DISPUTE RESOLUTION 1 / 60 Download Lesson Notes Download Past Questions & Answers
Presentation

**DISPUTE RESOLUTION**

Comprehensive Study Guide

Chapters 1 – 12 | Civil Procedure Rules | Case Law | Practice

This guide covers all 12 chapters of Dispute Resolution including: ADR, litigation procedure, pre-action protocols, commencing proceedings, responding to claims, statements of case, interim applications, case management, disclosure, evidence, trials and appeals, costs, and enforcement of judgments.

Slide 1 of 60

**Chapter 1 — Different Options for Dispute Resolution**

**1.1 Introduction**

While the public perception of litigation remains one of slow, expensive courtroom battles, the reality has fundamentally changed. Disputes are now frequently resolved in solicitors' offices, and many claims are handled online as part of a £1 billion court reform programme. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is actively encouraged by the government to reduce litigation costs and ease pressure on the court system.

**1.2 Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)**

ADR is a collective term for any method of settling a dispute outside the traditional litigation process. Negotiation is the most common form, used routinely throughout litigation. The two most significant forms are mediation and arbitration.

**1.2.1 The Nature of ADR**

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Feature | Detail |

| Voluntary | Parties choose to participate; either can withdraw before settlement |

| Confidential | Discussions are private and protected from disclosure |

| Without prejudice | If ADR fails, the court remains unaware of negotiations until after judgment |

| Neutral third party | An independent person assists but cannot impose a solution (except arbitration) |

| Arbitration exception | Voluntary at entry stage but once a valid agreement exists, one party can compel the other to arbitrate |

**1.2.2 Failure to Engage with ADR**

Solicitors must discuss ADR with clients at the outset. ADR should be used unless obviously inappropriate (e.g. an injunction is urgently needed) or the other party will not cooperate. A court cannot order ADR, but it can impose costs sanctions if a party unreasonably refuses to participate.

⚖ Case: Halsey v Milton Keynes General NHS Trust

Established factors for assessing unreasonableness: the nature of the dispute, merits of the case, whether other methods had been attempted, and whether ADR had a reasonable prospect of success.

⚖ Case: Laporte v Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis

A party with a successful defence was still penalised for failing to engage in ADR without justification — success at trial does not excuse an unreasonable refusal.

⚖ Case: Gore v Naheed and Ahmed

Silence is generally unreasonable. However, sanctions are not automatic if mediation truly had no prospect of success.

**1.2.3 The Independent Third Party**

A neutral third party helps reduce aggression and increase openness. Neutrals are trained professionals who often have specific industry or commercial knowledge, enabling them to suggest creative solutions unavailable to a court.

**1.3 Mediation**

Mediation is an increasingly popular form of ADR in which a mediator acts as a "go-between," facilitating dialogue without imposing a decision.

**1.3.1 Procedure**

The mediator reviews written statements from both parties and discusses the case on a without prejudice basis, identifying real areas of disagreement and working towards a solution. Meetings can be in person, by telephone, or online.

**1.3.2 Advantages of Mediation**

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Advantage | Explanation |

| Cost and speed | Generally cheaper and faster than litigation |

| Flexibility | Parties choose their own procedure without strict legal rules |

| Privacy | Private proceedings protect reputations and commercial interests |

| Business relationships | Non-confrontational — easier to continue commercial ties afterwards |

| Commercial reality | Allows creative solutions a court cannot order (e.g. discounts on future orders) |

| Ability to withdraw | Clients can leave the process at any time before settlement |

**1.3.3 Disadvantages of Mediation**

  • Unsuitable for points of law, fraud allegations, or when an injunction is required
  • No formal disclosure rules — risk of an unjust decision if facts are concealed
  • Privacy prevents public vindication of a party's position
  • The ability to withdraw can lead to wasted costs if one party walks away

**1.3.4 Enforcement of Mediated Agreements**

Key Point

A mediated agreement is not automatically binding like a court judgment. It is a contract between the parties. If one party breaches it, the other must sue for breach of contract.

**1.4 Arbitration**

Arbitration is a substitute for litigation where the dispute is decided by an independent arbitrator or panel. It is governed by the Arbitration Act 1996, provided the agreement to arbitrate is in writing.

| | | |

| --- | --- | --- |

| Feature | Mediation | Arbitration |

| Decision | No binding decision — parties reach own agreement | Binding decision (award) by arbitrator |

| Outcome | Contract | Enforceable as court judgment (s 66, AA 1996) |

| Formality | Very flexible | Less formal than court but more structured than mediation |

| Expert decision-maker | Optional | Yes — arbitrator is usually an industry expert |

| Injunctions | Not available | Not available |

| Appeal rights | N/A | Very limited |

**1.5 Litigation**

Litigation is the last resort where the court imposes a solution through the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 (CPR). The CPR gives the court control over case conduct, strict timetables, and the power to impose sanctions.

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Court | Typical Use |

| County Court | Most civil disputes — broad jurisdiction |

| High Court | Claims over £100,000; complex matters; public interest cases |

| Small Claims Track | Simple claims up to £10,000 |

| Fast Track | Claims between £10,000.01 and £25,000 |

| Multi-Track | Claims over £25,000 or complex matters |

**1.6 Overview of a Civil Claim — Five Stages**

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Stage | Key Activity |

| 1 — Pre-commencement | Establish objectives, gather evidence, follow pre-action protocols |

| 2 — Commencement | Claim form, particulars of claim, defence filed, track allocated |

| 3 — Interim matters | Court directions, timetable, disclosure, witness statements, expert reports |

| 4 — Trial | Judge hears evidence, decides liability, quantum, and costs |

| 5 — Post-trial | Appeal or enforcement if judgment not paid voluntarily |

**Chapter 2 — Resolving a Dispute Through a Civil Claim**

**2.2 Limitation**

The Limitation Act 1980 imposes strict time limits for bringing a claim. If missed, the claim becomes "statute barred" — the defendant has a complete technical defence.

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Cause of Action | Limitation Period |

| Contract | 6 years from date of breach |

| Tort (negligence) | 6 years from when damage occurs |

| Personal injury | 3 years from date of knowledge or injury (whichever is later) |

| Latent damage | Later of 6 years from cause of action OR 3 years from date of knowledge — long-stop of 15 years |

⚖ Case: A v Hoare

Court allowed a claim outside the limitation period because the defendant had won the lottery years after his conviction — extension granted in exceptional circumstances.

**2.3 Parties to a Claim**

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Consideration | Detail |

| Who is the defendant? | Identify all potential defendants including employers (vicarious liability) and manufacturers |

| Litigation friends | Children and protected parties (mental disorders) must have a litigation friend to act on their behalf |

| Where is the defendant? | Whereabouts must be known — proceedings must be served |

| How to sue | Individual / sole trader / partnership / LLP / limited company — each has a different process |

| Is the defendant worth suing? | Check insolvency/bankruptcy at Companies House — pointless to sue an empty shell |

**2.4 Case Analysis**

A solicitor must analyse the evidence at the outset to provide realistic advice on liability and quantum. The cause of action is the legal basis for the claim — e.g. breach of contract, negligence, nuisance, or misrepresentation.

Breach of Contract Analysis Framework

1\. Prove the contract exists (date, type, parties, consideration)

2\. Identify express and implied terms relied upon

3\. Establish the breach (what term was broken)

4\. Prove the factual consequences of the breach

5\. Quantify the losses (damages)

**2.5 Pre-Action Procedure**

Parties must comply with pre-action protocols or the Practice Direction on Pre-Action Conduct (PDPAC) before commencing proceedings. Litigation is a last resort — ADR must always be considered first.

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Protocol | Key Requirement |

| PDPAC (general) | Letter before claim from claimant; defendant responds within 14 days to 3 months |

| Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims | Applies when business sues individual; 30 days to respond; detailed account statements required |

| Pre-Action Protocol for Professional Negligence | Preliminary Notice to professional; formal Letter of Claim; 3 months to investigate |

Consequences of Failure to Follow Pre-Action Protocols

Courts can impose sanctions including: ordering the non-compliant party to pay the opponent's costs; reducing interest awarded to a claimant; or staying proceedings to allow compliance.

**2.6 Foreign Element and Choice of Forum**

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Issue | Rule |

| Choice of law | Parties usually nominate governing law in their contract |

| EU contracts (choice of law) | Regulation 593/2008 — generally applies law of seller/supplier's habitual residence |

| EU jurisdiction | Regulation 1215/2012 — basic rule: sue where defendant is domiciled; alternatives where contract performed or tort occurred |

| Non-EU jurisdiction | Defendant served while present in England/Wales; or court permission to serve abroad if strong connection to England |

**Chapter 3 — Commencing Proceedings**

**3.2 Which Court?**

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Claim Value | Court |

| £100,000 or less | Must start in the County Court |

| More than £100,000 | May start in the High Court |

| Personal injury under £50,000 | Cannot start in the High Court |

| Money-only claims (paper) | County Court Money Claims Centre (CCMCC), Salford |

| Online claims up to £100,000 | Money Claim Online (MCOL) — County Court Business Centre, Northampton |

| | |

| --- | --- |

| High Court Division | Typical Cases |

| Queen's Bench Division | Contract and tort claims |

| Chancery Division | Land, trusts, companies, intellectual property |

| Family Division | Family law matters |

| Business and Property Courts | Commercial Court, Technology and Construction Court, Financial List |

**3.3 Issuing Proceedings — The Claim Form N1**

Proceedings formally start when the court receives and issues a claim form (N1), particulars of claim, and the required court fee.

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Section | Content Required |

| A — Heading | Court name and assigned claim number |

| B — Parties | Full, unabbreviated names and addresses |

| C — Brief details | Concise nature of claim and remedy sought |

| D — Statement of value | Precise or estimated amount — determines court fees and allocation |

| E — Preferred hearing centre | Usually most convenient local court |

| F — Defendant details | Accurate contact details or solicitor's details if agreed in writing |

| G — Financial summary | Amount claimed, court fee, fixed legal costs |

| H — Human rights | Whether the Human Rights Act 1998 is engaged |

| I — Particulars of claim | Full legal and factual basis (on N1 or separate document) |

| J — Statement of truth | Signed declaration that facts are true — false statements = contempt of court |

| K — Address for service | UK address within the jurisdiction |

**3.4 – 3.8 Service of the Claim Form**

Key Deadlines

Service deadline: 4 months from issue (6 months if outside the jurisdiction)

Deemed service of claim form: always the second business day after the step required was taken

Particulars of claim (if separate): must be served within 14 days of claim form and within 4-month period

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Method of Service | Rule |

| Personal service | Hand to individual or senior officer of company |

| First class post / DX | Deemed served second day after posting (if business day) |

| Leaving at address | Deemed served on the day left (if before 4:30pm on business day) |

| Fax / electronic means | Only if recipient has expressly confirmed acceptance of this method |

| Alternative method | Requires court authorisation (e.g. text message, social media) |

**Chapter 4 — Responding to a Claim**

**4.1 Introduction**

Once served with a claim form and particulars of claim, the defendant receives a response pack (Form N9). The defendant must react within strict time limits or the claimant can apply for a default judgment.

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Response Option | Effect |

| File an admission | Accepts liability; can limit costs exposure; specifies payment terms |

| File acknowledgment of service | Extends defence deadline from 14 days to 28 days from service of particulars |

| File a defence | Sets out the defendant's answer — must be filed within 14 or 28 days |

| Do nothing | Claimant applies for default judgment under CPR Part 12 |

**4.5 Default Judgment**

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Ground to Set Aside | Test |

| Mandatory | Court MUST set aside if judgment was wrongly entered (e.g. entered too early or debt already paid) |

| Discretionary | Court MAY set aside if defendant has a real prospect of success at trial OR another good reason for the delay |

**4.8 Settlements Reached After Issue of Proceedings**

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Order Type | Key Feature |

| Consent order | Agreed terms signed by both solicitors, sealed by court; public record; used for standard payment terms |

| Tomlin order | Stays proceedings; settlement terms kept confidential in private schedule; ideal for sensitive commercial terms or remedies the court cannot directly order |

**Chapter 5 — Statements of Case**

**5.1 Introduction**

Statements of case are formal documents served between the parties and filed with the court. They define the issues for the court to decide. The court only determines issues raised in these documents. They are governed by CPR Part 16.

Ethical Obligation

Solicitors must not mislead the court. Only properly arguable assertions should be included. Allegations of fraud require an evidential basis. If a filed statement contains a material error that misleads the court, the client must be advised to amend it. If the client refuses, the solicitor must cease to act while maintaining client confidentiality.

**5.3 Particulars of Claim — Breach of Contract**

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Element | What Must Be Pleaded |

| Status of parties | Required to establish statutory implied terms (e.g. consumer contracts) |

| Existence of contract | Date, type (written/oral), parties, consideration; written contracts must be attached |

| Terms | Express and implied terms relied upon must be stated |

| Breach | Alleged generally then itemised in "Particulars of Breach" |

| Consequences and loss | Factual consequences and itemised damages so defendant knows what is claimed |

| Interest | Claimed via contractual rate, Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998, or court discretion (s 35A SCA 1981 / s 69 CCA 1984) |

**5.4 The Defence**

Critical Rule

For each allegation in the particulars of claim, the defendant must state whether it is DENIED, ADMITTED, or NOT ADMITTED. Any allegation not dealt with is deemed accepted (CPR r 16.5(5)).

The defendant bears the burden of proof for contributory negligence and failure to mitigate loss. If a limitation period has expired, this must be specifically pleaded in the defence.

**5.5 Part 20 Claims**

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Type | Use |

| Counterclaim | Defendant's own claim against the claimant — acts as a "set off" if established |

| Indemnity (Part 20) | Third party contractually/statutorily obliged to reimburse the defendant |

| Contribution (Part 20) | Joint wrongdoers share responsibility — defendant brings in another party |

**5.8 Amendments to Statements of Case**

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Timing | Rule |

| Before expiry of limitation period — before service | Can amend freely without permission |

| Before expiry of limitation period — after service | Requires written consent from all parties OR court permission |

| After expiry of limitation period | Only allowed if the amendment adds/substitutes a claim from same facts, corrects a genuine name mistake, or alters a party's capacity |

**Chapter 6 — Interim Applications**

**6.3 Procedure — CPR Part 23**

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Requirement | Detail |

| Form | Form N244 — specify order sought and reasons |

| Service | Notice served on opponent at least 3 clear days before hearing |

| Evidence | Witness statements or facts from statements of case — verified by statement of truth |

| Draft order | Should be attached to assist the judge |

| Without notice orders | Reserved for exceptional urgency — full and frank disclosure duty applies; respondent has 7 days to apply to vary/set aside |

| Telephone/video hearings | Encouraged for applications with a time estimate of 1 hour or less |

**6.5 Summary Judgment — CPR Part 24**

Summary judgment allows a party to conclude a case early if the opponent has no real prospect of success and there is no other compelling reason for a trial. Either party can apply at any time after service of particulars.

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Possible Order | Effect |

| Grant judgment | Case decided in applicant's favour without trial |

| Strike out / dismiss | Hopeless case ended |

| Dismiss the application | Trial proceeds |

| Conditional order | Requires a party to pay money into court as a condition of continuing (e.g. if defence appears weak) |

**6.6 Interim Injunctions — CPR Part 25**

Interim injunctions maintain the status quo until trial. Breach is punishable as contempt of court. The applicant must give a cross-undertaking in damages — promising to pay the respondent if the injunction is later found to have been wrongly granted.

⚖ Case: American Cyanamid Co v Ethicon Ltd \[1975\] AC 396

Three-stage test: (1) Is there a serious question to be tried? (2) Are damages an adequate remedy for the applicant? (3) Where does the balance of convenience lie?

**6.7 Interim Payments**

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Requirement | Detail |

| Timing | Cannot be sought until time for acknowledging service has expired |

| Notice | 14 days before hearing with evidence justifying the amount |

| Grounds | (1) Defendant admitted liability; (2) judgment on liability already obtained; (3) court satisfied claimant would win a substantial sum at trial |

| Limit | Amount cannot exceed a reasonable proportion of the likely final award |

| Effect on trial | Trial judge is NOT told about the interim payment until after deciding liability and quantum |

**Chapter 7 — Case Management**

**7.2 The Overriding Objective — CPR Part 1**

The Overriding Objective

Courts must deal with cases justly and at proportionate cost. This means: ensuring parties are on an equal footing; saving expense; proportionality to the money, complexity, and parties' financial positions; ensuring cases are handled fairly, quickly, and with appropriate resources. Parties have a positive duty under CPR r 1.3 to help the court further this objective.

**7.3 Allocation to a Track**

| | | |

| --- | --- | --- |

| Track | Financial Value | Key Features |

| Small Claims | £10,000 or less | Simplified procedure; no legal costs recovery; informal hearings |

| Fast Track | £10,001–£25,000 | 30-week timetable; trial limited to 1 day; single joint expert standard |

| Multi-Track | Over £25,000 | Flexible, bespoke management; Case Management Conference; costs budgets |

A Directions Questionnaire (Form N181) must be completed when a defence is filed. In the County Court, failure to file can result in the statement of case being automatically struck out after a seven-day warning.

**7.5 Costs Management**

In multi-track cases, parties must file a Costs Budget (Precedent H) detailing incurred costs and estimating future costs. It must be verified by a statement of truth.

⚖ Case: Andrew Mitchell MP v News Group Newspapers Ltd

If a party fails to file a costs budget on time, the automatic sanction is that they are treated as having filed a budget consisting of court fees only — they cannot recover any future legal costs from the opponent.

**7.7 Relief from Sanctions — CPR r 3.9**

⚖ Case: Denton v TH White Ltd \[2014\] EWCA Civ 906

Three-stage test for relief from sanctions: (1) Assess the seriousness or significance of the failure; (2) Consider why the failure occurred; (3) Evaluate all circumstances to deal with the application justly — including whether the trial date can still be met.

**Chapter 8 — Disclosure and Inspection**

**8.4 Standard Disclosure — CPR r 31.6**

Standard disclosure requires a party to disclose documents they rely on AND documents that adversely affect their own or another party's case OR support another party's case. "Documents" are broadly defined — anything recording information including emails, photographs, audio, video, and electronic files.

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Track | Disclosure Obligation |

| Small Claims | File and serve copies of all documents intended to be relied on — at least 14 days before hearing |

| Fast Track | Court invariably orders standard disclosure |

| Multi-Track | Tailored to complexity; disclosure report filed 14 days before first CMC; options range from dispensing to staged/issue-by-issue disclosure |

**8.6 How Disclosure is Made — Form N265**

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Part of List | Content |

| Part 1 | Documents in control that the other party CAN inspect |

| Part 2 | Documents in control that are PRIVILEGED from inspection |

| Part 3 | Documents no longer in the party's control (e.g. lost, posted originals) |

Important

The disclosure statement must be signed by the party personally (not their solicitor). It certifies that they understand their duty and have carried out a proportionate search. False statements can lead to contempt of court proceedings.

**8.7 Privilege**

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Type of Privilege | What it Protects |

| Legal advice privilege | Confidential communications between client and lawyer where the sole or dominant purpose is seeking or giving legal advice |

| Litigation privilege | Communications between lawyer/client and a third party (expert, witness) where litigation was contemplated or ongoing and the dominant purpose was that litigation |

| Without prejudice correspondence | Settlement attempts — disclosed in the list but cannot be shown to the trial judge |

Waiving Privilege

Privilege belongs to the client, not the solicitor. It can be waived intentionally (e.g. serving a witness statement) or accidentally. If a privileged document is mistakenly disclosed, the opponent's solicitors must return it without showing it to their own client.

**Chapter 9 — Evidence**

**9.2 Burden and Standard of Proof**

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Concept | Rule |

| General rule | Legal burden lies on the claimant to prove every fact not admitted by the defendant |

| Criminal conviction exception (s 11, CEA 1968) | If defendant has a relevant criminal conviction, burden reverses — defendant must prove they were wrongly convicted |

| Contributory negligence | Burden falls on the defendant — they must prove the claimant's own failure contributed to the loss |

| Standard of proof | Balance of probabilities — more likely than not (>50% certainty) |

**9.3 Witness Statements**

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Requirement | Detail |

| Form (PD 32) | Witness's address, occupation, chronological narrative in first person |

| Knowledge basis | Must distinguish between personal knowledge and information/belief |

| Statement of truth | Signed by the witness personally — not their solicitor |

| Exchange | Usually simultaneous to prevent one side tailoring evidence after seeing the opponent's statement |

| Use at trial | Stands as evidence-in-chief; witness confirms truth then is cross-examined |

**9.5 Admissibility of Evidence**

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Type | Rule |

| Relevance | Only evidence addressing facts in dispute is admissible |

| Opinion (general) | Inadmissible — witnesses provide facts, not opinions |

| Opinion (personal observation) | Exception under s 3(2) CEA 1972 — opinion as a way of conveying personally observed facts (e.g. car speed, "appeared drunk") |

| Hearsay | Admissible in civil proceedings under the Civil Evidence Act 1995 — but considered "second best" as it cannot be cross-examined |

**9.6 Expert Evidence**

The Expert's Primary Duty

An expert's primary duty is to the COURT, not to the party who instructed and is paying for them. They must provide objective, unbiased opinions and must not act as an advocate for their client. This duty overrides any obligation to the instructing party.

| | | |

| --- | --- | --- |

| Feature | Fast Track | Multi-Track |

| Expert type | Single joint expert (SJE) is standard | Separate experts — each party instructs their own |

| Written questions | Parties can put written questions to experts within 28 days of report | Same rule applies |

| Without prejudice discussions | Experts may be ordered to meet and narrow issues | Same — must produce joint statement of agreement/disagreement |

| Instructions to expert | NOT privileged — may be inspected by the court | Same |

**Chapter 10 — Trials and Appeals**

**10.3 Preparations for Trial**

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Step | Detail |

| Pre-trial checklists | Filed no later than 8 weeks before trial date on fast and multi-tracks |

| Trial bundles | Indexed, paginated file (max ~250 pages); filed 3–7 days before trial; includes statements of case, witness statements, expert reports |

| Case summary / skeleton argument | Multi-track only — outlines issues, submissions of fact, and relevant law for the trial judge |

**10.4 The Trial**

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Stage | Description |

| Preliminary issues | Judge addresses outstanding procedural points before trial starts |

| Opening speeches | Claimant's advocate briefly sets out background and remaining issues (if permitted) |

| Examination-in-chief | Witness identifies and confirms statement — no leading questions on disputed matters |

| Cross-examination | Opponent's advocate questions witness — leading questions are permitted |

| Re-examination | Witness's advocate may re-examine on matters raised in cross-examination only |

| Closing speeches | Both advocates summarise facts and law in the most favourable light |

| Judgment | Immediate or reserved; determines liability, quantum, interest, and costs |

**10.5 Appeals**

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Feature | Detail |

| Permission required | Always — only granted if real prospect of success or compelling reason |

| Grounds | Decision was "wrong" (law, fact or discretion) or "unjust" due to serious procedural irregularity |

| County Court deadline | 21 days from judgment |

| Court of Appeal leave | 28 days to apply to Supreme Court |

| Destination of appeal | Normally one level up in hierarchy (e.g. District Judge → Circuit Judge) |

| Leapfrog appeal | Exceptional cases — High Court direct to Supreme Court, bypassing Court of Appeal |

**Chapter 11 — Costs**

**11.2 The General Rule — CPR Part 44**

General Rule

The unsuccessful party pays the costs of the successful party. However, the judge retains wide discretion to make different orders depending on the parties' conduct, the issues in dispute, and the outcome.

**11.4 Procedure for Determining Costs**

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Track | Method of Assessment |

| Small Claims Track | Legal costs generally NOT recoverable — only disbursements |

| Fast Track | Usually summarily assessed (instant) at end of trial |

| Multi-Track | Usually detailed assessment procedure |

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Basis of Assessment | Rule |

| Standard basis | Costs must be proportionate; doubt resolved in favour of PAYING party |

| Indemnity basis | Penalty for poor conduct; no proportionality requirement; doubt resolved in favour of RECEIVING party |

**11.8 Qualified One-Way Costs Shifting (QOCS)**

QOCS applies specifically to personal injury claims. An unsuccessful claimant is generally not required to pay the defendant's costs unless the claim was found to be fundamentally dishonest.

**11.11 Part 36 Offers**

A Part 36 offer is a formal settlement proposal with significant technical requirements and punitive consequences if rejected and not beaten at trial.

Key Requirements

Must be: in writing; stated to be made under Part 36; include a "relevant period" of at least 21 days for acceptance. The offer must remain open throughout the relevant period and cannot be withdrawn during it.

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Scenario | Consequence |

| Accepted within relevant period | Defendant pays settlement sum + claimant's costs to date of acceptance |

| Accepted late | Court usually makes a "split" costs order from Day 22 |

| Claimant's offer rejected — claimant equals or beats it at trial | Enhanced interest (up to 10% above base rate) from Day 22; indemnity costs from Day 22; additional amount (usually 10% of first £500,000) |

| Defendant's offer rejected — claimant fails to beat it at trial | Defendant pays claimant's costs to Day 21; claimant pays DEFENDANT's costs from Day 22 — potentially devastating |

**Chapter 12 — Enforcement of Money Judgments**

Key Principle

Obtaining a judgment does not guarantee payment. The court does not enforce its own judgments automatically — the judgment creditor must take active steps. Enforcement should be assessed BEFORE issuing proceedings to ensure the defendant actually has assets worth pursuing.

**12.2 Investigating the Debtor — Order to Obtain Information**

An order to obtain information (formerly "oral examination") requires the debtor to attend court and be questioned under oath about their assets and income. Failure to attend can result in a committal order (imprisonment).

**12.3 – 12.7 Methods of Enforcement**

| | | |

| --- | --- | --- |

| Method | How it Works | Best Used When |

| Taking control of goods | Enforcement officers seize possessions for public auction | Debtor has valuable moveable goods |

| Charging order | Charge placed on debtor's land/securities; order for sale available | Debtor owns land or investments with equity |

| Third party debt order | Third party (e.g. bank) pays creditor directly from debtor's funds | Debtor has money in a bank account — element of surprise |

| Attachment of earnings | Employer deducts from salary — County Court only; employees only | Debtor is a steady employee |

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Taking Control of Goods — Court | Debt Range |

| County Court only (Warrant of Control) | Less than £600 |

| County Court or High Court | £600 to £4,999.99 |

| High Court only (Writ of Control) | £5,000 or more |

**12.8 Enforcement in Another Jurisdiction**

| | |

| --- | --- |

| Jurisdiction | Mechanism |

| Scotland / Northern Ireland | Simplified registration under the CPR |

| European Union | Brussels Regulation — simplified registration and enforcement across member states |

| Commonwealth countries | Reciprocal enforcement acts |

| USA, Japan, China, others | Must issue fresh proceedings in local courts — no automatic recognition |

Practical Tip

If foreign enforcement is likely, it may be more sensible and cost-effective to issue the original claim in the foreign country from the outset.

END OF DOCUMENT — DISPUTE RESOLUTION

All 12 Chapters | Civil Procedure Rules | Case Law | Fully Enhanced

← → arrow keys to navigate  ·  G to jump  ·  F for fullscreen
1 / 60
Press N to toggle speaker notes