Thomas Jefferson once stated, "every generation needs a new
revolution". In the Isle of Man rules and procedure for civil
claims underwent a revision, if not a revolution, through the
implementation of the 2009 High Court Rules ("the 2009
Rules"). The way in which the High Court deals with
applications to vacate trial dates and amend pleadings has now
changed.
September 1 2009 was an important day in the history of the Manx
legal system as it was the day the 2009 Rules came into
operation.1 The 2009 Rules are closely linked to the
Civil Procedure Rules of England and Wales (the CPR) and represent
a cornerstone of Manx Law. Like the CPR, they aim to provide a
comprehensive procedural code to govern the conduct of all civil
cases in the Isle of Man.
