Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) Stage 1 Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK) 1 Practice Test

CPR 18 is the rule that lets a party obtain further information or clarification from the other side about the facts in issue, by court order, before trial. It’s used when a statement of case, a witness statement, or similar material is vague or incomplete and you need more detail to understand exactly what is claimed and what the defence says. The aim is to make the issues clearer and avoid surprises at trial, not to fishing for endless information. In practical terms, you apply to the court for an order requiring the other party to provide the additional information or to clarify specific points. The court then decides whether the request is proportional and necessary, and if it is granted, the other party must supply the information within a specified timeframe. This can help narrow disputes, identify what facts are truly in issue, and streamline the preparation for trial. It isn’t about how costs are assessed, how service of documents is carried out, or how to lodge an appeal, which are governed by other parts of the CPR.