Senior judges issue updated general guidance on electronic court bundles

Senior judges have issued updated general guidance intended to ensure a level of consistency in the provision of electronic bundles (“e-bundles”) for court hearings – but not tribunal hearings – “in a format that promotes the efficient preparation for, and management of, a hearing”.

The guidance issued by Senior Presiding Judge Lord Justice Haddon-Cave, President of the Family Division Sir Andrew McFarlane and Judge-in-charge of Live Services Mr Justice Johnson is subject to any specific guidance by particular courts or directions given for individual cases. It updates and replaces previous guidance published in May 2020.

The guidance, which can be viewed here, also addresses the delivery of e-bundles.

The publication covers the position in relation to unrepresented litigants. It says: “Ordinarily the applicant is responsible for preparing the court bundles. If the applicant is unrepresented then the bundles must still if at all possible, comply with the above requirements.

“If it is not possible for an unrepresented litigant to comply with the requirements then a brief explanation of the reasons for this should be provided to the court as far in advance of the hearing as possible. Where possible the litigant in person should suggest a practical way of overcoming the problem. If the other party is represented then that party should consider offering to prepare the bundle.”