Contract: The Three Track System

The Three Track System

 Small Claims:

• Disputes under £5000.
• Heard in County Court.
• All cases are heard in private. 
• This allows the district judge who hears the case to be flexible when he hears the case. 
• Parties are encouraged to represent themselves as this keeps costs down. 
• If parties choose to use a lawyer no legal costs will be allowed to be claimed. 

Fast Track:

• For claims of £5000 - £25000.
• Heard in County Court.
• This track is used for straight forward legal disputes. 
• The courts will set a strict timetable for the case. 
• The case will be heard in a maximum of 30 weeks. 
• Trials are heard by a circuit judge. 
• Trials take place in open court and will last a maximum of 1 day. 

 Multi Track:

• For claims above £25000.
• Complex cases such as defamation of character.
• Heard in either County Court or in the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court - depending on seriousness and complexity.
• Heard by a circuit judge who will set a timetable and manage the case.