Civil Courts

Question 1

Details about civil trials:

Answer 1

• Take place in either County or High Courts depending on how much is being claimed
• The claim will set out the grounds and amount of the claim
• A defence may be filled by the defendant who is being sued
• The case will be heard and decided by a judge
• There is normally no jury

Question 2

Details about tracks

Answer 2

• Civil courts operate a tracking system so cases are allocated to different tracks to ensure they are dealt with efficiently and within specific time limits
• Judges can manage the way cases should be dealt

Question 3

What is the civil court hierarchy

Answer 3

Supreme Court
Court of appeal
High court - King’s bench division
County court

Question 4

How much is the dispute amount for there three:
small claims
fast-track
multi-track

Answer 4

Small claims - Up to £10,000
Fast-track - Between £10,000 and £25,000
Multi-track - Claims over £25,000

Question 5

What are Courts of First Instances?

Answer 5

A court in which any proceedings are initiated. These are the county courts and the high courts

Question 6

What is the doctrine of precedent?

Answer 6

These are decided cases or cases from the past

Question 7

What judges hear cases in country courts?

Answer 7

District Judge or a Circuit Judge

Question 8

Info on trials:

Answer 8

• The parties can represent themselves or use barristers or solicitors to act on their behalf
• Most evidence will be filed before the hearing and some oral evidence may be given
• The judge will decide who wins the case on the balance of probabilities and any damages and costs to be paid

Question 9

District Judge

Answer 9

A full-time judge who deals with the majority of cases in the County Court

Question 10

Circuit Judges

Answer 10

A more senior judge to a District Judge

Question 11

Recorders

Answer 11

A judge who may sit in both Crown Court and County courts, but must start by sitting in the Crown court. The appointment is part-time, perhaps 20-30 days per year, and is the first step on the ladder of judicial appointments

Question 12

Sit

Answer 12

To hold a session at court or perform an act that is judicial in nature

Question 13

What are the divisions in High Court?

Answer 13

• King’s Bench Division
• Chancery Division
• Family Division

Question 14

Insolvency

Answer 14

When an individual or business cannot pay its debts. It is usually accompanied by having more liabilities than assets

Question 15

Appellate (appeal) courts

Answer 15

Courts that hear appeals from first-instance decisions