BPTC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield BPTC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

Under the BSB Handbook, when is a barrister permitted to conduct litigation? → Only when they hold an appropriate authorisation (litigation extension) from the BSB
When drafting a Defence under the CPR, what must the defendant do in relation to each allegation in the Particulars of Claim? → Admit, deny, or state they are unable to admit or deny each allegation, giving reasons
Which court has jurisdiction to try indictable-only offences in England and Wales? → Crown Court
A barrister's closing speech in a Crown Court trial should primarily: → Draw together the evidence and apply it to the legal directions the judge will give
Under the Sentencing Act 2020, what is the maximum discount on sentence for a guilty plea entered at the earliest opportunity? → One-third (33%)
Which of the following best describes 'integrative' negotiation? → Parties identify shared and complementary interests to create mutually beneficial outcomes
Under s.34 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, adverse inference may be drawn when: → The defendant fails to mention when questioned a fact later relied on in their defence
In a criminal trial at the Crown Court, who typically delivers the opening speech? → The prosecution barrister
Which part of a statement of case sets out the facts relied on by the claimant? → The particulars of claim
When drafting an indictment, each count must contain: → A statement of the offence and particulars of the offence disclosing essential facts
In negotiation, 'salami slicing' refers to which behaviour? → Extracting a series of small additional concessions after the main deal appears concluded
Oral evidence given in court is admissible only if the witness takes: → An oath or affirms that they will tell the truth
Which of the following should a well-drafted opinion always address? → Liability, quantum, procedural steps required, and a clear recommendation as to next steps
Which advocacy skill is most important when making a bail application? → Identifying and addressing the specific grounds the court is concerned about
Under the Legal Services Act 2007, which of the following is a 'reserved legal activity' that only authorised persons may carry out? → The exercise of a right of audience before a court
Under CPR Part 36, a claimant's Part 36 offer must: → Be open for at least 21 days and comply with the formal requirements of CPR r.36.5
A criminal information (charge sheet) must identify: → The defendant, the date and place of the alleged offence, and the specific offence charged
What does 're-examination' allow the advocate to do? → Clarify matters arising from cross-examination only
Which of the following is a proper ground for objecting to a question in cross-examination? → The question calls for inadmissible hearsay
Which negotiation tactic involves a party claiming they must refer any decision to an absent authority before agreeing? → The Higher Authority tactic
Under CPR Part 35, an expert witness's overriding duty is to: → The court, to provide independent and impartial assistance
At the BPTC, when (if ever) should a negotiator reveal their client's bottom line to the opposing party? → Only if genuinely necessary to achieve settlement, and then only strategically
Which of the following is NOT a ground on which legal professional privilege can be lost? → The client dies
A defendant charged with an indictable-only offence first appears in which court? → Magistrates' Court
Under the Civil Procedure Rules, what is the standard of proof in civil proceedings? → Balance of probabilities
Which of the following is a community sentence requirement under the Sentencing Act 2020? → Unpaid work requirement
Which track is appropriate for a claim worth between £10,001 and £25,000? → Fast track
When examining a witness in chief, leading questions are generally: → Prohibited on disputed matters
What is the purpose of a 'bad character' application under the Criminal Justice Act 2003? → To admit evidence of a defendant's or witness's previous misconduct
Which section of PACE 1984 governs the admissibility of confessions? → Section 76

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