SGS 7: Part 36, Settlement, Trial & Costs Flashcards
1. understand and explain the use of CPR 36 to encourage settlement and the procedural and tactical considerations involved; 2. apply the rules under CPR 36 to a Part 36 offer made by a claimant or defendant; 3. consider the structure and content of a consent order; 4. understand and apply both the procedural and tactical steps to be taken by both parties before trial; 5. apply the CPR rules relating to costs once judgment has been given; and 6. appreciate the effect litigation may have on
Why would a Part 36 offer to settle be given?
- If clients case is strong OR if client case is weak
- Either way serves its use
Who can make a Part 36 Offer?
- Made by either side
- Overriding objective - parties that make sensible proposals to settle should get some benefit if the offer is not accepted + turns out @ trial that they should be accepted.
- Party who does not accept, may be subject to penalties - costs / damages / interest
- No downside to making officer.
What are the incentives to making a Part 36 Offer?
- Costs / damages / and or interest
How should a Part 36 Offer be made?
- CPR 36.5
• Writing / pursuant to CPR36 / remains open for 21 days / relates to whole or part of claim / if it takes into account any counterclaim. - Adds if there is any interest included in the sum. If not stated, then assume that is included - CPR 36.5(4)
How should the costs of a Part 36 Offer be headed?
- “without prejudice as to costs”
- CPR 36.16 implies that it will be without prejudice except as to costs.
- Address to the legal representatives of the other side: 2 reasons -
• PCR issue
• 36A PD 1.2
When can the Part 36 Offer be made and which CPR?
- CPR 36.7
- Offer can be made ay any time - but particularly before trial.
Does the judge have to be aware of the Part 36 Offer?
- CPR 36.16(d)
- Trial judge must not be aware of offer
- Until the case has been decided
- May be alerted to fact that it exists if the trial is a split trial
Regarding timing, when is the Part 36 Offer deemed to be formally made?
- When it is served on the offeree - under CPR 36.7
- They should respond within the relevant period - CPR 36.3
How can a Part 36 Offer be changed / withdrawn?
- CPR 36.9
- Within relevant period or after expiry of relevant period
- Only if the offeree has not previously served a notice of acceptance.
- Serve WN on other party
- Can do so without permission from court, if relevant period has expired / automatically in accordance with terms of offer.
- NB. CPR 36.9(5) where the change is more advantageous to the offeree.
- NB. CPR 36.10 – may change adversely during relevant period, but the original offer will remain open for acceptance.
- NB. If offer is rejected but then remains open, can change mind & accept.
What happens if the Offer is more advantageous to the offeree?
- Go to CPR 36.9(5)
How should a part 36 offer be responded to?
- Accept / reject within relevant period
- Seek clarification within 7 days of the offer being made
- Under CPR 36.8
What happens if there is an early Part 36 offer?
- Court may order early disclosure
- So that offeree has relevant material that it needs to make informed decision.
Which steps need to be done to accept a Part 36 Offer?
CPR 36.11
36A PD 3.1
- Serve written notice of acceptance
- File this acceptance with the court
CPR 36.14
- Case = stayed
- Will not continue to trial
• C then entitled to the amount contained in the offer, and costs of proceedings up to the date of the notice.
When?
- D must pay this within 14 days of the notice of acceptance.
- If it does not, C can enter new judgement to enforce the terms of agreement
What happens if a Part 36 Offer is rejected?
- Case continues to trial
- Both parties should continue to consider settlement
What are the consequences of rejecting a Part 36 Offer?
- CPR 36.17
- Depends if rejection = unreasonable
- Relationship between offer amount & amount awarded @ trial
1 - Who made offer
2 - Which part of CPR 36.17 applies
3 - Who does court want to penalise?