Civil courts: jurisdiction, procedure and appeals

Overview

Recall questions on the jurisdiction of the County Court and the three divisions of the High Court, pre-action steps and disclosure, the small claims, fast and multi-tracks, the grounds and routes of civil appeal, and the advantages and disadvantages of using the civil courts.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   What types of civil cases does the County Court have jurisdiction over, and what is its typical financial limit?

   Model answer

   The County Court hears most contract and tort claims; claims up to £100,000 must be started there. Family matters now go to the Family Court.

2. 2

   What criteria determine whether a civil case is heard in the High Court rather than the County Court?

   Model answer

   The High Court handles complex or high-value civil cases, typically those exceeding £100,000 or involving significant legal complexity.

3. 3

   What pre-trial procedure requires both parties to reveal relevant documents to each other?

   Model answer

   Disclosure of relevant documents.

4. 4

   What must parties exchange before trial to inform each other of the evidence witnesses will give?

   Model answer

   Exchange of witness statements.

5. 5

   What is the financial limit for claims on the small claims track, and what is a key characteristic of its procedure?

   Model answer

   Claims up to £10,000. The procedure is designed to be informal, with limited costs recoverable.

6. 6

   What value range of claims does the fast track handle, and what is the maximum trial length?

   Model answer

   Claims between £10,000 and £25,000, with trials lasting no more than one day.

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