WS4 - Interim Application Flashcards
Interim Applications - Introduction: What is the relevant sections of the CPR?
- CPR 23 - Interim Applications
- 23A PD - Interim applications
- CPR 2.8 - Counting Time
- 44 PD 9 - Statements of costs
Interim Applications - Introduction: What is an interim application?
Applications for orders or directions made to court, usually in interim period between commencment of proceedings and trial, although some can be made prior to proceedings.
Interim Applications - Introduction: What ate examples of interim applications?
They are varied but include:
* Extending time period for taking particular step in the proceedings such as filing defence
* Applying to amend a statement of case
* Requiring the other party to provide further information
* Requesting specific disclosure of a document
* Seeking permission to rely on expert evidence
Interim Applications - a) Procedure: What approach must parties take?
- Reasonable approach in line with overriding objective to try agree matters to avoid need to application or to make it less contentious.
- Note - As soon as it becomes apparent that it is necessary for desirable to make an application, party should apply - 23A PD 2.7.
Interim Applications - a) Procedure: What are parties required to do?
- Must bunch their interim applications - 23 PD 2.8
- If a hearing has been fixed for something, parties must issue any necessary application ensuring outstanding matters get dealt in single hearing where possible.
Interim Applications - a) Procedure: What is each step of the procedure?
The party making the application is the applicant and other party respondent, irrespective of their titles in main proceedings.
Interim Applications - a) Procedure - i) Step 1 - Issuing the app: How does the process of making an application begin?
Applicant files an application notice (Form N244) at court stating under CPR 23.6:
* Who is making the application
* What order the applicant wants
* Why applicant is asking for that order
* What information the applicant relies on in support
With the court fee to the court in which the main claim is presently dealt with, or in case of pre-action application, the one likely to deal - CPR 23.2
Interim Applications - a) Procedure - i) Step 1 - Issuing the app: When and what evidence is sometimes required?
For some apps, CPR will provide evidence must support the application, however, even where not required, it is still advisable to provide - 23A PD 9.1 and evidence can be given in three ways:
* In the application notice itself (Part C and if so, statement of truth must also be completed 23A PD 9.7.)
* By referring to existing statements of case
* In a witness statement (or if required an affidavit)
Interim Applications - a) Procedure - i) Step 1 - Issuing the app: What must the applicant then do?
Applicant sends application notice, evidence and draft ofer (should also file draft order setting out terms its seeking) to court which then issues application and provides notice indicating time and date hearing to be heard.
Interim Applications - a) Procedure - ii) Step 2 - Serving the app: What must then be done with notice, note from court, evidence and draft order?
Must be served on the other party after application has been issued by the corut - CPR 23.7.
Interim Applications - a) Procedure - ii) Step 2 - Serving the app: Who serves the application?
Court can, however, in practice the applicants solicitor usually serves.
Interim Applications - a) Procedure - ii) Step 2 - Serving the app: What are the time limits for serving an application?
- Must be as soon as praciable after application filed and not less than three clear days before application is to be heard - CPR 23.7. (See WS2 for counting time under CPR 2.8.
Note - This is general rule and some applications have own special time limits such as sumary judgements - CPR 24.
Interim Applications - a) Procedure - iii) Step 3 - Further Evidence: What may the respondent wish to do?
- File evidence in form of a witness statement (or if required by CPR, an affidavit)
- Evidence must be filed and served as soon as possible 23 A PD 9.4 and in accordance with ant specific timings stated by court when it issued application notice.
Interim Applications - a) Procedure - iii) Step 3 - Further Evidence: What may applicannt wish to do?
- May wish to bring further evidence in reply to respondents evidence and must be filed and served as soon as possible 23 PD 9.5 and in accordance with any specific timings stated by court.
Interim Applications - a) Procedure - iii) Step 3 - Further Evidence: What must be served regarding costs?
Statement of costs not less than 24 hours before the hearing 44 PD 9.5.
Interim Applications - a) Procedure - iv) Step 4 - Hearing: What can court order?
- In accordance with overriding objective, court may order it takes place via telephone 23A PD 6 and 6, most commonly if hearing not expected to last more than an hour.
In exceptional cirucmstances, may order by video conference.
Interim Applications - a) Procedure - iv) Step 4 - Hearing: When can it be heard without meeting?
Possible to deal without hearing if CPR 23.8:
* Parties have agreed terms of the order (in which must sent in a consent order - which is order in agreed form, signed by each party.)
* Parties agree there should be no hearing or
* Court does not consider it appropiate.
Interim Applications - a) Procedure - v) Summary of process:
Interim Applications - b) Without Notice Applications: What is alternative procedure to “with notice” procedure above?
Make an application without notice (of the application notice on respondent)
This is only eprmitted if - 23A Pd 3:
* There is exceptional urgency such as remedy needed immediately
* Overriding objective best serviced by doing so
* All parties consent
* Court gives permission
* A court order, rule or practice direction permitsor
* A date for a hearing has been fixed, a party wishes to make application at that hearing and they do not have sufficient time to serve application notice, in thisc ase, party should still inform other party in court, if possible in writing as soon as possible of nature of application and reason for it.
Interim Applications - b) Without Notice Applications - i) Procedural Safeguards: What must applicant do to mitigate unfairness in application without notice?
- Must explain why no notice given
- Must draw to court attention arguments and evidence in support of (absent) respondents position.
- Must serve respodnent as soon as possible after hearing, whether or not court granted relief sought and this includes, application notice, evidence in support and order.
- Court order must contain a statement fo respodnents right to make an application to set aside or vary the order and this must be made within 7 days of the order being served on the other party - CPR 23.10.
Interim Payments - Introduction: What is the relevant sections of the CPR?
- CPr 25.6 - 25.9
- 25B PD
Interim Payments - Introduction: What is the definition of an interim payment?
Payment on account of damages, debt or other sums (except costs) which defendant may be held liable to pay claimant - CPR 25.1(1)(k)
Interim Payments - a) Purpose: Why may a claimant ask for an interim payment?
- To assist financially in interim period prior to settlement or trial such as a PI claim.
- Any payment would be made on account of damages
Note - Application is made for interim payments by C
Interim Payments - b) Conditions When will a court only make an order?
If any of following conditions satisfied:
* D has admitted liabiltiy to pay damages (or some other sum) to the claimant
* Claimant has obtained judgement against that defendant for damages to be assessed (or for a sum of moeny other than costs) to be assessed.
* It is satisfied that, if claim went to trial, claimant would obtain judgement for a substantial amount of money against D from whom he is seeking order for interim payment, whether or not they are onyl defednant or a number.