Practical Guide to Civil Litigation

by Hill, Robert N.; Wood, Helen; Fine, Suzanne

• ISBN13: 9780853088189
• ISBN10: 0853088187
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-12-01
• Publisher: Jordans Pub
• More Book Details
• Purchase Benefits

Summary

A Practical Guide to Civil Litigation, now in its second edition, is a popular work explaining the process of civil litigation in the UKs High Court and county courts. Over 40 chapters guide the reader through each step of the claim. The book includes d

Table of Contents

Foreword	v
Acknowledgements	vii
Table of Cases	xxi
Table of Statutes	xxvii
Table of Statutory Instruments	xxxiii
Table of European Legislation	lv
Table of Other Materials	lvii
Table of Forms	lix
Table of Abbreviations	lxi
PART I -- PRELIMINARY MATTERS
Introduction to the Civil Courts
General	3	(1)
The civil courts	4	(1)
The judiciary	5	(1)
Civil Procedure Rules 1998	6	(1)
Introduction to the Civil Procedure Rules 1998
The overriding objective	7	(1)
Case management	8	(1)
Tracking	9	(2)
Alternative Dispute Resolution
What is ADR?	11	(1)
Comparison of ADR with other forms of dispute resolution	11	(1)
Reference to ADR in the Civil Procedure Rules 1998	12	(1)
Means of arriving at ADR	12	(1)
Summary of the advantages and disadvantages of ADR	13	(1)
Forms of ADR	14	(1)
Features of ADR	15	(2)
Funding of Litigation
Courts and Legal Services Act 1990	17	(1)
Conditional fee agreements	17	(1)
After-the-event insurance	18	(1)
Access to Justice Act 1999	18	(3)
Solicitors' Costs Information and Client Care Code	21	(1)
Counsel and conditional fee arrangements	21	(2)
Limitation of Actions
Overview	23	(1)
What must a claimant do to avoid becoming statute barred?	24	(1)
What must a defendant do if sued on a statute-barred claim?	25	(1)
Amendments	25	(2)
Personal injury cases	27	(2)
Limitation Act 1980 -- a summary	29	(4)
Pre-Action Protocols
Background	33	(1)
Protocol for Personal Injury Claims	34	(10)
Protocol for the Resolution of Clinical Disputes	44	(3)
Protocol for Construction and Engineering Disputes	47	(2)
Protocol for Professional Negligence	49	(4)
Change of Solicitor
Address for service	53	(1)
`On the record'	53	(1)
Notice of change of solicitor	54	(1)
Application for order that solicitor has ceased to act	55	(1)
Notice of discharge/revocation of public funding	56	(1)
Removal of solicitor	57	(1)
The court's discretion	57	(2)
Interest
Introduction	59	(1)
Contractual interest	59	(1)
Statutory interest	59	(1)
Interest in the discretion of the court	60	(2)
Interest under the court's equitable jurisdiction	62	(1)
Interest on default judgment	62	(1)
Interest on judgment debts	62	(1)
Interest and offers to settle	62	(3)
PART II -- CIVIL LITIGATION SKILLS
Interviewing
Preparation for the interview	65	(1)
Structure	66	(2)
Listening	68	(1)
Advice	68	(1)
Issues of professional conduct	69	(2)
Legal Research
Introduction	71	(1)
How to carry out practical legal research	72	(1)
Where to look	73	(4)
Drafting
Introduction	77	(1)
Drafting the particulars of claim -- general points	77	(3)
Drafting claims for damages for breach of contract	80	(2)
Drafting claims for damages in negligence	82	(2)
Suggestions of useful phrases for drafting Particulars of Claim	84	(1)
Drafting the Defence	85	(3)
Suggestions of useful phrases for drafting Defences	88	(1)
Drafting a Counterclaim	89	(2)
Advocacy
Introduction	91	(1)
Case preparation	91	(4)
Structure, delivery and word choice	95	(1)
Conduct considerations	96	(1)
Modes of address	96	(1)
Skeleton arguments	97	(2)
Civil interim applications and case management conferences	99	(4)
Negotiation
Introduction	103	(1)
Preparation	104	(1)
Negotiation styles and strategies	105	(1)
Stages in the negotiation	106	(2)
Negotiation plan	108	(5)
PART III -- COMMENCEMENT
Commencing Proceedings Under Part 7 of the Civil Procedure Rules 1998
How to start proceedings	113	(2)
Where to start proceedings	115	(4)
Commencing Proceedings -- Otherwise Than Under Part 7 of the Civil Procedure Rules 1998
Why more than one method?	119	(1)
Part 8 claims	119	(1)
Modifications to the general rules	120	(1)
Main uses of Part 8	121	(1)
Part 55 -- Possession claims	122	(1)
Part 23 applications	122	(3)
Part 20 Claims (Counterclaims)
Overview	125	(1)
Part 20 counterclaims (rule 20.4)	126	(2)
Part 20 -- contribution and/or indemnity claims between co-defendants (rule 20.6)	128	(1)
`Third party' proceedings/other Part 20 claims	129	(4)
Service
Overview	133	(1)
Who is to serve?	133	(2)
Methods of service	135	(2)
Dispensing with service	137	(1)
When is a document deemed to be served?	137	(1)
Proof of service	138	(1)
Service out of the jurisdiction	138	(5)
PART IV -- DETERMINATION OF A CASE WITHOUT TRIAL
Judgment in Default
Overview	143	(1)
Judgment in default of acknowledgement of service or defence (rule 12.3(1) and (2))	144	(1)
Default judgement on request (rule 12.4)	145	(1)
Default judgement on application (rule 12.10)	146	(1)
Claims against more than one defendant (rule 12.8)	147	(1)
Default judgment for costs only (rule 12.9)	147	(1)
Cases in which default judgment cannot be obtained (rules 12.2 and 12.3 and PD 12)	148	(1)
Part 20 claims and default judgment	148	(1)
Setting aside or varying a default judgment (Part 13)	148	(2)
Automatic transfer	150	(1)
Claimant's duty to apply to set aside judgment	150	(1)
Variation of payment	151	(1)
Effect of setting aside judgment	151	(2)
Admissions
Overview	153	(1)
Making an admission	154	(1)
Request for time to pay	155	(1)
Withdrawing an admission	155	(2)
Summary Judgment
Overview	157	(1)
Overlap with rule 3.4 -- power to strike out a statement of case	158	(1)
Burden of proof	159	(1)
Effect of set-off or counterclaim	160	(1)
Types of proceedings in which summary judgment is available	161	(1)
How to apply	162	(1)
Evidence	163	(1)
Court's powers and consequential orders	164	(3)
Disposals
Overview	167	(1)
Scope	167	(2)
Allocation and directions	169	(1)
Disposal hearings	169	(1)
Costs	170	(3)
PART V -- CASE MANAGEMENT
Allocation
The allocation questionnaire	173	(1)
Allocation hearings	174	(1)
The three tracks	174	(2)
Financial value	176	(2)
Matters relevant to allocation	178	(1)
Notice of allocation	178	(1)
Re-allocation	179	(2)
Case Management
Overview	181	(2)
Allocation	183	(1)
Small claims track -- case management	183	(1)
Fast track -- case management	184	(3)
Multi-track -- case management	187	(1)
Case management conferences	188	(3)
The Small Claims Track
Directions	191	(1)
Clarification of a party's case	192	(1)
Preliminary hearing	192	(1)
Disclosure of documents	192	(1)
Witness statements	193	(1)
Experts	193	(1)
Photographs/videos/sketch plans	194	(1)
Agreeing the cost of rectification or repair	195	(1)
Summary judgment	195	(1)
Decision on paper	195	(1)
Conduct of the hearing	196	(1)
The rules of evidence	196	(1)
Settling before the hearing	197	(1)
Submitting a case in writing	197	(1)
Non-attendance at the hearing	197	(1)
Costs on the small claims track	198	(1)
Unreasonable behaviour	199	(1)
Appeals	200	(1)
The Fast Track
Case management directions	201	(1)
Agreed directions	202	(1)
Case management hearings	202	(1)
Timetable	203	(1)
Varying the timetable	203	(1)
Disclosure of documents	204	(1)
Witness statements	204	(1)
Experts	204	(1)
Statement of financial loss	205	(1)
Split trials	205	(1)
Pre-trial checklist	206	(1)
Directions on listing	206	(1)
Listing for trial	207	(1)
The trial	207	(1)
Challenging a direction made on the court's initiative	207	(1)
Failure to comply with case management directions	208	(3)
The Multi-Track
Case management directions	211	(1)
Agreed directions	212	(1)
Case management hearings	212	(1)
Timetable	212	(1)
Varying the timetable	213	(1)
Disclosure of documents	213	(1)
Experts	213	(1)
Split trials	214	(1)
Pre-trial checklist	214	(1)
Pre-trial review	214	(1)
Failure to comply with directions	214	(1)
The trial	214	(5)
PART VI -- EVIDENCE
Disclosure
Historical introduction	219	(1)
Meaning of disclosure	220	(1)
Inspection	221	(1)
Meaning of `document'	221	(1)
Standard disclosure	222	(1)
Duty of solicitor	222	(1)
Procedure for standard disclosure	223	(2)
Continuing duty	225	(1)
Legal professional privilege	226	(1)
Specific disclosure	227	(1)
Disclosure otherwise than between parties	227	(1)
Subsequent use of disclosed documents	228	(1)
False disclosure statements	228	(1)
Evidence
Overview	229	(1)
Burden of proof	230	(1)
Standard of proof	230	(1)
Relevance and admissibility	231	(1)
Court's control of evidence	231	(1)
Witness statements	232	(1)
Practice Direction -- Written evidence (CPR PD 32)	232	(1)
Service of witness statements	233	(2)
Witness summaries	235	(1)
Hearsay evidence	236	(2)
Evidence by video link	238	(1)
Depositions	238	(1)
Opinion evidence	239	(1)
Documentary evidence	239	(1)
Real evidence	240	(1)
Demonstrative evidence	240	(3)
Experts
What is an expert?	243	(1)
Selection of an expert	243	(1)
Instructing an expert	244	(1)
Experts and the pre-action protocols	245	(1)
Experts and the court	246	(1)
The formalities of an expert's report	246	(1)
Experts on the fast track	247	(1)
Experts on the multi-track	247	(1)
Single joint experts	247	(1)
What if you want another report?	248	(1)
Giving joint instructions	249	(1)
Liability for fees	250	(1)
Written questions to an expert	250	(1)
Discussions between experts	251	(1)
When the court expert requires directions from the court	251	(1)
Experts who do not comply	251	(2)
PART VII -- TRIAL
Applications to the Court
Overview	253	(1)
Application on notice with a hearring	254	(2)
Application on notice without a hearing	256	(1)
Application without notice with a hearing	257	(1)
Application without notice without a hearing	258	(1)
Application notice	258	(1)
Costs	259	(2)
Listing Questionnaire (Pre-Trial Checklist)
Use of Form N170 as checklist	261	(1)
Directions for filing	261	(1)
Information sought	262	(1)
Court action on receipt of checklists	263	(4)
Compromise Before Trial
Consent orders	267	(1)
Tomlin orders	268	(1)
Settlement when a trial date/window is fixed	269	(1)
Compromise on behalf of a child or patient	269	(2)
Preparation for Trial
Termination without trial	271	(1)
Preparation for trial	271	(1)
Documents ('the trial bundle')	271	(1)
Who will conduct the advocacy at the trial?	272	(1)
Other issues	273	(1)
A checklist	274	(2)
The skeleton argument	276	(3)
The claimant's case	279	(4)
Sanctions
The `new culture' required by case management	283	(2)
Sanctions imposed by the Rules	285	(1)
What sanctions are available?	286	(6)
Sanctions have effect unless defaulting party obtains relief	292	(1)
Relief from sanctions (rule 3.9)	292	(1)
Conclusion	293	(2)
Trial Advocacy
Opening speeches	295	(2)
Legal/evidential submissions	297	(1)
Witness examination	297	(7)
Closing speeches	304	(2)
Usual order in a civil trial	306	(3)
Trial
General	309	(1)
Trial or hearing?	309	(1)
Public hearings	310	(2)
Trial bundle	312	(1)
Trial timetable	312	(1)
Evidence-in-chief	313	(2)
Supporting the trial advocate	315	(1)
Conduct of small claims trials	316	(1)
Failure to attend the trial	317	(1)
Failure to attend a small claims trial	317	(1)
Judgments and orders (Part 40)	318	(6)
PART VIII -- COSTS
Part 36 Offers
When offers and payments may be made	324	(1)
Contents of a Part 36 offer	324	(1)
Contents of a Part 36 payment notice	324	(1)
Time for acceptance	325	(1)
Costs consequences of acceptance of a defendant's Part 36 offer or Part 36 payment	325	(1)
Acceptance of Part 36 offers or payments by multiple defendants	326	(1)
Costs consequences of acceptance of a claimant's Part 36 offer	326	(1)
What happens if the claimant fails to beat a Part 36 offer or payment?	326	(1)
What happens if the claimant does better than his or her Part 36 offer?	327	(3)
Security for Costs
Security for costs against a claimant	330	(1)
Security for costs against non-parties	331	(1)
Procedure for applications under rule 25	331	(1)
Security for costs under rule 3.1	332	(1)
Costs
Orders for costs	333	(2)
Basis of assessment	335	(1)
The court's discretion to make an order for costs	336	(1)
Exercise of the court's discretion when assessing costs	336	(1)
The procedure for assessment of costs	337	(1)
Summary assessment	338	(1)
Statement of costs	338	(2)
Conduct of the summary assessment	340	(1)
Detailed assessment	341	(2)
Costs of the assessment proceedings	343	(1)
Limitations on the court's discretion as to assessment	344	(1)
Special rules for litigants in person	345	(2)
Costs-only proceedings	347	(1)
When costs are deemed to have been ordered	347	(1)
Agreeing costs	347	(1)
Payments on account	348	(1)
Assessment of costs where additional liability	348	(1)
No assessment of additional liability until the conclusion	348	(1)
Summary assessment and additional liability	348	(1)
Assessment of additional liability at the conclusion of proceedings	349	(1)
Assessing the additional liability	350	(1)
The court's discretion	351	(2)
Wasted costs orders	353	(4)
PART IX -- POST-TRIAL ISSUES
Appeal
Overview	357	(1)
Avenues of appeal	358	(1)
Permission to appeal	359	(1)
Time-limits	360	(1)
Grounds of appeal	361	(1)
Second appeals	362	(1)
Appeals from case management decisions	363	(1)
Appellant's notice	363	(2)
Respondent's notice	365	(1)
Appeal courts' powers	366	(1)
Special provisions applying to the Court of Appeal	367	(1)
Costs of appeal	367	(1)
Appeal to the House of Lords	368	(1)
Enforcement of Judgments
Overview	369	(1)
General rules about enforcement of judgments and orders	369	(1)
Writ of fieri facias / warrant of execution	370	(2)
Attachment of earnings	372	(1)
Charging orders	373	(1)
Third party debt orders	374	(1)
Committal	375	(1)
Judgment summons	376	(1)
Sequestration	376	(1)
Appointment of a receiver	377	(1)
Warrant of possession	377	(1)
Warrant of delivery	377	(1)
Stop orders and stop notices	378	(1)
Orders to obtain information from judgment debtors	378	(1)
Interest on judgment debts	379	(1)
Which court?	380	(1)
Interpleader	381	(1)
Insolvency	381	(4)
PART X -- OTHER PROCEEDINGS
Recovery of Land
Starting the claim	385	(1)
The claim form	385	(1)
Contents of the particulars of claim	385	(1)
Additional information for a claim for possession by a landlord	386	(1)
Additional information for a claim for possession by a mortgagee	386	(1)
Procedure after issue of the claim form	387	(1)
Defendant's response to the claim	387	(1)
Preparation for the hearing	388	(1)
The hearing	388	(1)
Recovery of land against trespassers	388	(1)
Accelerated possession procedure	389	(1)
The claim form	389	(1)
Procedure after issue	389	(3)
Miscellaneous Practice Directions
Practice Direction -- Devolution Issues	392	(1)
Practice Direction -- Directors Disqualification Proceedings	392	(1)
Practice Direction -- Insolvency Proceedings	393	(1)
Practice Direction -- The Use of the Welsh Language in Cases in the Civil Courts in Wales	393	(1)
Practice Direction on the Citation of Authorities	393	(1)
Practice Statement (Supreme Court: Judgments)	393	(1)
Practice Statement (Supreme Court: Judgment) (No 2)	394	(1)
Practice Note (Reserved Judgment: Handing Down)	394	(1)
Practice Direction (Judgments: Form and Citation)	394	(1)
Practice Direction (Judgments: Neutral Citations)	394	(1)
The Queen's Bench Guide	394	(1)
Chancery Guide	395	(1)
Commercial Court Guide	395	(1)
Mercantile Courts Guide	395	(1)
Patents Court Guide	395	(2)
Appendix A -- Quick Guide to the Civil Procedure Rules 1998	397	(24)
Appendix B -- Forms	421	(24)
Appendix C -- The Queen's Bench Guide	445	(96)
Index	541