FACTSHEET 11
Information for doctors
Creating a skeleton
argument
What is a skeleton argument?
A skeleton argument is a document that
sets out the main points you want to make
to the tribunal in support of an application
you are making. For example you could
include a skeleton argument:
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when you want the tribunal to admit
certain documents
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when you want to request that the
tribunal draws an adverse inference
or refuses to admit evidence (see
factsheet 2, A tribunal’s powers to draw
adverse inferences and to refuse to
admit evidence)
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Medical practitioners tribunal
when you are seeking an adjournment
(see factsheet 13, Adjourning your
hearing)
when you are seeking an order of
costs (see factsheet 3, A tribunal’s
power to make a costs award)
when you want to request that a
witness attends the hearing in person
to give evidence
to assist the tribunal when it decides
whether your fitness to practise is
impaired.
You don’t have to prepare a skeleton
argument, but it can help the tribunal
understand your main points and can be
a useful resource for you. It can help you
to stay focused and present your case in a
clear, concise and organised manner.
Remember, the skeleton argument
document is separate from your main
hearing bundle. It gives a summary and
you can use it to point the tribunal to
relevant sections in other documents.
How do I create a skeleton
argument?
Make the document user friendly, for
example:
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try to use one side of the page only
and use wide margins – this allows
the tribunal to write notes on your
skeleton argument
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use big spacing – at least 1.5 between
lines. Use a large, clear font – for
example Times Roman or Arial 14
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number the pages
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number your paragraphs – use 1, 2,
3, and a, b, c. This makes it easier to
refer to specific areas you wish to
highlight
Interim orders tribunal
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Factsheet 11 | Creating a skeleton argument
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use headings to introduce topics
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always provide a chronology in cases where
dates are important
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you may wish to identify the main
characters in your case (this can be set out
in a similar way to your chronology)
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a skeleton argument should rarely exceed
five pages
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use abbreviations wherever possible, but
make sure that they can be understood by
the tribunal and the parties.
Key point
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Remember, the skeleton argument
should be as concise as possible. It is not
a substitute for making oral submissions
(see factsheet 10, Making submissions to the
tribunal) to the tribunal or for expanding on
the arguments you have made in summary.
To see the full range of factsheets
– go to www.mpts-uk.org/unrepdoctors
or pick up a copy from the
MPTS hearing centre.
A skeleton argument template is included at the
end of this factsheet.
Published December 2014
© 2014 General Medical Council
The GMC is a charity registered in England and Wales (1089278) and Scotland (SC037750)
Code: MPTS/F11-CSA/1215
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FACTSHEET 11
Information for doctors
Skeleton argument
template
In the fitness to practise procedures of the General Medical Council
GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL vs DR ____________________________________
SKELETON ARGUMENT OF _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Background (set out a brief summary of the case)
l This section should only contain information that is brief, concise and
will assist the tribunal.
Submissions (outline your main arguments)
lYou should refer to anything that is relevant and relates to the issues you want to
put before the tribunal, making reference to documents in the hearing bundle.
l You should also set out any legal authorities or guidance you are relying on to
support your arguments.
Summary
l You should set out exactly what you are asking the tribunal to do.
Skeleton argument prepared by (your name) ________________________________
acting in-person.
Signed ______________________________________________ Dated ___/___/___
Medical practitioners tribunal
Interim orders tribunal
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