Civil Courts

Question 1

Which court to use?

Answer 1

County:
Claim £100,000 or less
Personal injury £50,000 or less

High/County:
Claim over £100,000
Personal injury over £50,000

Question 2

Small claims track

Answer 2

• Parties are encouraged to represent themselves
  -Cases generally heard in private
  -The District Judge can take an active part asking questions.

Question 3

The fast track

Answer 3

Straight forward disputes £10,000 - £25,000

• The court will set down a very strict timetable for the pre-trial matters.
• Aim to get the case heard in 30 weeks
• Heard usually be a Circuit Judge

Question 4

The Multi Track

Answer 4

Claims £25,000 - £50,000
Since it involves the most money it will be likely to be heard by a more senior judge – either a Circuit Judge or a High Court judge.

Question 5

Appeals

Answer 5

• Either side can appeal in civil cases - error of law or fact
• Error of procedure - appealed from district judge to circuit judge
• In areas of new law - leap frog to Supreme Court.