PART III – MAKING AND EXECUTION OF LEGAL ASSISTANCE REQUESTS


8. Incoming requests for legal assistance

(1) A request from a requesting state shall be made in writing to the Central Authority.

(2) Upon receipt of the request under subsection (1), the Central Authority shall as soon as is reasonably practicable acknowledge receipt of such request and forthwith transmit the same to the relevant competent authority.

(3) For the purpose of subsection (1), “in writing” includes e-mail, facsimile or other agreed forms of electronic transmission provided that appropriate levels of security and authentication are put in place.

(4) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Competent Authority shall grant the legal assistance requested in subsection (1) as expeditiously as practicable.

(5) The Competent Authority may seek additional information from a requesting state if it considers necessary.

(6) If the Competent Authority considers that—
(a) the request does not comply with the provisions of this Act; or
(b) in accordance with the provisions of this Act, the request for legal assistance is to be refused in whole or in part; or
(c) the request cannot be complied with, in whole or in part; or
(d) there are circumstances which are likely to cause a significant delay in complying with the request,
it shall promptly inform a requesting state, giving reasons .