Proceedings Involving Three or More Parties and Multiple Causes of Action

Question 1

Can put multiple causes together if the court thinks they can be…

Answer 1

…“conveniently disposed of in the same proceedings”

• Single claim form
• Ref overriding objective

Question 2

Multiple claimants must…

Answer 2

• Consent to being Cs

- Should otherwise be added as Ds

Question 3

Common or related issues of fact…

Answer 3

…can be joined in one set of proceedings

Question 4

Court permission required if proceedings served, but can:

Answer 4

• Add a new party (where desirable to resolve all matters in dispute)
• Substitute a party (where existing party’s interest has passed and desirable)

Question 5

Additional claims

Answer 5

• Counter-claim
• Against third party
• By a new party
• Particulars must be served with the claim form and served on 3rd party within 14 days of issue (+ response pack and other statements of case)

Question 6

Court management of additional claims

Answer 6

• Most convenient and effective manner
• Avoid separate proceedings
• Ensure 3rd party bound by decisions between C and D
• Avoid different results of separate trials