The 3 track system

Question 1

What at the 3 tracks?

Answer 1

Small claims track
Fast track
Multi track

Question 2

What cases are heard in small claims court and which judge?

Answer 2

Up to £10 000 but housing and personal injury cases £1000
District judge

Question 3

What are the 3 aspects of small claims courts?

Answer 3

1) Usually heard in private but can be in an ordinary court
2) People are encouraged to not use lawyers to save costs — can hire a lawyer but no legal fees can be claimed
3) District judges encouraged to be inquisitorial and given special training. Make sure every one understands the law

Question 4

What cases are heard in the fast track and which judges?

Answer 4

Straightforward £10 000 — £25 000
District judge in open court - more formal

Question 5

What are the 4 aspects of a fast track case?

Answer 5

1) Restriction of 1 expert witness
2) Trial should last 1 day
3) Very strict timetable to prevent time wasting and unnecessary costs
4) Aimed to be heard 30 weeks from pre trial but usually takes 50

Question 6

What cases are heard in the Multi track and which judges?

Answer 6

Cases over £25 000 or lower but complex
£25 000 — £50 000 heard in county court but high court if complex
£50 000 + means high court
Circuit judge

Question 7

What is the judges job in a Multi track case?

Answer 7

The judge has a managerial role and responsible for identifying early issues
Encourages ADR and sets a strict timetable to prevent costs.
Deals with procedural steps without parties needing to attend court