Civil Process

The civil process in the UK is the legal system that deals with disputes between individuals, companies, or organisations that are not of a criminal nature. It is designed to help individuals and organisations resolve their disputes fairly and efficiently.

The civil process begins with the claimant filing a claim with the appropriate court or tribunal. The claim sets out the details of the dispute, the relief sought, and the reasons why the claimant believes they are entitled to that relief. The defendant is then served with a copy of the claim and given the opportunity to respond.

The response will either admit or deny the claim, and may also raise a counter-claim against the claimant. The court or tribunal will then set out a timetable for the case, including deadlines for filing documents and preparing for trial.

The next stage is the exchange of evidence between the parties, which can include witness statements, expert reports, and other relevant documents. The parties may also be required to attend a case management conference, where a judge will review the progress of the case and give directions for the next steps.

If the case proceeds to trial, the parties will present their evidence to the court or tribunal, and the judge will make a decision based on the facts and the law. The judge may also suggest mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution to help the parties reach a settlement before trial.

After the trial, the judge will issue a decision, which may include an award of damages or other relief. If either party is dissatisfied with the decision, they may have the right to appeal to a higher court.