3. Where to Start Proceedings

Question 1

What are the options for courts in a civil case?

Answer 1

1. County Court.
2. High Court.
3. Magistrates Court (limited jurisdiction)
4. Specialist Tribunals (e.g. Employment Tribunals)

Question 2

In order to commence proceedings in the High Court which are not personal injury matters, what must be the minimum value of such a claim?

Answer 2

£100,000

Question 3

For a personal injury claim to be started in the High Court, what is the minimum value of the claim?

Answer 3

£50,000

Question 4

In what circumstances may the High Court accept jurisdiction where the claim value is under the threshold?

Answer 4

1. Where an enactment so requires.
2. Complexity of the facts, legal issues remedies, or procedures.
3. The outcome of the claim is of public importance.

Question 5

What are the three High Court Divisions?

Answer 5

1. King’s Bench Division
2. Chancery Division
3. Family Division

Question 6

Which High Court Division would hear a Contractual or Tort claim?

Answer 6

King’s Bench Division.

Question 7

Which High Court Division would hear a case relating to Property Trusts and Probate?

Answer 7

The Chancery Division.

Question 8

Which High Court Division would hear a case relating to insolvency?

Answer 8

The Chancery Division.

Question 9

In which division of the High Court are family law cases primarily handled?

Answer 9

The Family Division.

Question 10

Which court deals with shipping and maritime disputes?

Answer 10

Admiralty Court.

Question 11

Where are the proceedings involving the detailed assessment of costs typically taken?

Answer 11

The court where it could be more conveniently or fairly taken.

Question 12

Which list is part of the King’s Bench Division and deals with media-related cases?

Answer 12

Media and Communications List.

Question 13

What type of cases does the Competition List in the Chancery Division handle?

Answer 13

Cases dealing with competition rules and abuse of dominant position.

Question 14

Which court has the general work of dealing with complex building and engineering disputes?

Answer 14

Technology and Construction Court.

Question 15

Which court has the general work of dealing with complex building and engineering disputes?

Answer 15

Technology and Construction Court.

Question 16

What does the Intellectual Property List include?

Answer 16

The Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC) and the Patents Court.