Topic 12 - Discontinuance and Trial Flashcards
(64 cards)
What is the element of discontinuance in civil procedure?
Discontinuance is a way for a claim to end, where a claimant chooses not to pursue the claim against the defendant any further.
Who can discontinue a claim?
Only a claimant can discontinue a claim.
At what point can a claimant discontinue a claim?
The claimant can do so at any time.
Can a claimant discontinue part of a claim?
Yes, the claimant can discontinue part of a claim.
What are the two major consequences of discontinuance?
- Ends the proceedings in relation to the claim/part of claim discontinued
- Claimant liable to pay defendant’s costs up to the point of discontinuance
In what circumstances does a claimant need court permission to discontinue proceedings?
When the claimant has already received some sort of remedy, such as an interim injunction or an interim payment.
What is the procedure for discontinuance?
- File a notice of discontinuance at court
- Serve a copy on every party
- Discontinuance takes effect from the date of service
- A costs order is deemed to have been made in the defendant’s favour
What is the purpose of a pre-trial checklist?
To check compliance with case management directions and prepare the case for trial.
What must be included in a trial bundle?
- Claim form and all statements of case
- Case summary and/or chronology
- All witness statements
- Medical reports
- Experts’ reports
- Any other necessary documents
What is a skeleton argument?
A concise summary of submissions to be made in High Court trials, prepared usually by counsel.
What is the purpose of a reading list in a trial bundle?
To estimate the reading time the judge will need to prepare for the case.
What must parties do if a case settles before trial?
Notify the listing officer for the trial court immediately.
What is the role of notices to admit facts/documents?
To formally ask the other party to admit a factual point or the authenticity of documents.
What etiquette should be followed during a trial?
- Dress formally
- Stand when speaking
- Address the judge indirectly
- Refer to opponents appropriately
- Stand when the judge enters or leaves
What is the order of events in a trial?
- Claimant’s opening speech
- Evidence on behalf of the claimant
- Evidence on behalf of the defendant
Fill in the blank: A claimant is liable to pay the defendant’s costs up to the point of _______.
[discontinuance]
True or False: A claimant can discontinue a claim against only one defendant if there are multiple defendants.
True
What is the purpose of the pre-trial review?
To check compliance with previous orders and give directions for trial conduct.
What happens if a party does not admit a point in a notice to admit facts?
The evidence will be called at trial, and the judge will decide if the fact is correct.
What should a brief to counsel include?
Instructions to appear, a full set of trial documents, and a summary of the case.
What is a witness summons used for?
To compel reluctant witnesses or expert witnesses to attend trial.
What is a judgment or final order?
An order which ends the claim.
What typically occurs during the claimant’s opening speech?
Counsel describes the nature of the claim and identifies the issues to be tried.
What is the role of evidence in the claimant’s case?
Includes evidence of witnesses, real evidence, and documentary evidence.