Time for Change

Civil practitioners are used to jumping through ever more constrictive judicial hoops, concerning time limits, wasted costs orders or whatever.

But when will the court system be as tough with itself? The listing procedure in the High Court is long overdue for reform.

In June 2001, a matter of mine was ordered to be listed within a 'window' for Monday, 29 April 2002.

I daren't think what would have happened to me had I not had the five parties and four witnesses ready for that day.

Only on the Friday afternoon before could I learn that no judge was available for Monday, and the case would 'float'.

The language is charming but the reality is that the plans made almost a year ago of nine people, or rather 13 when we add on counsel and solicitors, are as nothing compared with that sacred animal 'judicial time'.

Doesn't this situation cry out for cost benefit analysis by our money-minded masters in the Lord Chancellor's Department?

Roger Sceats, solicitor, Surbiton, Surrey