🗣️DR 1: Pre action steps Flashcards

1
Q

When should Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) be used?

A

Always unless:
□ obviously inappropriate (eg injunction required)
□ other party unlikely to co- operate
□ other party cant be trusted to comply with an award.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

At which stages should the parties consider settling by ADR?

A

ALL stages

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What should a party do if they dont wish to engage in ADR proposed by the other party?

A

Serve a witness statement giving reasons within 21d of proposal

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Will a witness statement giving reasons for not engaging with ADR be shown to the judge?

A

Not until costs arise

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the effect of not responding to a reasonable proposal to attempt settlement by ADR?

A

could have significant impact on costs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

When can a party be ordered to contribute to the others costs because of what happened during ADR?

A

If it can be established via admissible evidence that its conduct caused mediation to fail where otherwise the mediation would have had a reasonable prospect of succeeding

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

6

What will the court consider when deciding if costs penalties should apply for not engaging with ADR?

A
  1. Nature of dispute
  2. Merits of case,
  3. Extent to which other settlement methods attempted
  4. Costs of ADR disproportionately high
  5. Effect of delay
  6. Did ADR have a reasonable prospect of success?
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Conditions for court to stay proceedings and order parties to engage in ADR?

A
  • It doesn’t impair essence of Cs right to proceed to judicial hearing
  • Its proportionate to achieving the legit aim of settling dispute fairly, quickly and at reasonable cost
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

In the directions questionnaire, what are solicitors required to confirm they’ve explained to their client regarding ADR?

A

(a) the need to try to settle
(b) the options available
(c) the possibility of costs sanctions if they refuse to attempt to settle.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are the types of ADR?

A

Mediation
Arbitration

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is Mediation?

A

Means of solving disputes with assistance of independent 3rd party who can help parties reach own conclusion but cant impose a solution

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Can a mediator impose a solution on the parties?

A

No, just help parties reach own conclusion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Is Mediation voluntary?

A

Yes unless ordered by court

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Procedure for mediation

A

a) Parties agree on mediator (independent expert 3rd body to act as ‘go between’)
b) Mediator sent written statements from both parties and will discuss case with them on a without prejudice basis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Will a future judge know about mediation discussions?

A

No

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Cost and speed of mediation, arbitration and litigation?

A
  1. Mediation: Cheapest/fastest
  2. Arbitration: Quicker (and possibly cheaper) than court (arbitrator may be expensive)
  3. Litigation: normally most expensive, slow because of court process, waiting times, stages, formality, have to try ADR first
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Why is mediation flexible?

A

no legal requirements parties can choose procedure followed

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Is mediation confidential?

A

Yes, takes place in private, no formal disclosure procedire

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

When can you withdraw from mediation

A

at any time

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What commercial reality factors are relevant to mediation?

A

*3rd party can assist parties to arrive at realist & workable settlement inc arrangements court couldn’t order
* Non confrontational =can preserve business relationship

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Are mediation decisions enforceable?

A

Not automatically binding and unenforceable BUT can enter contract with agreed terms so can sue for damages

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is arbitration?

A

Parallel to civil justice system-substitute to litigation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Can you use the normal court system once you start using arbitration?

A

No

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Is arbitration voluntary?

A

Yes in that enter into it voluntarily or agree to decide matter this way once dispute arose

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What are the 2 ways arbitration can arise?
a) **Contractually bound** to use b) In absence of arbitration clause, parties may **agree** to use arbitration once dispute has arisen
26
When does the Arbitration Act 1996 (governing arbitration) apply?
if agreement to arbitrate is in writing
27
Procedure for arbitration?
a) Dispute referred to independent arbitrator (may be specified in original contract, can be expert on area) b) Arbitration process-less formal than court c) 3rd parties decision binding on both parties
28
Is arbitration flexible?
Less formal than court, arbitrator makes decisions NOT parties
29
Is arbitration confidential?
Takes place in private
30
What commercial reality factors are relevant to arbitration?
Solutions more practical than courts but some remedies not available (ie. Injunctions)
31
When can you withdraw from arbitration?
at any time
32
Are arbitrators decisions enforceable?
* Yes, binding on parties * Winning party can apply to High Court under s66 Arbitration Act 1966 for permission to enforce arbitration award as if it were a court judgement
33
When is litigation used?
if cant use ADR
34
Is litigation flexible?
inflexible-courts control procedure decide what happens, inflexible solutions, not voluntaary
35
Is litigation confidential?
Low-published=could be bad for reputation and image, more duty to disclose (can redact names for minors, really sensitive cases)
36
What commercial reality factors are relevant for litigation?
inflexible solutions
37
Can you withdraw from litigation?
Cant withdraw without paying costs
38
Are litigation decisions enfoceable?
Yes, courts can impose enforceable solution
39
Who are court managers?
Senior civil servant in charge of court office
40
Who are ushers?
assist with smooth running of courts, inc. ensuring lists of cases dealt with efficiently
41
Who are enforcement officers?
bailiffs and High Court Enforcement Officers serve court documents and enforce court orders and judgments
42
What judges will deal with DR?
* District judges-deal with majority of interim applications and trials not exceeding £25k * Circuit judges/high court judges for rest
43
Why must time limits for bringing a claim be complied with?
Because otherwise, case will be statue barred and D has technical defence
44
Limitation period for contract
6y from date of cause of action UNLESS diff limitation period in contract
45
Limitation period for tort
6y from date of cause of action
46
Limitation period for personal injury (adults)
3y from date of cause of action/knowledge of injured person
47
How does the limitation period for PI differ for children?
3y from 18th bday (=will always expire on 21st bday)
48
Limitation period for negligence where damage is latent at date of cause?
◊ 6y from date of cause ◊ OR 3y from date of knowledge (if later) (of injury significance, was attributable to act/omission, Ds identity) ◊ No later than 15y from date of negligent act/omission UNLESS exceptional circumstances
49
Who needs a litigation friend?
* Under 18s * Protected parties (person incapable of managing their own affairs bc of a mental disorder as defined by the Mental Capacity Act 2005)
50
# 2 Requirements for a litigation friend?
1. Can fairly and competently conduct proceedings on behalf of the party 2. have no adverse interest
51
What are the types of claims (in relation to money)
1. **Specified claim**-for fixed amount (ie. Debt owed) 2. **Unspecified claims** (ie. Damages)
52
How to figure out is a defendant is worth suing?
* Search CH * Bankruptcy search of individual * Instructing inquiry agent (costs) * Internet search
53
Purpose of damages in contract
Put claimant in position they would have been in if contract had been properly performed
54
Purpose of damages in tort
Put claimant in position they would have been in if negligent act/nuisance hadn't occurred
55
Purpose of damages for misrepresentation
To put claimant back to the position they were in before the contract was entered into
56
# 4 What types of claims have established pre action protocols?
* Debt * Personal Injury * Professional negligence * Construction and engineering
57
What should be done about Pre-action protocols if theres no established protocol for that type of claim?
Follow general guidance in: "Practice Direction and Pre- Action Protocols (PDPAC)"
58
To whom does the established protocol for debt claims apply?
individual & sole trader - business (inc. sole traders/public bodies) debts (NOT business-business)
59
What is the established protocol for debt claims?
1. Potential C give full info on debt owed, inc an up- to- date statement of account, interest, charges, and how the debt can be paid 2. Inc. standard Reply Form, Information Sheet and Financial Statement forms that are annexed to the protocol 3. Individual has 30d to respond (court proceedings cant be issued before this)
60
What is the established pre action protocol for professional negligence? (additional steps to Practice Direction and Pre Action Protocol)
1. C give **preliminary notice** to professional **in writing** . Instruct P to: - inform insurers - acknowledge notice within**21d** receipt 2. C send **letter of claim** (full issues/full docs) 3. P acknowledge in **21d** of receipt 4. P investigates claim and sends **Letter of Response** and/or **Letter of Settlement** within **3mo** 5. If LoR denies claim and theres no letter of settlement, C can start court proceedings, ANY other circumstance=negotiate
61
Within what timeframe should negotiations to resolve a professional negligence claim aim to be resolved?
6 months of the date of the Letter of Acknowledgement
62
What is the purpose of the Practice Direction and Pre- Action Protocols (PDPAC)?
* To initiate and increase pre action contact between the parties * In particular, to encourage better and earlier exchange of information
63
Practice Direction and Pre- Action Protocols (PDPAC): when should ligation be used?
As a last resort
64
# 6 Practice Direction and Pre- Action Protocols (PDPAC): what docs should parties exchange sufficient information to do?
1. understand each other’s position 2. decide how to proceed; 3. try to settle the issues without proceedings 4. consider a form of ADR to assist with settlement; 5. support the efficient management of proceedings 6. reduce costs of resolving dispute.
65
Practice Direction and Pre- Action Protocols (PDPAC): what steps should be taken?
1. C sends LETTER BEFORE CLAIM inc concise details, facts summary, what C wants, key docs 2. D sends LETTER OF RESPONSE within reasonable time (14d for straightforward claim/3mo max for complex) confirming if accepted, reasons, key docs, if counter claim 3. C replies and both consider NEGOTIATION, ADR, APP. EXPERTS 3. stocktake: before issuing proceedings consider positions, if can avoid and issues in dispute
66
# 3 Practice Direction and Pre- Action Protocols (PDPAC): Sanctions for non compliance that leads to unnecessary proceedings/costs?
1. party at fault pays some/all of opponent’s costs (perhaps on penalty, indemnity basis) 2. C depraved of some/all interest on any damages 3. D pays higher interest on any damages (up to 10% per annum above the base rate)
67
Practice Direction and Pre- Action Protocols (PDPAC): what type of steps should be taken to identify/resolve/narrow issues?
Only **reasonable and proportionate** steps This will inc C writing to D with concise details of claim, inc summary of facts, sum due, how amount calculated
68
Practice Direction and Pre- Action Protocols (PDPAC): what should be done if a party hasn't resolved a dispute after following the practice direction?
* Review relative positions to see if proceedings can be avoided * At least seek to narrow issues in dispute before C issues proceedings
69
What is the consequence of making a false statement in a pre action protocol letter?
may be in contempt of court
70
Can proceedings be conducted in welsh?
Yes if all parties/witnesses consent
71
For international disputes, how is it determined which jurisdictions law will apply?
◊ Contract=should state (but UCTA1977 contain requirements that apply regardless of agreement to contrary) ◊No governing law chosen=default provisions come into play and parties dont have a choice, decided by court as preliminary matter
72
Will an agreed contractual limitation period override the statutory limitation period for bringing a claim?
Yes, subject to UCTA 1977 (reasonablensess)
73
What does a reference to 'English law' include?
England and Wales NOT Scotland and Northern Ireland
74
For the sale of goods with an international element, which country will have jurisdiction?
the country where the goods were **delivered too**, NOT despatched from
75
What is the effect of Brexit on disputes with an international element?
For proceedings issued in English courts after 1 Jan 2021, the old jurisdictional rules of the EU arent valid and each country applies its own domestic rules to cases where the UK is involved