Questions Drill Flashcards
When can a claim form issued for service outside the jurisdiction must be served?
within 6 months
When can you file defence if you have filed an acknowledgement of service?
28 days
When can you file defence if you have not filed an acknowledgement of service?
14 days
When can you file an acknowledgement of service within jurisdiction?
14 days after particulars of claim
When should particulars of claim be served?
same time or within 14 days of issuing a claim form
Is a letter from the woman’s solicitor to company’s solicitor making an offer of 40k pound in respect of quantum which is not marked as “without prejudice save as to costs” disclosable in the proceedings?
No - genuine attempts to settle an existing dispute are not disclosable
Is a letter from the woman’s solicitor to the company’s solicitor regarding the circumstances of the accident and marked as “without prejudice” disclosable in proceedings?
Yes, simply labeling the document “without prejudice” will not bring it within the ambit of without prejudice privilege if it is not in substance a genuine attempt to settle an existing dispute.
Can you refer to past convictions of a defendant when filing a particulars of claim as a claimant?
Yes, if they are relevant.
What are the conditions for pre-action disclosure?
both parties are likely to be a part of subsequent proceedings;
if proceedings started, defendant’s duty by way of standard disclosure would extend the documents which applicant seeks disclosure;
disclosure is desirable in order to dispose fairly of the anticipated proceedings, save costs, assist the dispute without proceedings.
Are heresay witness statements admissible in court?
Yes but when you serve the heresay witness statement, you should give oral evidence and give the reason why the winess will not be called.
What happens when you issue a counterclaim and a Part 36 offer?
You need to specify if Part 36 offer accounts for the counterclaim.
When can you call the maker of a heresay statement to be cross-examined?
Within 14 days of receiving the notice from the other party to rely on heresay evidence.
Can you sign a witness statement on your client’s behalf?
No, witness statements should be signed by the client personally.
Which costs are recoverable if the Part 36 offer is not accepted but valid?
All costs from the date of the Part 36 offer to trial
When can a witness summons be served?
at least 7 days before trial - or after with the permission of the court
How much should Part 36 offer be to be valid?
It should at least match whatever court awarded
A solicitor is advising a claimant in breach of contract claim who intends to seek summary judgment. If successful costs of the application are fixed under CPR. Can the solicitor request higher costs?
Although the costs are fixed, higher sum can be requested but the client must cover any short fall as per the engagement letter terms.
When is the best time to serve a witness summons to a witness to give oral evidence at trial?
As soon as you receive the Notice of Trial Date
What is the difference between the court assessing costs on “standard basis” vs “indemnity basis”?
Indemnity basis cost assessment is when the other party’s conduct has been obstructive, in the indemnity costs assessment the court will allow for the costs which were reasonably incurred and reasonable in amount, and resolve any doubt it may have in favour of the receiving party. In the standard basis, court will also give regard to proportionality.
When does the limitation period for personal injury claims start from?
The moment of claimant’s knowledge of the defendant’s potential negligence i.e. hospital.
What is a search order?
allows applicant to enter into respondent’s premises to check documents, information material copy, remove detain etc. The primary purpose is to preserve evidence in circumstances where there is a risk that the other order for the delivery up or preservation of documents would not be sufficient because there is a risk the respondent may alter, destroy or forge documents prior to disclosure.
What determines the jurisdiction if there was no contract?
Where the advice given, contract entered into or loss suffered.
If the terms of a written contract + oral terms are disputed what should be attached to the particulars of claim?
The copy of the written contract itself and the oral terms, what has been said, when and by whom. Merely stating the express and implied terms is not enough (although that also must be done).
Up to which quantum of damages can be claimed through a claims notification form issued to the defendant’s insurer through the claims portal as per The Pre-Action Protocol for Low Value Personal Injury Claims in Road Traffic Accidents?
Quantum valued less than 25,000 pounds excluding interest.