Civil Litigation and the Courts Flashcards
What is Civil Litigation?
Civil Litigation is the process of how civil disputes are resolved. Majority of disputes are resolved outside court. It is designed to avoid court.
What is the mantra underpinning the civil procedure rules 1998?
“litigation as a last resort”
The Civil Justice System is based upon principles which encourage….
- Fairness
- Save Expense
- Resolve Disputes quickly
What hearings do the County Court deal with?
- Straight forward cases
*Claims for money only where the value of the claim is for £100,000 or less
*Personal injury claims less than £50,000
Money claims are started under which procedure rule?
CPR Part 7 -
which court must money claims start in?
County Court Money Clams Centre, Contested claims are transferred to a named County Court hearing Centre
What cases does the High Court deal with?
Only the more complex cases are dealt with in the High Court.
What is the main location for the High Court?
Royal Court of Justice in London
The High Court is divided into three divisions, what are they?
*Family Division
*Chancery Division
*Queens Bench Division
What hearings do the Family Division of The High Court deal with??
Family proceedings including adoption, child welfare
What hearings do the Chancery Division of The High Court deal with?
Disputes over wills, inheritance, company law and bankruptcy
What hearings do the Queens Bench Division deal with?
Covers Contract and Tort Claims
Judicial Functions in the high court sitting in London are shared between:
- Masters
*High Court judges
What is the job role of a Master?
Masters deal with interim applications and case management
What is the role of a High Court Judge?
Deal with trials but can also assist with interim applications and case management
Court Personnel
Apart from judges there are also other officials that you may come into contact with.. Who are they?
*The Court Manager
*Ushers
*Bailiff’s and enforcement officers
What is the role of a Court Manager?
This is an official Senior Civil Servant in charge of the Court office. They deal with statements of case and applications to the court.
What is the role of an Usher?
These officials are present at court hearings. They note who is in attendance before hearings, swear witnesses. When you go court you will need to report to the Usher.
What is the role of an Enforcement Officer/Baliff
This role includes serving court documents and enforcing court orders and judgements
Litigation is divided into three stages, what are they?
*Pre action stage
*from issue of proceedings through to judgement
*steps taken after judgment
How many parts are the civil procedures divided into?
89