Update from the Family Procedure Rule Committee
The Family Procedure Rule Committee (FPRC) is an advisory non-departmental public body that plays a crucial role in the family justice system of the United Kingdom. This committee is responsible for making and updating the rules of practice and procedure followed in family proceedings in the High Court and family court.
Acting as a statutory body, the FPRC develops procedural rules for family cases to ensure they are effective, just, and up to date. While the committee has a degree of independence, its rules and practice directions require approval and support from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), the government department overseeing the justice system, including family justice.
The relationship between the FPRC and the MoJ is one of collaboration and support. The MoJ provides the framework, funding, and policy oversight for the justice system, including family law matters. Meanwhile, the FPRC focuses on the technical rules of family court procedure, ensuring they support the overall administration of family justice.
For instance, the MoJ funds services related to family disputes, such as mediation support schemes, while the FPRC ensures the procedural rules support such initiatives. Additionally, the MoJ must approve or be involved in changes to procedural rules and practice directions prepared by the committee to ensure alignment with government justice policy and operational needs.
In summary, the FPRC crafts the detailed procedural rules used by family courts, functioning as a rulemaking committee with statutory authority. On the other hand, the Ministry of Justice oversees and supports the family justice system as a whole and ensures these rules fit the broader justice objectives and legal framework.
References:
- Family Procedure Rule Committee
- Family Procedure Rules 2010
- Ministry of Justice
- Family Procedure Rules 2010: Practice Directions
- The Family Procedure Rule Committee's work on policy-and-legislation for family justice entails developing procedural rules that align with the Ministry of Justice's broader justice objectives and legal framework.
- The relationship between the Family Procedure Rule Committee and the Ministry of Justice in the realm of politics includes the MoJ providing policy oversight and approving changes to the committee's rules, while the committee ensures these changes support the general-news aspects of family court procedure.
