U3 AOS2: The reasons for a Victorian court hierarchy (Civil)

Question 1

Appeals

Answer 1

If there are grounds for appeal, a party who is dissatisfied with the decision in a civil trial can take the matter to a higher court to challenge the decision that a party believes has an error. The system of appeals allows for fairness and allows for any mistakes made in the original decision to be corrected.

If there were no higher courts there could be no system of appeals which could create unfairness if a court incorrectly determines a case.

Question 2

Courts as Dispute Resolution Bodies

Answer 2

In determining whether a court is an appropriate dispute resolution body for a particular type of dispute these considerations must be made.

• Whether the dispute falls within the courts jurisdiction.
• Whether there are other / better ways to resolve the dispute

Question 3

The courts 2 main powers

Answer 3

To order parties to mediation
- A judge / magistrate has the power to make an order referring a civil proceeding, or a part of a civil proceeding to mediation ( Section 66 Civil Procedure Act)

The court can order a court officer (associate judge) act as a mediator or for parties to arrange privately (any time / stage)

Power to give direction
- Civil Procedure Act states that the court may give any direction or any order it considers appropriate at any stage of the proceeding. Judges can therefore actively manage civil proceedings.
They can also giver directions before or during the trial. Sanctions can be imposed on a party who fails to complete with a direction of the court

Question 4

Directions during the trial

Answer 4

• Order in which evidence is presented

- Limiting length / duration of parties submission

Question 5

Directions before the trial

Answer 5

• Conduct of proceedings

- Timetables / timelines for steps undertaken

Question 6

Courts jurisdiction

Answer 6

County and Supreme courts of VIC have unlimited jurisdiction to hear civil disputes. VCAT has exclusive jurisdiction (domestic building, planning, retail tenancies) disputes.

Question 7

Strengths of the courts

Answer 7

Allows parties to see strengths / weaknesses of opposing: Pretrial procedures, decide to admit facts, must be disclosed in documents early

The court seeks procedural fairness: Judge can give direction if wishes to ensure resolution in fast, efficient, timely manner

The outcome is certain: Courts make a binding decision during trial (enforceable) This allows for certainty of outcome. (Parties may appeal)

Question 8

Weaknesses of courts

Answer 8

Stress to parties: Court trial and procedure may be stressful to some pretrial procedures. Controlling the parties = stress

Judges cannot help / interfere: Judges = impartial referees, cannot overly help / interfere. Do not have a role in gathering evidence, investigating facts or making claims

Expensive: Cost associated with pre trial procedures can be significant