Topic 12- Disclosure Flashcards
Which track do the disclosure rules not apply to?
Small Claims track
What is meant by disclosure?
Where a party discloses a document by stating that the document exists or has existed
What can a party do once a document has been disclosed?
The party has the right to inspect that document
What are the exceptions where a party can withhold the inspection of a disclosed document?
It is no longer in the control of the party who disclosed it
The other party has a right to withhold inspection (privileged)
It would be disproportionate to the issues to permit inspection
How many days before the first CMC should each party give details on the documents?
Not less than 14 days before the CMC
What must each party do not less than 14 days before the first CMC hearing?
Describe what documents exist, where and with whom these documents are, the costs that could be involved in finding them
What must each party do not less than 7 days before the first CMC?
Discuss and agree a proposal in relation to disclosure that meets the overriding objective
How many days before the first CMC should each party agree on disclosure?
Not less than 7 days before the first CMC
What happens at the first CMC in relation to disclosure?
The court will make directions on whether to order disclosure of documents, or to dispense with disclosure
What documents must be disclosed in standard disclosure?
Standard disclosure requires a party to disclose-
- Documents on which he relies
- Documents which adversely affect his own case/adversely affect another party’s case/support another party’s case
Does a party have a duty to search for documents that could be disclosed?
Yes, a party is required to make a reasonable search for documents that may adversely affect or support another party’s case
What factors affect the reasonableness of a search for documents?
The number of documents involved
The nature and complexity of the proceedings
The ease and expense of retrieval of the documents
The significance of any document
What is the key restriction on a party’s duty of disclosure?
That the duty is only limited to documents which are or have been in their control
What are the rules surrounding copies of documents disclosed?
A party only needs to disclose one copy of a document
Any copy containing a modification is treated as a separate document
What is the procedure for standard disclosure?
Each party must make and serve a list of all the relevant documents
- Even privileged documents must be disclosed (although can withhold inspection)
The list must include a disclose statement
When does the duty of disclosure end?
The duty of disclosure continues until the proceedings are finished
What should a party do if new documents come to light that need to be disclosed?
The party must immediately notify every other party and disclose the document
What is an order for specific disclosure?
This is an order making a party disclose documents specified in the order
Carry out a search to the extent stated
Disclose any documents located
I.,e searching for specified documents
Which documents does a party have a right to inspect?
The documents mentioned in the statement of case; witness statement; witness summary; or affidavit
What should a party do if they wish to inspect a document?
They must give the party who disclosed it written notice
The party who disclosed must permit inspection within 7 days after the date he received the notice
Can disclose occur before proceedings start?
Yes, an application can be made to the court for disclose before proceedings have started
What must an application for disclosure before proceedings include?
Must be supported by evidence