Trials And Appeals Flashcards
Once trial commences, who is repsonsible for the case?
The advocate.
If more complex, usually conducted by barrister or solicitor advocate
To ensure there are no issues on the day, what should witnesses be asked?
Be asked at an early stage if there are any dates that they cannot a attend, and be notified on the trail date without delay
Where must the details of the witness availability be shown for the court?
Must be given to the court on the directions questionnaire, and also in pre-trial checklists as the case approaches the final hearing.
What is a witness summons?
If there is any doubt that a witness may not appear voluntarily, the matter should be taken to a document, requiring a witness to attend court to give evidnece, or produce documents to the court.
When must the witness summons be served?
At least 7 days before the date of attendance required. Otherwise, court permission is needed.
What happens if a witness does not come after a witness summons?
It is binding, therefore the witness may be fined or even, iin high court proceedings, imprisoned for contempt.
What is the witness offered or paid when a witness summons is served?
A sum reasonably sufficient to cover their expenses in travelling to and from the court, and compensation for loss of time as specified in part 34.
What is the advantage of a witness summons?
The judge is more likely to be sympathetic to the adjournment of the trial, should the witness fail to attend.
What is a pre-trial checklist (listing questionnaire)
Because when the parties approach trial there is such a rush of activity, listing questionnaires ensure the parties have complied with all the directions and the trial is ready to proceed
When must the listing questionnaire be completed and filed at court?
No later than 8 weeks before the trial date.
What is the role of the judges during a listing questionnaire?
The judge will review the checklists to decide whether further directions are needed and whether a review hearing is necessary before the trial.
What happens if the parties FAIL to comply with the listing questionnaires?
If neither party comply, the court will order that unless a completed checklist is filed within 7 DAYS, the claim, defence and counterclaim will be struck out.
If only one part does, the court will fix a hearing to ensure the case is ready for trial.
What will the Judge order if there is a heavy case that will last longer than 10 days?
The trial judge may order a pre-trial review to personally check the progress of the matters.
What will the court do after pre-trial checklists have been completed? (4)
Trial timetable
Place for trial
Date of trial
Trail bundle ordered
Give a time estimate and set a timetable for trial if necessary -
Fix the place of trial
Confirm the actual date of teh trail and state the week that it will begin
Order a trial bundle of documents to be prepared
What is a trial bundle?
All the documents the judge may need to decide the case. It is indexed and paginated for ease for reference so that the documents can be accessed quickly.
How long should the trial bundle be MAX?
250 pages
Who produces the trial bundle?
The claimant side. They have the conduct of teh claim on their behalf, therefore will prepare the bundle