Supreme Court Rules 2000

An original writ is in force for – if it is issued before 1 May 2006, 12 months commencing on, and including, the date of issue; and if it is issued on or after 1 May 2006, 6 months commencing on, and including, the date of issue.

On the application of the plaintiff made whilst a writ is in force, the Court or a judge may order that the original writ and any concurrent writ be renewed for such period as the Court or judge thinks fit if a defendant named in the writ has not been served.

The period for which the writ is renewed commences on, and includes, the date of the order.

If a writ is renewed, the registrar is to – make a copy of the original writ filed in the Court; and impress that copy with a seal bearing the word "renewed" and the date of the renewal; and deliver the copy to the plaintiff; and make a note of the renewal on the file of the action.

The production of a renewed writ marked in accordance with subrule (4) is sufficient evidence of – the renewal; and the commencement of the action as of the date on which the original writ was filed.

A renewed writ is in force from the date of issue of the original writ.