The Fast Track
If, on consideration of the Allocation Questionnaires, the Court
allocates the claim to the Fast Track, an Order giving directions
will normally be given. In a Fast Track case, these directions will
often comprise of the following:
At the trial itself, which in the Fast Track should not be longer
than one day, the Claimant and Defendant will be usually
represented by a barrister (also known as counsel) or, as is
often the case nowadays, by their solicitor, who will put the
parties' case to the Judge. The solicitor and client will sit behind
the barrister in the Courtroom, on the occasions that a barrister
has been instructed.
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Disclosure and Inspection.
This consists of the exchange, by list and/or copies, between the parties of all the documents that assist or hinder your claim, or help the claim of the opponent (note that you are legally obliged to provide all relevant documentation even if this damages your case).
This consists of the exchange, by list and/or copies, between the parties of all the documents that assist or hinder your claim, or help the claim of the opponent (note that you are legally obliged to provide all relevant documentation even if this damages your case).
Exchange of Witness Statements.
This involves both parties sending each other any of evidence of the facts involved in the case.
This involves both parties sending each other any of evidence of the facts involved in the case.
Exchange of Expert Reports.
This will only be necessary in certain claims involving complex issues where the evidence of an independent expert is necessary to assist the Court.
This will only be necessary in certain claims involving complex issues where the evidence of an independent expert is necessary to assist the Court.
Listing Questionnaires to be completed and filed.
These provide the Court with a further opportunity to check on how the claim is progressing and whether all of the directions previously ordered have been complied with and that the trial can be listed.
These provide the Court with a further opportunity to check on how the claim is progressing and whether all of the directions previously ordered have been complied with and that the trial can be listed.
The setting of a Trial Window.
This is a period in which the Court will aim to list the trial.
This is a period in which the Court will aim to list the trial.