Where are the urgent and necessary cases defined in English law, and which parts cover them?

• A. Part 2 Section 20 and Section 24
• B. Part 2 Section 18
• C. Part 2 Section 21
• D. Part 2 Section 22

Answer: (A)

Urgent and necessary cases are addressed in the rules that govern what authorities may do when time is of the essence, and they set both when action can be taken and the safeguards that apply. In Part 2, the provisions that define this area are sections 20 and 24. Section 20 lays out the general principle that actions in urgent and necessary situations may be taken even if the full normal procedures haven’t run their course, provided the action is necessary and proportionate. Section 24 then specifies the particular powers and limits for those urgent actions—what kind of actions are allowed without waiting, and what steps must follow to ensure legal oversight and accountability. Together, these two sections establish what counts as urgent and necessary and how such actions operate within the broader framework of criminal procedure. The other sections listed focus on different aspects of procedure and do not define urgent and necessary cases.