Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

skeleton argument definition

What does skeleton argument mean? A skeleton argument is a concise written outline of a party’s submissions for a hearing, setting out the issues in dispute, the legal basis relied on, key authorities with pinpoints, and the relief sought. Prepared by the advocate, it supports oral advocacy and is not evidence. In England and Wales and in Northern Ireland, skeleton arguments are required or regulated by court guides and Practice Directions (for example under the Civil Procedure Rules for appeals, and in the Administrative Court, Commercial Court and Business and Property Courts), rather than by legislation. Courts typically direct filing and service in advance by deadlines,...

Skeleton Arguments in Civil Proceedings (England and Wales): Requirements, Drafting Guidance, Filing Deadlines, Length, Bundles, Authorities, Non-Party Access and Court-Specific Rules

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Practice notes

This Practice Note explores what skeleton arguments are, the situations in which they are required, the deadlines by which they must be filed and served, and offers guidance on drafting skeleton arguments. This Practice Note does not address the Requirements for skeleton arguments in appeals. For that guidance, see Practice Note: Skeleton Arguments in an appeal—general provisions. This Practice Note also provides guidance on the interpretation and Application of the relevant provisions of the CPR. Depending on the court in which your matter is proceeding, you may additionally need to be mindful of further provisions—see: Court specific guidance.

What are skeleton arguments and when are they required?

A skeleton argument is a written document supplied to the court ahead of a hearing that outlines the issues to be dealt with (both factual and legal), the principal arguments to be advanced on each issue, and the authorities to be relied upon. It therefore supplies the platform from which the advocate, at the application hearing or trial, presents the party's case...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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