CIVIL CASES

STEPS TO CIVIL CASES Negotiation Legal advice Starting a case: –Exchange of information –Basis of claim –Details of injury or damage –Investigation –Settlement or denial leading to court case

CIVIL COURTS County Court High Court Divisional courts Court of Appeal Supreme Court (House of Lords) Claim for less than £25,000 Personal injury claim less than £50, courts across country Claims over £25,000 Personal injury claims over £50,000 Defamation actions 26 centres across country or main court in London

CIVIL TRACK SYSTEM Small claims Fast track Multi-track Normally less than £5,000 Straightforward cases £5,000– £25,000 Cases over £25,000 or complex cases of lower value

SMALL CLAIMS Established 1973 Limit now £5,000 Use of lawyers discouraged Heard in court by District Judge Cost of proceedings low but still some fees No need to use lawyers but one side can and no legal funding available Proceedings quicker District Judge should help parties but this does not always happen May win case but no guarantee of getting money

CIVIL REMEDIES Damages Equitable remedies Special damages General damages Nominal damages Exemplary damages Injunctions Specific performance Rescission Rectification