Civil courts Flashcards
What are civil cases?
Disputes between individuals or businesses over the infringement of legal rights.
Which courts do civil cases begin in?
County court and high court.
What is the jurisdiction of the county court?
It deals with civil matters such as:
Contract disputes
Personal injury claims
Landlord and tenant disputes
What are the 3 divisions in the high court?
Chancery division
King’s bench division
Family division
What does the king’s bench division deal with?
A wide range of civil cases including tort and contract cases.
Also hears criminal appeals and judicial review cases.
What does the chancery division deal with?
Matters related to equity and business law.
Includes tax, property and wills.
What does the family division deal with?
Matrimonial matters, including divorce and the welfare of children.
What are pre-action protocols?
Rules about what the parties must do even before court proceedings are issued.
What is the next step if a dispute cannot be settled?
To file a claim in court.
What is the value of claims for the small claims track?
Claims valued up to £10,000 and personal injury claims up to £1,000.
What court and judge is used in the small claims track?
County court and district judge.
What is some additional information about the small claims track?
The winning party cannot recover their costs.
What is the value of claims for the fast track?
£10,000 - £25,000.
What court and judge is used in the fast track?
County court and circuit judge.
What is some additional information about the fast track?
30-week timetable to trial
Only 1 joint expert allowed
Trial limited to 1 day
What is the value of claims for the intermediate track?
£25,000 - £100,000.
What court and judge is used in the intermediate track?
County court and circuit judge.
High court for more complex issues.
What is some additional information about the intermediate track?
Trial limited to 2 days
2 experts per party
What is the value of claims for the multi track?
£100,000+.
What court and judge is used in the multi track?
High court and circuit judge or high court judge.
What is some additional information about the multi track?
No limit on experts allowed.
What are advantages of civil courts?
Decisions are legally binding so parties must comply
Parties have the right to appeal
What are disadvantages of civil courts?
Can be expensive and time-consuming.
