Rule 1 “The overriding objective

Northern Ireland

(1)

The overriding objective of these Rules is to enable the Court to deal with cases justly.

(2)

Dealing with a case justly includes, so far as is practicable—

(a)

ensuring that the parties are on an equal footing;

(b)

saving expense;

(c)

dealing with the case in ways which are proportionate to—

(i)

the amount of money involved;

(ii)

the importance of the case;

(iii)

the complexity of the issues; and

(iv)

the financial position of each party;

(d)

ensuring that it is dealt with expeditiously and fairly; and

(e)

allotting to it an appropriate share of the Court’s resources, while taking into account the need to allot resources to other cases.

(3)

The Court must seek to give effect to the overriding objective when it—

(a)

exercises any power given to it by the Rules; or

(b)

interprets any Rule.”.]

Annotations