Section 5: Right of Crown to intervene.

Human Rights Act 1998 · 1998 c. 42View on legislation.gov.uk

Where a court is considering whether to make a declaration of incompatibility, the Crown is entitled to notice in accordance with rules of court.

In any case to which subsection (1) applies—

a Minister of the Crown (or a person nominated by him),
a member of the Scottish Executive,
a Northern Ireland Minister,
a Northern Ireland department,

is entitled, on giving notice in accordance with rules of court, to be joined as a party to the proceedings.

Notice under subsection (2) may be given at any time during the proceedings.

A person who has been made a party to criminal proceedings (other than in Scotland) as the result of a notice under subsection (2) may, with leave, appeal to the Supreme Court against any declaration of incompatibility made in the proceedings.

In subsection (4)—

  • "criminal proceedings" includes all proceedings before the Court Martial Appeal Court; and

  • "leave" means leave granted by the court making the declaration of incompatibility or by the Supreme Court

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Reuse reviewed 21 August 2026 under Open Government Licence v3.0.