Paper 1.2 - Civil courts, Employment tribunals & ADRs Flashcards
English Legal System
What is a civil claim?
An individual or firm believes their rights have been infringed.
What types of law are classed as civil?
EG
Tort, Consumer, Family, Contract, Property, Employment, Defamation, etc. (all except criminal)
Who starts a civil case?
Claimant.
What is the standard of proof in a civil case?
Balance of probabilities (51%).
What courts are civil cases heard in?
Magistrates*, County, High, CoA, Supreme.
*only applicable for some civil procedures, as civil cases are often more complex than criminal
What remedies are available in civil court?
Damages & injunctions.
What is the name of the claim form that starts civil proceedings?
N1.
Summarise how to file an N1.
EG
Can be filled on online or in a court office, provide details about the case such as opposing party and pay fee (fee dependant on size of claim)
What three ways can a defendant respond to an N1?
- Admit claim and pay damages.
- Dispute the claim via an N9 (go to court).
- File an Acknowledgement of Service (ask for time).
If the defendant fails to respond to an N1, the court can award a what?
Judgement in default.
Which court hears the most civil cases?
County court.
What is the Act that sets out how County court are run?
Crime & Courts Act 2013.
Approximately how many County courts are there across England and Wales?
170.
Which types of cases does County court normally hear?
Lowly perceived civil cases EG
Negligence, consumer, housing claims, probate cases, etc.
How many judges hear a County court case?
One.
What are the names of the three County court tracks?
Small claims, fast track and multi-track.
What cases are allocated to the small claims track?
EG
Contract & Tort (up to £10,000)
Personal Injury, Tenant & Landlord (up to £1,000)
What type of judge hears a small claims case?
District.
How much time is allocated to a small claims case?
2-3 hours. There is also a limit on how many witnesses can be called.
TRUE OR FALSE: Small claims cases often feature solicitors and barristers.
FALSE: Legal personnel is not encouraged, due to low stakes.
What cases are allocated to the fast track?
Claims between £10,000 - £25,000.
What type of judge hears a fast track case?
District.
What is the maximum length of time a case can be scheduled for in a fast track claim?
30 weeks from allocation.
What cases are allocated to multi-tack?
Claims between £25,000 - £50,000.
What type of judge hears a multi-track case?
Circuit.
When are multi-track cases sent to High Court?
If claim exceeds £50,000 or is extremely complex.