Myles Hickey is quite correct in that neither rule 22.1 of the CPR nor the Practice Direction 22 include the claim form itself in the list of documents that need to be verified by a statement of truth.

However, paragraph 3.1 of CPR part 2 defines a statement of case as follows: ‘statement of case’ – (a) means a claim form, particulars of claim where these are not included in a claim form, defence, Part 20 claim, or reply to defence…’

So illogical as it clearly is, a blank claim form is a statement of case for the purposes of the CPR and accordingly requires verification by a statement of truth.

Michael Loveridge, solicitor, Clitheroe