Issuing A Claim Flashcards
What act was created in 1998?
The civil procedure rules
When were the civil procedure rules created?
1998
When were the civil procedure rules amended?
2005
Why were the civil procedure rules 1998 and access to justice act 1999 implemented?
To overhaul the civil justice system to ensure a case was dealt with justly in response to the Woolf report
What act was passed in 1999?
The access to justice act
When was the access to justice act created?
1999
What happened as a result of the Woolf report?
The access to justice act 1999 and civil procedure rules 1998 were created to ensure a case was dealt with justly
Why was the Woolf report commissioned?
To research into the problems of the court system
What did Lord Woolf state in his report?
He criticised the system for long delays and unacceptable expense. The high court was overburdened which was causing delayed between the high court and county court. He also accused lawyers of unnecessarily delaying cases to drive up fees. Often the cost of pursing cases outstripped the value of the damages awarded.
He was also critical if the high number of expert witnesses which added excessive costs
Greater use of ADR
Why were there delays in the court?
The high court was overburdened and this caused delays between the high court and county court
Before the Woolf report why was talking a case to court so expensive?
He accused lawyers of unnecessarily delaying cases to drive up fees
A high number of excessive witnesses were used which added excessive costs
What just be done before the claimant can begin an action?
A pre-action protocol must be complete
What happens if the claimant does not follow the protocol?
Extra costs may be incurred
What is set out within the protocol?
It states the defendant must receive a letter explaining how the claim arose, why the other party is deemed to be at fault and details of any injury or damage
What happens once the defendants received the letter?
They are given three months to investigate the claim and reply, setting out whether liability is admitted or denied
What should happen if expert witnesses are used in the pre-action protocol?
Parties should agree that just one should be used
What happens after the pre-action protocol?
A claim form with explanatory notes is required
What is needed to claim in court?
A claim form (N1)
What is a N1 form?
A claim form
Where can claimants receive help with completing paper work?
From the citizens advice bureau it the court staff
What happens once the claim form (N1) is completed?
The claimant keeps a copy of this form for himself and each defendant and returns it to the court office with the appropriate court few
What is the court fee for claims over £50,000?
£500
What happens once the decision to sue is made?
A decision on which would be the most appropriate court is used
Why can proceedings be postponed for one month?
To attempt to settle the dispute using an alternative method of dispute resolution. The courts should urge parties to use ADR.
Why was Lord Woolf keen to implement greater use of ADR?
Because it encourages amicable settlements and enables the courts to focus on more complex cases in turn meaning there’s less delays
What was said in the case of Halsey v Milton Keynes General NHS trust?
The ECHR said parties cannot be forced to use ADR as this contravenes their right to a fair trial
What case stated that it contravenes the right to a fair trial if parties are forced to use ADR?
Halsey v Milton Keynes General NHS Trust