Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

security definition

What does security mean? In legal practice, security means money or other assets provided as a guarantee that a legal obligation will be performed, with forfeiture if it is not. In criminal proceedings, it most often refers to a cash deposit or equivalent required as a condition of bail to secure a defendant’s attendance at court and compliance with bail; failure to surrender may lead to forfeiture. The concept and procedures are set by bail legislation and court rules in each jurisdiction. Practice varies: in England & Wales and Northern Ireland, courts commonly take recognisances, with or without sureties, and may require a...

Security for costs post-order: compliance, sanctions, Commercial Court practice, variation, stays, time‑limited security and appeal implications under CPR 25 (as amended 2025) (England and Wales)

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Practice notes

This Practice Note explores the matters that may emerge after the court has made an order for security. It considers: what occurs if a party fails to make the payment required by the order, i.e. non-compliance with a security for costs order; whether a security for costs order can be altered once it has been made; whether proceedings are stayed until the security for costs is paid; and whether there is a right of appeal against the security for costs order. Note that, on 6 April 2025, changes to cpr 25 came into effect which re-numbered the former CPR 25 provisions and amended some of the wording of its security for costs rules. This Practice Note refers to the prior rule 25 as ‘old rule 25’ and, where applicable, points out any differences between the current CPR 25 and the old rule 25. The old rule 25 can be accessed here:

Requirement to comply with the order

Where a court has made an order for security for costs, the party against whom it is made must ensure strict compliance with the order’s terms. The courts are keen...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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