedure and documentation

by the late David di Mambro, Barrister, formerly of Radcliffe Chambers and Practical Law Dispute Resolution

This practice note summarises the procedure and documentation for general civil and commercial appeals to the Court of Appeal. It outlines the key stages of the appeals process, namely seeking permission to appeal and preparing for the substantive hearing. It considers when, and from which court, permission to appeal may be sought, what must be demonstrated to obtain it and the procedural rules governing applications. This note also considers the key documentation required at each stage, including the appellant's notice, respondent's notice, grounds of appeal and skeleton arguments. It highlights practical considerations such as the importance of observing the relevant time limits, seeking extensions of time when needed and making ancillary applications. It also provides guidance on compiling and filing the appeal bundles, including the core, supplementary, and authorities bundles; and helps practitioners to navigate the complexities of the Court of Appeal's requirements and procedural framework. (For the procedure in the County Court and High Court, see Practice note, Appeals in the County Court and High Court: procedure and documentation.)