The court must further the overriding objective by actively managing cases, which may include-
----(a) identifying the issues at an early stage;
----(b) deciding promptly which issues need full investigation and trial and accordingly disposing summarily of the others;
----(c) encouraging the parties to use the most appropriate form of dispute resolution including, in particular, mediation, if the court considers that appropriate and facilitating their use of such procedures;
----(d) encouraging the parties to co-operate with each other in the conduct of proceedings;
----(e) actively encouraging and assisting parties to settle the whole or part of their case on terms that are fair to each party;
----(f) deciding the order in which issues are to be resolved;
----(g) fixing timetables or otherwise controlling the progress of the case;
----(h) considering whether the likely benefits of taking a particular step will justify the cost of taking it;
----(i) dealing with as many aspects of the case as is practicable on the same occasion;
----(j) dealing with the case or any aspect of it, where it appears appropriate to do so, without requiring the parties to attend court;
----(k) making appropriate use of technology;
----(l) giving directions to ensure that the trial of the case proceeds quickly and efficiently; and
----(m) ensuring that no party gains an unfair advantage by reason of his failure to give full disclosure of all relevant facts prior to the trial or the hearing of any application.
(Rule 2.12 provides for the suspension of timelines during dispute resolution procedures approved by the court.)
Notes
Amended by Legal Notice 301 of 2012.
Amended by Legal Notice 140 of 2000.