Small Claims Court Help

CPR Part 32 witness statement rules (England & Wales)

This guide is part of this site's national procedural library. Every figure and rule on this page traces to the official sources cited.

What CPR 32 and PD 32 require

A4 paper, single-sided, margin of not less than 2.5cm. numbered paragraphs; each paragraph deals with one matter all numbers (including dates) expressed as figures give the document reference in respect of any document mentioned identify documents produced as exhibits and mark each exhibit witness statements must be typed or legibly handwritten

The statement of truth

End every statement with the CPR 22 wording: 'I believe that the facts stated in this witness statement are true.' - and display the CPR 32.14 warning: Proceedings for contempt of court may be brought against a person who makes, or causes to be made, a false statement in a document verified by a statement of truth without an honest belief in its truth.

Sources

Civil Procedure Rules Part 32 and Practice Direction 32 (justice.gov.uk); Form N157 standard directions.

Free national support

Filing a witness statement? The Casewright CPR Part 32 Witness Statement & Bundle Builder structures your statement into CPR 32-compliant numbered paragraphs with a correct statement of truth and indexed exhibits - flat £79. This site is independent of Casewright; link is a sponsored referral.

This page is general information about County Court procedure, not legal advice, and it is not provided by HMCTS or any court. Procedures and fees change - always confirm against the official sources linked here before you act.

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Reviewed by Sean McNamara, 2026-09-04.