Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Skeleton Arguments in Civil Proceedings: Drafting, Structure, Authorities, Reading Lists, Filing and Court Requirements for Inexperienced Advocates (England and Wales)

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Practice notes

This Practice Note explores the steps taken by an inexperienced advocate when preparing a skeleton argument in advance of a hearing in civil proceedings. It sets out the general requirements for this crucial document and highlights court‑specific guidance. It also considers who should review the draft before the skeleton argument is lodged at court.

What is a skeleton argument?

A ‘skeleton argument’ (referred to in this Practice Note as the ‘skeleton’) is written advocacy preceding and supporting oral submissions. As the label suggests, its role is to map out the arguments an advocate for a party intends to advance on the issues for decision at the hearing to which the skeleton relates. It is not a full treatment of every contention, nor a vehicle for extensive detail about the party’s case. Ordinarily, it will identify the issues, provide limited background sufficient for swift understanding, state the propositions the party filing the skeleton will ask the court to accept at the hearing, indicate the evidence by which those propositions are to be established, and cite the authorities from which they are drawn. A skeleton can be regarded as the advocate’s strategy for securing success at the hearing...

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Web page updated on 29/05/2026

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