Appeals to the Supreme Court
Appeals from the Court of Appeal
If you want to appeal a decision of the Court of Appeal, you may apply to the Supreme Court for leave to appeal. You will find more information on leave to appeal below.
Direct appeals from the High Court
If you want to appeal a decision of the High Court, in exceptional circumstances you can apply to the Supreme Court for leave to appeal. Direct appeals are also known as leapfrog appeals.
Leave to Appeal
You must ask the Court for permission for leave to appeal a case to the Supreme Court. Articles 34.5.3 and 34.5.4 of the Constitution establish the basis for appeals to the Supreme Court. Practice Direction SC 19 in conjunction with Order 58 Rules of Superior Court set out in detail the application for leave procedure.
If you want to apply for leave to appeal a decision of the Court of Appeal:
You must set out exactly and clearly on your application why you should be given leave to bring an appeal on the basis of:
(a) general public importance
(b) the interests of justice
If you want to apply for leave to appeal from a decision of the High Court:
You must also set out exactly and clearly the exceptional circumstances that make an Appeal directly from the High Court necessary.
The Supreme Court publishes a written determination following each application outlining its reason refusing or allowing the application. See here for further information.
Related content
How to apply to appeal to the Supreme Court
