This guide is maintained as a current resource for September 2026 and covers only the laws of England and Wales. Information is for general guidance, not legal advice. Consult a qualified solicitor for advice specific to your situation.
Learn how attempted murder case management hearings are handled in England and Wales. This guide explains the Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing, arraignment, disclosure, directions and what to expect before trial in clear, accessible terms.
Attempted murder is a grave criminal offence in England and Wales. It arises where a person, with the intent to kill, does an act that is more than merely preparatory towards committing murder, under section 1 of the Criminal Attempts Act 1981. Attempted murder is an indictable‑only offence, meaning it must be tried in the Crown Court before a judge and jury.
Because of the serious nature of attempted murder allegations and the volume of evidence that may be involved, the court uses structured case management hearings to organise the progression of the case from charge to trial. These hearings help streamline disclosure, clarify legal issues, and set timetables to ensure a fair and efficient process. This article explains how case management hearings in attempted murder cases are conducted, step by step.
What Is Case Management in Criminal Proceedings?
Case management refers to the judicial oversight of the preparation of criminal cases before trial. In England and Wales, the Criminal Procedure Rules and associated Practice Directions require courts and parties to actively manage serious criminal cases so that they proceed without unnecessary delay and with clarity about the issues to be tried. The overarching aim is to balance expedition with procedural fairness.
In serious indictable cases like attempted murder, the standard vehicle for case management is the Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing (PTPH), which replaced earlier models of preliminary and plea and case management hearings.
When and Where Case Management Hearings Take Place
An attempted murder case typically begins in a magistrates' court, where the charges are formally read and bail or custody is addressed. Because attempted murder is indictable only, the magistrates' court sends the case to the Crown Court for trial. The first main Crown Court hearing for case management is usually the PTPH.
By practice direction, a PTPH should be listed within approximately 28 days of the case being sent for trial, and the indictment should be lodged with the Crown Court at least seven days before that hearing.
Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing (PTPH)
Arraignment and Plea Entry
At the PTPH, the court clerk reads out the indictment - the formal list of charges - and the defendant is formally asked to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. This process is called arraignment. If a defendant does not enter a plea voluntarily, the court may enter a not guilty plea on their behalf.
Guilty Plea
If the defendant pleads guilty to attempted murder at the PTPH, the court may proceed to sentencing at that hearing or adjourn for a pre‑sentence report to assist the judge in determining an appropriate punishment.
Not Guilty Plea
If the defendant pleads not guilty, the PTPH transitions into a wider case management role, where the judge and parties identify disputed issues and begin planning for trial.
Early Case Information and Preparation
Before the PTPH, the prosecution - usually represented by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) - should provide initial prosecution material to the defence, including summary details of the case, key witness information and available evidence. This advance information assists the court in identifying the real issues and giving appropriate directions at the PTPH.
Case Management Form
A mandatory PTPH form is completed by both prosecution and defence prior to the hearing. This document sets out the parties' respective positions, issues in dispute, witness availability, estimated trial length and other essential case management information. It enables the court to give effective, tailored directions.
Directions and Timetables
At the PTPH, the judge gives case management directions, which may include:
- dates for service of prosecution evidence, including the draft indictment and witness statements;
- deadlines for defence statements and expert evidence;
- arrangements for special measures or ground rules hearings where witnesses may need support (for example, victims or vulnerable witnesses);
- identification of any preliminary legal issues that must be resolved before trial; and
- a trial timetable or provisional trial date.
In cases involving attempted murder, particularly where expert forensic or medical evidence is significant, these directions help streamline both the prosecution's and defence's preparation.
Further Case Management Hearings
Under the Better Case Management regime, additional pre‑trial hearings (often called Further Case Management Hearings (FCMH)) are discouraged except in complex cases or where the judge decides they are necessary. This focus reduces unnecessary delays and encourages early comprehensive management at the PTPH.
However, the court may schedule further listings or “mentions” to address specific outstanding issues, such as finalising disclosure, discussing witness availability, or considering applications on the admissibility of evidence.
Key Procedural Rules and Responsibilities
Criminal Procedure Rules
The Criminal Procedure Rules promote active judicial case management and specify the duties of parties to assist the court in progressing the case fairly and efficiently. These rules encompass disclosure obligations, timetable setting and the overriding objective of avoiding unnecessary delay.
Disclosure and Defence Preparation
Under the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 (CPIA), the prosecution must disclose evidence that could undermine its case or assist the defence. The efficiency of case management hearings hinges on timely and thorough compliance with these disclosure duties.
The defence must prepare a defence statement where ordered by the court, indicating the nature of its case, disputed facts and any legal issues. This assists the judge in narrowing trial issues at early hearings.
Practical Context and Considerations
Complexity of Attempted Murder Cases
Attempted murder cases can involve substantial evidence - medical reports, forensic material, witness statements, CCTV footage and expert testimony. These features make early case management essential to prevent disorganisation and delay at trial.
Special Measures for Witnesses
Given the nature of attempted murder cases, witnesses may include traumatised victims, vulnerable individuals or children. The court will consider special measures to support such witnesses, including video links or screens, and schedule any associated hearings at an early stage.
Rights of Parties
Both prosecution and defence have rights at case management hearings:
- the prosecution presents its initial evidence and identifies issues for trial;
- the defence can raise disputes over evidence, request time for preparation, and make applications on legal points;
- the defendant has the right to be present and represented. Fairness at this stage is essential to uphold the defendant's rights under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Summary of the Procedure
Case management hearings in attempted murder cases in England and Wales are structured around the Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing (PTPH), which usually takes place within about 28 days of the case being sent from the magistrates' court. At the PTPH, the defendant enters a plea; if not guilty, the judge, prosecution and defence agree on issues in dispute, complete a case management form, and receive directions for disclosure, evidence exchange and a trial timetable. Additional hearings are limited to exceptional or complex situations. The process is governed by the Criminal Procedure Rules, encouraging early engagement and active case management to prepare for a just and efficient trial.
