Changes may be afoot in the Civil Courts as a number of
new initiatives are being progressed which are intended to shake up
the way that the Courts do things.
I say "may be afoot" as a number of these intended
changes are being met with resistance or problems are being
identified during the piloting of initiatives.
This article concentrates on three of these initiatives:-
- the introduction of
"virtual" courts;
- new rules to tackle excessive
disclosure;
- plans to make mediation
compulsory.
(a) The Introduction of Virtual Courts
Approximately two years ago, Lord Justice Briggs introduced the
prospect of an online Civil Court for resolving claims of up to
£25,000. While various schemes have been piloted, a number
have run into difficulties and the latest version being considered
is one where there are disputes between two parties involving
claims with a value of a specified amount of up to £10,000
(e.g. for unpaid invoices).
