Crown Firm List explained: what 'firm' means
Short answer: The Crown Firm List shows Crown Court cases that have been given a fixed date, called a firm date. Unlike a warned list, a firm date is not meant to float, so witnesses, family and lawyers can plan around it. It can still change, so keep checking and follow your court letter.
If you have a Crown Court date a few weeks away, you may hear the words “firm date” and wonder whether that is good news. This page explains what the Crown Firm List is, how it fits alongside the other Crown Court lists and how to use it to plan your time.
What the Crown Firm List is
The Crown Firm List lists cases that have been allocated a fixed date for a hearing or trial. “Firm” means the court has committed to that date, as opposed to a date that might float to another day. The list is published by HM Courts & Tribunals Service on the official Court and Tribunal Hearings service, and it normally looks further ahead than the daily list.
Why it matters
Court cases involve many people: lawyers, witnesses, jurors, interpreters, and often relatives who have taken time off. A firm date lets everyone arrange their lives. It tells you that, barring problems, your case is expected to start on that date.
Firm, warned or daily: a quick comparison
| List | What it shows | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Crown Daily List | What the court expects to hear today, by courtroom | Finding your room on the day |
| Crown Firm List | Cases with a fixed date ahead | Planning in advance |
| Crown Warned List | Cases that may be called on at short notice | Being ready to attend |
What the columns mean
The firm list uses much the same columns as other Crown Court lists, though layouts vary. You may not see every column below.
| Column | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Court / courtroom | The building and, sometimes, the room |
| Date and time | The fixed date, and when the court expects to sit |
| Case reference | The number that identifies the case |
| Hearing type | The type of hearing, such as trial or sentence |
| Judge | Who is expected to hear it, where shown |
If a phrase is unfamiliar, use the court list decoder.
How to use the firm list
- Find your case reference on your court letter.
- Look for the date on the firm list, and compare it with your paperwork.
- Arrange the day. Ask for time off and organise travel, care and anything else you need.
- Add a reminder. Our hearing day planner suggests when to arrive and creates a calendar entry.
- Check again nearer the time. Look at the daily list a day or two before.
Can a firm date still move?
Yes. “Firm” does not mean guaranteed. A date can change because a lawyer or witness is ill, because an earlier trial is overrunning or because the court has lost a courtroom or a judge. If it does, the court or your solicitor should tell you. If you hear nothing and have doubts, call the court. Never assume a date has moved unless you have been told.
If you are a witness
A firm date tells you when you might be needed, but a trial can take longer or shorter than expected, and you may be called on a different day within the trial. Stay in touch with the witness care unit, and read attending court as a witness.
If you are supporting someone
Ask the person which date applies, and check it against the list. Our guide for family members at court explains what to expect.
What we show on this site
We show allowed columns from the official lists and never show defendants’ first names. Crown Court lists are included where they have been published. The official service is the authority, and lists can change, so check there before you travel. Read how we get our lists.
Where to look next
Browse the Crown Courts directory to find a court, then read what to expect at a Crown Court. If your case is missing, see why isn’t my case listed?.
Frequently asked questions
What does a firm date mean?
A firm date is a date fixed by the court for a hearing or trial. Everyone involved should plan to be ready on that day. It is the opposite of a floating date, which may move.
Can a firm date change?
Yes, though courts try to avoid it. A date can be moved for reasons such as illness, a lack of court time or a lawyer being unavailable. Check your letter and the list regularly.
Do I appear on the firm list as well as the daily list?
A case may appear on the firm list ahead of time and then on the daily list on the day itself. They show different things, so check both if you can.
Who should look at the firm list?
Anyone who needs to plan ahead, including witnesses arranging time off work, family members and journalists. Your letter or witness care team will also tell you your date.