1. Key Pre-action Steps Flashcards
What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)?
A method of resolving disputes outside of court.
What are the key pre-action steps in ADR?
Engaging with ADR and considering alternatives.
What is mediation in ADR?
A voluntary and non-binding process where a neutral third party helps parties reach a settlement.
What are the characteristics of mediation?
Voluntary, non-binding, confidential, and preserves relationships.
What is arbitration in ADR?
A partially voluntary and binding process where a neutral third party makes a decision.
What are the characteristics of arbitration?
Partially voluntary, binding, confidential, and easier to enforce.
What is litigation in ADR?
A process where disputes are resolved in court.
What are the characteristics of litigation?
Not voluntary, cannot withdraw without paying costs, court can impose a solution if no settlement reached, and public.
When should ADR be used?
Unless it is inappropriate, the other party won’t cooperate, or the other party won’t comply with the award.
What happens if a party fails to engage in ADR?
They may be required to consider settling by ADR and must provide a witness statement giving reasons within 21 days of the ADR proposal.
witness statement must not be shown to trial judge unless questions of costs arises.
What are the court sanctions for refusing to engage in ADR?
Sanctions may be imposed on the party, burden is on the other party to show refusal is unreasonable, and there is no presumption in favor of mediation.
What are the solicitor’s duties in relation to ADR?
To explain to the client the need to try to settle, the options available, and the possible cost sanction if they refuse to engage.
What is the purpose of an independent third party (ITP) in ADR?
To provide neutrality and expertise in understanding the dispute.
What is the effect of an independent third party (ITP) in ADR?
Parties are more open and less aggressive, and the prospects of reaching a settlement are higher.
What is the procedure in mediation?
The mediator is sent written statements from both parties and discusses the case with them on a ‘without prejudice’ basis.
What are the advantages of mediation?
Cost and speed, flexibility, privacy, and preserving relationships.
What is commercial reality?
Ability to reach arrangements that litigation and a court would not.
What is the ability to withdraw?
The ability to withdraw from a dispute resolution process at any time.
What is limited disclosure?
The lack of formal procedures or disclosure, which raises the risk that parties may not know all the facts.
What is the disadvantage of limited disclosure?
Parties may not have all the necessary information to make informed decisions.
What is the disadvantage of privacy in dispute resolution?
There is no opportunity for public vindication or reparation of reputation.
What is the disadvantage of easiness to withdraw?
The ease of withdrawal may eventually lead to litigation.
What is the disadvantage of enforcement in dispute resolution?
Enforcement is not automatically binding and non-compliance may amount to a breach of the agreement.
What is arbitration?
A dispute resolution process that can be partially voluntary and is governed by the Arbitration Act 1996.
When does arbitration arise?
Arbitration can arise if parties are contractually bound to use arbitration by a dispute clause or if parties agree to arbitration once a dispute has arisen.
What is the legal authority for arbitration?
Arbitration is governed by the Arbitration Act 1996, but only if the agreement to arbitrate is in writing.
What is the procedure in arbitration?
An independent arbitrator specified or chosen by the parties will adopt the arbitration process and reach a binding decision.
How is an arbitration award enforced?
The winning party can apply to the High Court under section 66 of the Arbitration Act 1996 for permission to enforce the arbitration award as if it were a court judgment.
What are the advantages of arbitration?
Quicker and cheaper than litigation, less formal, private and confidential, and can provide more practical solutions.
What are the disadvantages of arbitration?
Limited disclosure, limited options for remedies (no injunction available), not necessarily a cheap alternative, and very limited right of appeal.
What is litigation?
The process of resolving disputes through the court system.
What is the disadvantage of no withdrawal in litigation?
Parties cannot withdraw from litigation without paying the opponent’s costs.
What is the legal authority for civil litigation?
Civil litigation is governed by the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 (CPR).
Who are judges?
District judges who deal with work in the County Court and High Court.
What do judges deal with?
Majority of interim applications and trials where the amount involved does not exceed 25,000 pounds.
Who hears trials of excess amount?
Circuit judges in the County Court and High Court judges in the High Court.
Who is the court manager?
Senior civil servant in charge of the court office.
What documents are addressed to the court manager?
Formal documents such as claim forms and defences.
What is the role of ushers?
To assist in the smooth running of the courts.
What do enforcement officers do?
Serve court documents and enforce court orders and judgments.