Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

Disclosure definition

What does Disclosure mean? Disclosure describes the process in litigation by which a party identifies, lists and, where not protected by privilege, allows inspection of documents within its control that are relevant to the issues in dispute, including confirming that a document exists or has existed. It covers paper and electronic material (ESI), and carries a continuing duty to preserve and disclose. In England and Wales, disclosure is governed by the Civil Procedure Rules: standard disclosure and inspection under Part 31, and in the Business and Property Courts, initial and extended disclosure under Practice Direction 57AD. Parties must conduct a reasonable and proportionate search, list...

Specific disclosure and inspection applications under CPR 31: principles and track-specific guidance (England and Wales)

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Practice notes

This Practice Note summarises the nature of an application for specific disclosure and highlights particular considerations that may arise depending on the court hearing the matter and the track to which the claim has been assigned, and addresses procedural points that commonly arise. It should be read alongside the following Practice Notes:

Specific disclosure—making an application
Specific disclosure—the courts’ approach

Those Practice Notes provide procedural detail and discuss case law and related authorities on applications for specific disclosure. For general guidance on inspection, see: Specific disclosure and specific inspection—overview. Note: where a claim falls within the disclosure regime of the Business & Property Courts, see: Disclosure Scheme (Business & Property Courts)—overview, as applicable, and the Practice Notes: Disclosure Scheme—Initial Disclosure and Disclosure Scheme—varying Extended Disclosure and disclosure of specific documents.

What is specific disclosure?

The overriding objective of the Civil Procedure Rules (cpr) is to enable the court to deal with cases fairly and at proportionate cost. Parties must assist the court in furthering that objective (see CPR 1.1–CPR 1.3). Handling a case justly and at proportionate cost includes, among other matters, enforcing compliance with the rules, practice directions and orders...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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