Small claims trial delays peak as issued PI claims fall
The average time between a small claim being issued and going to trial has reached the highest level this century – just as the government is set to flood the system with tens of thousands more claims.
CJC urges court changes to protect vulnerable witnesses
The Civil Justice Council has urged rule changes to help litigants take part fully in court proceedings, including a duty on parties to reveal vulnerabilities among participants.
Failure to attend trial “means more than turning up late”
The High Court has set aside an order made by a recorder striking out a claim because the claimants were two hours late for a trial in Cornwall.
Applications for time extensions not the same as relief from sanctions
Applications for time extensions to take a particular step in litigation are not applications for relief from sanctions provided they are made within the permitted period, the High Court has ruled.
Jail for holiday sickness claims fraudster
A fraudster who drummed up false holiday sickness claims over several years has been jailed for 12 months. He was found guilty of intentionally assisting in the commission of an offence.
All but one of nine new High Court judges were at Oxbridge
Nine new High Court judges have been named this week, all but one of whom attended Oxford or Cambridge universities. Though open to those without judicial experience, all have it.
High Court sets aside default judgment in £3m PI claim
The High Court has set aside judgment in default of defence in a £3m personal injury claim because, although the court was “unaware” of it, a defence had been served before the judgment.
CA orders retrial after High Court judge’s “inadequate” ruling
The Court of Appeal has “reluctantly” ordered the retrial of a Commercial Court case after finding that the judge failed to address all the evidence before him. It said this was a “last resort”.
