6. Preparations for trial, trial procedure, trial costs and appeals. Flashcards
When must details of a witness’s availability be provided to the court?
- on the directions questionnaire, early in the proceedings, and
- in the pre-trial checklists as the case approaches the final hearing.
What is the aim of providing details of witness availability to the court?
to ensure that the trial, should it prove necessary, is not delayed for any reason.
What is a witness summons?
This is a document issued by the court requiring a witness to:
* attend court to give evidence; and/or
* produce documents to the court.
When should a witness summons be served and if not what is the result?
at least seven days before the date on which the
witness is required to attend court; otherwise, the court’s permission is required.
Is a witness summons binding?
Yes
What is the consequences of a binding witness summons that is not followed by the witness i.e they fail to appear at court?
the witness may be fined or even, in High Court proceedings, imprisoned for contempt.
Who is the witness summons served by?
The court
What must be a witness summons include when served to be effective?
to be effective, the witness must be offered or paid:
(a) a sum reasonably sufficient to cover their expenses in travelling to and from the court; and
(b) compensation for loss of time as specified in Part 34.
What is the advantage of serving a witness summons?
the judge is more likely to be sympathetic to
an adjournment of the trial should the witness fail to attend.
Is it usual to witness summons an expert?
it would be unusual to witness summons an expert as they are required to keep those instructing them informed of their availability.
What must be used to the parties and play a vital role to make sure all is in order for fast-track and multi-track claims?
Pre-trial checklists (aka - listing questionnaires)
What is the purpose of pre-trial checklists?
to ensure the parties have complied with all the directions and the trial is ready to proceed.
When must the pre-trial checklist be filed at court?
no later than eight weeks before the trial date
What is the role of the judge when reviewing pre-trial checklists?
the judge will review the checklists to decide whether further directions are needed and whether a review hearing is necessary before the trial.
What is a review hearing referred to as on the fast track and on the multi-track?
Fast track: listing hearing
Multi-track: pre-trial review
What are the consequences of both parties failing to comply with the pre-trial checklist?
the court will order that unless a completed
checklist is filed within seven days, the claim, defence and counterclaim will be struck out.
What are the consequences of one party failing to comply with the pre-trial checklist?
the court will fix a hearing to ensure the case is ready for the trial.
What may a judge require for heavy and complex cases - trial is expected to last more than 10 days?
a trial judge may order a pre-trial review to personally check the progress of the matter.
Once all pre-trial steps are complete what will the court do?
- give a time estimate and set a timetable for the trial if deemed necessary;
- fix the place of trial; and
- confirm the actual date of the trial or state the week within which it will begin.
- order that a trial bundle of documents be prepared.
What is a trial bundle?
a file of all the documents the judge may need to decide the case.
What does case law suggest should be the length of a trial bundle?
no longer than 250 pages in length.
Who prepares the trial bundle?
claimant or claimant’s solicitor
contents should be agreed wherever possible.
When must the trial bundle be filed?
must be filed between seven and three days before the start of the trial.
What are the key documents included in a trial bundle?
∘ the claim form and all statements of case;
∘ a case summary + chronology;
∘ requests for further information and responses;
∘ witness statements;
∘ notices of intention to rely on hearsay evidence;
∘ experts’ reports and responses;
∘ directions orders; and
∘ any other necessary documents containing evidence that a party intends to rely on.
What is the responsibility of the party filing the trial bundle in terms of distribution?
responsible for supplying identical copies to all other parties involved in the proceedings and providing copies for use by the witnesses.
What is the requirement for parties in multi-track cases in terms of trial preparation?
each party should prepare a case summary for use at trial.
What is the purpose of a case summary?
assists both the court and the parties by indicating what points are still in issue and outlining the nature of the argument about the disputed matters.
What are the key components of a case summary in preparation for a trial?
The case summary will:
(a) Review the party’s submissions of fact in relation to each of the issues with reference to the evidence.
(b) Set out any propositions of law to be relied upon.
(c) Identify any key documents that the trial judge should, if possible, read before the trial starts.
How should witnesses be addressed in court?
Court Room Etiquette
Witnesses should be addressed by their title and surname, such as Mrs. Rees. However, children can be called by their first name.
What is the recommended practice for mobile phones in court?
Court Room Etiquette
Mobile phones should be switched off or set to silent during court proceedings.
Is the consumption of food allowed in court?
Court Room Etiquette
No, food should not be consumed in court.
When should advocates stand or sit in court/trial?
Court Room Etiquette
Advocates should:
* stand when speaking in open court
* remain seated for hearings in chambers or before district judges.
What is the mode of address for a circuit and district judge in the county court?
Circuit: Your Honour
District: Judge
What is the mode of address for a judge and a district judge in the High court?
Judge: My Lord/Lady
District: Judge
What is the mode of address for a Lord Justice in the Court of Appeal?
My Lord/Lady
What is the mode of address of a Supreme Court Justice in the Supreme Court?
My Lord/Lady