Source: http://smartleges.com/en/law-library/the-civil-procedure-rules-1998-1998-no-3132-l-17/2008747
Timestamp: 2019-02-21 15:05:14
Document Index: 506706490

Matched Legal Cases: ['ART 1', 'ART 2', 'ART 3', 'ART 4', 'ART 5', 'ART 6', 'ART 7', 'ART 8', 'ART 9', 'ART 10', 'ART 11', 'ART 12', 'ART 13', 'ART 14', 'ART 15', 'ART 16', 'ART 17', 'ART 18', 'ART 19', 'ART 20', 'ART 21', 'ART 22', 'ART 23', 'ART 24', 'ART 26', 'ART 27', 'ART 28', 'ART 29', 'ART 30', 'ART 31', 'ART 32', 'ART 33', 'ART 34', 'ART 35', 'ART 36', 'ART 37', 'ART 38', 'ART 39', 'ART 40', 'ART 41', 'ART 42', 'ART 43', 'ART 44', 'ART 45', 'ART 46', 'ART 47', 'ART 48', 'ART 49', 'ART 50', 'ART 51', 'art 50', 'art 21', 'art 50', 'art 20', 'art 24', 'art 23', 'art 23', 'art 21', 'art 12', 'art 23', 'art 16', 'art 16', 'art 22', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'art 20', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'art 12', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'art 22', 'art 10', 'art 11', 'art 20', 'art 8', 'art 20', 'art 20', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'art 16', 'art 15', 'art 26', 'art 14', 'art 15', 'art 10', 'art 8', 'art 11', 'art 15', 'art 14', 'art 12', 'art 10', 'art 8', 'art 10', 'art 15', 'art 8', 'art 24', 'art 14', 'art 23', 'art 23', 'art 45', 'art 23', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 26']

The Civil Procedure Rules 1998, 1998 No. 3132 (L. 17), Version as made
1998 No. 3132 (L.17)
PART 1. OVERRIDING OBJECTIVE
PART 2. APPLICATION AND INTERPRETATION OF THE RULES
PART 3. THE COURT'S CASE MANAGEMENT POWERS
PART 4. FORMS
PART 5. COURT DOCUMENTS
PART 6. SERVICE OF DOCUMENTS
PART 7. HOW TO START PROCEEDINGS—THE CLAIM FORM
PART 8. ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE FOR CLAIMS
PART 9. RESPONDING TO PARTICULARS OF CLAIM—GENERAL
PART 10. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SERVICE
PART 11. DISPUTING THE COURT'S JURISDICTION
PART 12. DEFAULT JUDGMENT
PART 13. SETTING ASIDE OR VARYING DEFAULT JUDGMENT
PART 14. ADMISSIONS
PART 15. DEFENCE AND REPLY
PART 16. STATEMENTS OF CASE
PART 17. AMENDMENTS TO STATEMENTS OF CASE
PART 18. FURTHER INFORMATION
PART 19. ADDITION AND SUBSTITUTION OF PARTIES
PART 20. COUNTERCLAIMS AND OTHER ADDITIONAL CLAIMS
PART 21. CHILDREN AND PATIENTS
PART 22. STATEMENTS OF TRUTH
PART 23. GENERAL RULES ABOUT APPLICATIONS FOR COURT ORDERS
PART 24. SUMMARY JUDGMENT
25.2. INTERIM REMEDIES
PART 26. CASE MANAGEMENT—PRELIMINARY STAGE
PART 27. THE SMALL CLAIMS TRACK
PART 28. THE FAST TRACK
PART 29. THE MULTI-TRACK
PART 30. TRANSFER
PART 31. DISCLOSURE AND INSPECTION OF DOCUMENTS
PART 32. EVIDENCE
PART 33. MISCELLANEOUS RULES ABOUT EVIDENCE
PART 34. DEPOSITIONS AND COURT ATTENDANCE BY WITNESSES
PART 35. EXPERTS AND ASSESSORS
PART 36. OFFERS TO SETTLE AND PAYMENTS INTO COURT
PART 37. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS ABOUT PAYMENTS INTO COURT
PART 38. DISCONTINUANCE
PART 39. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS RELATING TO HEARINGS
PART 40. JUDGMENTS AND ORDERS
PART 41. PROVISIONAL DAMAGES
PART 42. CHANGE OF SOLICITOR
PART 43. SCOPE OF COST RULES AND DEFINITIONS
PART 44. GENERAL RULES ABOUT COSTS
PART 45. FIXED COSTS
PART 46. FAST TRACK TRIAL COSTS
PART 47. PROCEDURE FOR DETAILED ASSESSMENT OF COSTS AND DEFAULT PROVISIONS
PART 48. COSTS—SPECIAL CASES
PART 49. SPECIALIST PROCEEDINGS
PART 50. APPLICATION OF THE SCHEDULES
PART 51. TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
The Civil Procedure Rule Committee, having power under section 2 of the Civil Procedure Act 1997(1) to make rules of court under section 1 of that Act, make the following rules which may be cited as the Civil Procedure Rules 1998—
The overriding objective Rule 1.1
Application by the court of the overriding objective Rule 1.2
Duty of the parties Rule 1.3
Court’s duty to manage cases Rule 1.4
1.1 (1) These Rules are a new procedural code with the overriding objective of enabling the court to deal with cases justly.
(c) dealing with the case in ways which are proportionate—
(e) allotting to it an appropriate share of the court’s resources, while taking into account the need to allot resources to other cases. Application by the court of the overriding objective
1.2 The court must seek to give effect to the overriding objective when it—
(b) interprets any rule. Duty of the parties
1.3 The parties are required to help the court to further the overriding objective. Court’s duty to manage cases
1.4 (1) The court must further the overriding objective by actively managing cases.
(2) Active case management includes —
(b) identifying the issues at an early stage;
(c) deciding promptly which issues need full investigation and trial and accordingly disposing summarily of the others;
(e) encouraging the parties to use an alternative dispute resolution(GL) procedure if the court considers that appropriate and facilitating the use of such procedure;
(l) giving directions to ensure that the trial of a case proceeds quickly and efficiently.
APPLICATION AND INTERPRETATION OF THE RULES
Meaning of “month” in judgments, etc. Rule 2.10
2.1 (1) Subject to paragraph (2) , these Rules apply to all proceedings in—
(a) county courts;
(2) These Rules do not apply to proceedings of the kinds specified in the first column of the following Table (proceedings for which rules may be made under the enactments specified in the second column) except to the extent that they are applied to those proceedings by another enactment—
1. Insolvency proceedings Insolvency Act 1986(2 ) , ss.411 and 412
2. Non-contentious or common form probate proceedings Supreme Court Act 1981(3 ) , s.127
3. Proceedings in the High Court when acting as a Prize Court Prize Courts Act 1894(4 ) , s.3
4. Proceedings before the judge within the meaning of Part VII of the Mental Health Act 1983(5 ) Mental Health Act 1983, s.106
5. Family proceedings Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984(6 ) , s.40
2.2 (1) The glossary at the end of these Rules is a guide to the meaning of certain legal expressions used in the Rules, but is not to be taken as giving those expressions any meaning in the Rules which they do not have in the law generally.
(2) Subject to paragraph (3) , words in these Rules which are included in the glossary are followed by “(GL) ”.
(3) The words ‘counterclaim’, ‘damages’, ‘practice form’ and ‘service’, which appear frequently in the Rules, are included in the glossary but are not followed by “(GL) ”. Interpretation
2.3 (1) In these Rules— “child” has the meaning given by rule 21.1(2) ; “claim for personal injuries” means proceedings in which there is a claim for damages in respect of personal injuries to the claimant or any other person or in respect of a person’s death, and “personal injuries” includes any disease and any impairment of a person’s physical or mental condition; “claimant” means a person who makes a claim; “CCR” is to be interpreted in accordance with Part 50; “court officer” means a member of the court staff; “defendant” means a person against whom a claim is made; “defendant’s home court” means— (a) if the claim is proceeding in a county court, the county court for the district in which the defendant’s address for service, as shown on the defence, is situated; and (b) if the claim is proceeding in the High Court, the district registry for the district in which the defendant’s address for service, as shown on the defence, is situated or, if there is no such district registry, the Royal Courts of Justice; (Rule 6.5 provides for a party to give an address for service) “filing”, in relation to a document, means delivering it, by post or otherwise, to the court office; “judge” means, unless the context otherwise requires, a judge, Master or district judge or a person authorised to act as such; “jurisdiction” means, unless the context otherwise requires, England and Wales and any part of the territorial waters of the United Kingdom adjoining England and Wales; “legal representative” means a barrister or a solicitor, solicitor’s employee or other authorised litigator (as defined in the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990(7 ) ) who has been instructed to act for a party in relation to a claim; “litigation friend” has the meaning given by Part 21; “patient” has the meaning given by rule 21.1(2) ; “RSC” is to be interpreted in accordance with Part 50; “statement of case”— (a) means a claim form, particulars of claim where these are not included in a claim form, defence, Part 20 claim, or reply to defence; and (b) includes any further information given in relation to them voluntarily or by court order under rule 18.1; “statement of value” is to be interpreted in accordance with rule 16.3; “summary judgment” is to be interpreted in accordance with Part 24.
(2) A reference to a “specialist list” is a reference to a list(GL) that has been designated as such by a relevant practice direction.
(3) Where the context requires, a reference to “the court” means a reference to a particular county court, a district registry, or the Royal Courts of Justice. Power of judge, Master or district judge to perform functions of the court
2.4 Where these Rules provide for the court to perform any act then, except where an enactment, rule or practice direction provides otherwise, that act may be performed—
(a) in relation to proceedings in the High Court, by any judge, Master or district judge of that Court; and
(b) in relation to proceedings in a county court, by any judge or district judge. Court staff
2.5 (1) Where these Rules require or permit the court to perform an act of a formal or administrative character, that act may be performed by a court officer.
(2) A requirement that a court officer carry out any act at the request of a party is subject to the payment of any fee required by a Fees Order for the carrying out of that act. (Rule 3.2 allows a court officer to refer to a judge before taking any step) Court documents to be sealed
2.6 (1) The court must seal(GL) the following documents on issue—
(2) The court may place the seal(GL) on the document—
(3) A document purporting to bear the court’s seal(GL) shall be admissible in evidence without further proof. Court’s discretion as to where it deals with cases
2.7 The court may deal with a case at any place that it considers appropriate. Time
2.8 (1) This rule shows how to calculate any period of time for doing any act which is specified—
(3) In this rule “clear days” means that in computing the number of days—
(b) if the end of the period is defined by reference to an event, the day on which that event occurs, are not included. Examples
(i) Notice of an application must be served at least 3 days before the hearing. An application is to be heard on Friday 20 October. The last date for service is Monday 16 October.
(ii) The court is to fix a date for a hearing. The hearing must be at least 28 days after the date of notice. If the court gives notice of the date of the hearing on 1 October, the earliest date for the hearing is 30 October.
(iii) Particulars of claim must be served within 14 days of service of the claim form. The claim form is served on 2 October. The last day for service of the particulars of claim is 16 October.
(4) Where the specified period—
that day does not count. Example Notice of an application must be served at least 3 days before the hearing. An application is to be heard on Monday 20 October. The last date for service is Tuesday 14 October.
(b) by any judgment or court order, for doing any act at the court office ends on a day on which the office is closed, that act shall be in time if done on the next day on which the court office is open. Dates for compliance to be calendar dates and to include time of day
2.9 (1) Where the court gives a judgment, order or direction which imposes a time limit for doing any act, the last date for compliance must, wherever practicable—
(2) Where the date by which an act must be done is inserted in any document, the date must, wherever practicable, be expressed as a calendar date. Meaning of “month” in judgments, etc.
2.10 Where “month” occurs in any judgment, order, direction or other document, it means a calendar month. Time limits may be varied by parties
2.11 Unless these Rules or a practice direction provide otherwise or the court orders otherwise, the time specified by a rule or by the court for a person to do any act may be varied by the written agreement of the parties. (Rules 3.8 (sanctions have effect unless defaulting party obtains relief) , 28.4 (variation of case management timetable—fast track) and 29.5 (variation of case management timetable—multi-track) provide for time limits that cannot be varied by agreement between the parties)
THE COURT'S CASE MANAGEMENT POWERS
Judgment without trial after striking out Rule 3.5
Sanctions for non-payment of certain fees Rule 3.7
3.1 (1) The list of powers in this rule is in addition to any powers given to the court by any other rule or practice direction or by any other enactment or any powers it may otherwise have.
(2) Except where these Rules provide otherwise, the court may —
(a) extend or shorten the time for compliance with any rule, practice direction or court order (even if an application for extension is made after the time for compliance has expired) ;
(3) When the court makes an order, it may —
(4) Where the court gives directions it may take into account whether or not a party has complied with any relevant pre-action protocol(GL) .
(6) When exercising its power under paragraph (5) the court must have regard to—
(7) A power of the court under these Rules to make an order includes a power to vary or revoke the order. Court officer’s power to refer to a judge
3.2 Where a step is to be taken by a court officer—
(b) the step may be taken by a judge instead of the court officer. Court’s power to make order of its own initiative
3.3 (1) Except where a rule or some other enactment provides otherwise, the court may exercise its powers on an application or of its own initiative. (Part 23 sets out the procedure for making an application)
(2) Where the court proposes to make an order of its own initiative—
(3) Where the court proposes—
(b) to hold a hearing to decide whether to make the order, it must give each party likely to be affected by the order at least 3 days' notice of the hearing.
(5) Where the court has made an order under paragraph (4) —
(a) a party affected by the order may apply to have it set aside(GL) , varied or stayed(GL) ; and
(6) An application under paragraph (5) (a) must be made—
(b) if the court does not specify a period, not more than 7 days after the date on which the order was served on the party making the application. Power to strike out a statement of case
3.4 (1) In this rule and rule 3.5, reference to a statement of case includes reference to part of a statement of case.
(2) The court may strike out(GL) a statement of case if it appears to the court—
(c) before the claimant pays those costs, he starts another claim against the same defendant, arising out of facts which are the same or substantially the same as those relating to the claim in which the statement of case was struck out, the court may, on the application of the defendant, stay(GL) that other claim until the costs of the first claim have been paid.
(5) Paragraph (2) does not limit any other power of the court to strike out(GL) a statement of case. Judgment without trial after striking out
3.5 (1) This rule applies where—
(2) A party may obtain judgment with costs by filing a request for judgment if—
(a) the order referred to in paragraph (1) (a) relates to the whole of a statement of case; and
(b) where the party wishing to obtain judgment is the claimant, the claim is for—
(3) The request must state that the right to enter judgment has arisen because the court’s order has not been complied with.
(4) A party must make an application in accordance with Part 23 if he wishes to obtain judgment under this rule in a case to which paragraph (2) does not apply. Setting aside judgment entered after striking out
3.6 (1) A party against whom the court has entered judgment under rule 3.5 may apply to the court to set the judgment aside.
(4) If the application to set aside(GL) is made for any other reason, rule 3.9 (relief from sanctions) shall apply. Sanctions for non—payment of certain fees
3.7 (1) This rule applies where—
(c) these Rules do not require an allocation questionnaire or a listing questionnaire to be filed in relation to the claim in question. (Rule 26.3 provides for the court to dispense with the need for an allocation questionnaire and rules 28.5 and 29.6 provide for the court to dispense with the need for a listing questionnaire)
(2) The court will serve a notice on the claimant requiring payment of the fee which the relevant Fees Order specifies as being due—
(b) in the circumstances where the claimant is not required to file an allocation questionnaire or a listing questionnaire, if, at the time the fee is due, the claimant has not paid the fee or made an application for exemption from or remission of the fee.
(4) If the claimant does not—
(b) make an application for an exemption from or remission of the fee, by the date specified in the notice—
(ii) the claimant shall be liable for the costs which the defendant has incurred unless the court orders otherwise. (Rule 44.12 provides for the basis of assessment where a right to costs arises under this rule)
(6) If the claimant does not pay the fee by the date specified in the notice—
(b) the court grants relief under that rule, the relief shall be conditional on the claimant—
(ii) filing evidence of exemption from payment or remission of the fee, within 2 days of the date of the order. Sanctions have effect unless defaulting party obtains relief
3.8 (1) Where a party has failed to comply with a rule, practice direction or court order, any sanction for failure to comply imposed by the rule, practice direction or court order has effect unless the party in default applies for and obtains relief from the sanction. (Rule 3.9 sets out the circumstances which the court may consider on an application to grant relief from a sanction)
(3) Where a rule, practice direction or court order—
(b) specifies the consequence of failure to comply, the time for doing the act in question may not be extended by agreement between the parties. Relief from sanctions
3.9 (1) On an application for relief from any sanction imposed for a failure to comply with any rule, practice direction or court order the court will consider all the circumstances including—
(e) the extent to which the party in default has complied with other rules, practice directions, court orders and any relevant pre-action protocol(GL) ;
(2) An application for relief must be supported by evidence. General power of the court to rectify matters where there has been an error of procedure
3.10 Where there has been an error of procedure such as a failure to comply with a rule or practice direction—
4. (1) The forms set out in a practice direction shall be used in the cases to which they apply.
(5) Where the court or a party produces a form shown in a practice direction with the words “Royal Arms”, the form must include a replica of the Royal Arms at the head of the first page.
5.1 This Part contains general provisions about—
(b) the obligations of a court officer in relation to those documents. Preparation of documents
5.2 (1) Where under these Rules, a document is to be prepared by the court, the document may be prepared by the party whose document it is, unless—
(b) it is a document to which—
(i) CCR Order 25, rule 5(3) (reissue of enforcement proceedings) ;
(ii) CCR Order 25, rule 8(9) (reissue of warrant where condition upon which warrant was suspended has not been complied with) ; or
(iii) CCR Order 28, rule 11(1) (issue of warrant of committal) ,
(2) Nothing in this rule shall require a court officer to accept a document which is illegible, has not been duly authorised, or is unsatisfactory for some other similar reason. Signature of documents by mechanical means
5.3 Where any of these Rules or any practice direction requires a document to be signed, that requirement shall be satisfied if the signature is printed by computer or other mechanical means. Supply of documents from court records
5.4 (1) Any party to proceedings may be supplied from the records of the court with a copy of any document relating to those proceedings (including documents filed before the claim was commenced) , provided that the party seeking the document—
(2) Any other person who pays the prescribed fee may, during office hours, search for, inspect and take a copy of the following documents, namely—
(3) An application for permission under paragraph (2) (c) may be made without notice.
Methods of service—general Rule 6.2
Service of claim form by the court—defendant’s address for service Rule 6.13
HOW TO START PROCEEDINGS—THE CLAIM FORM
6.1 The rules in this Part apply to the service of documents, except where—
(b) the court orders otherwise. (Other rules which deal with service include the following—
(a) service out of the jurisdiction—see RSC Order 11;
(b) service on the Crown—see RSC Order 77 r.4 and CCR Order 42 r.7;
(c) service in proceedings for the recovery of land and mortgage possession actions—see RSC Order 10 r.4 and CCR Order 7 rr.15 and15A.) Methods of service—general
6.2 (1) A document may be served by any of the following methods—
(e) by fax or other means of electronic communication in accordance with the relevant practice direction. (Rule 6.8 provides for the court to permit service by an alternative method)
(2) A company may be served by any method permitted under this Part as an alternative to the methods of service set out in—
(a) section 725 of the Companies Act 1985(8 ) (service by leaving a document at or posting it to an authorised place) ;
(b) section 695 of that Act (service on oversea companies) ; and
(c) section 694A of that Act (service of documents on companies incorporated outside the UK and Gibraltar and having a branch in Great Britain). Who is to serve
6.3 (1) The court will serve a document which it has issued or prepared except where—
(3) Where a party prepares a document which is to be served by the court, that party must file a copy for the court, and for each party to be served. Personal service
6.4 (1) A document to be served may be served personally, except as provided in paragraph (2).
(2) Where a solicitor—
(b) has notified the party serving the document in writing that he is so authorised, a document must be served on the solicitor, unless personal service is required by an enactment, rule, practice direction or court order.
(4) A document is served personally on a company or other corporation by leaving it with a person holding a senior position within the company or corporation. (The service practice direction sets out the meaning of “senior position”)
(5) A document is served personally on a partnership where partners are being sued in the name of their firm by leaving it with—
(b) a person who, at the time of service, has the control or management of the partnership business at its principal place of business. Address for service
6.5 (1) Except as provided by RSC Order 11 (service out of the jurisdiction) a document must be served within the jurisdiction. (“Jurisdiction” is defined in rule 2.3)
(3) Where a party—
(b) resides or carries on business within the jurisdiction, he must give his residence or place of business as his address for service.
(4) Any document to be served—
(d) by fax or by other means of electronic communication, must be sent or transmitted to, or left at, the address for service given by the party to be served.
(b) the document to be served is not the claim form; the party’s address for service is the business address of his solicitor. (Rule 6.13 specifies when the business address of a defendant’s solicitor may be the defendant’s address for service in relation to the claim form)
(b) the party has not given an address for service, the document must be sent or transmitted to, or left at, the place shown in the following table. (Rule 6.2(2) sets out the statutory methods of service on a company)
Nature of party to be served
Individual • Usual or last known residence.
Proprietor of a business • Usual or last known residence; or
• Place of business or last known place of business.
Individual who is suing or being sued in the name of a firm • Usual or last known residence; or
• Principal or last known place of business of the firm.
Corporation incorporated in England and Wales other than a company • Principal office of the corporation; or
• Any place within the jurisdiction where the corporation carries on its activities and which has a real connection with the claim.
Company registered in England and Wales • Principal office of the company; or
• Any place of business of the company within the jurisdiction which has a real connection with the claim.
Any other company or corporation • Any place within the jurisdiction where the corporation carries on its activities; or
• Any place of business of the company within the jurisdiction.
(7) This rule does not apply where an order made by the court under rule 6.8 (service by an alternative method) specifies where the document in question may be served. Service of documents on children and patients
6.6 (1) The following table shows the person on whom a document must be served if it is a document which would otherwise be served on a child or a patient—
Nature of party
Claim form Child who is not also a patient • One of the child’s parents or guardians; or
• if there is no parent or guardian, the person with whom the child resides or in whose care the child is.
Claim form Patient • The person authorised under Part VII of the Mental Health Act 1983(9 ) to conduct the proceedings in the name of the patient or on his behalf; or
• if there is no person so authorised, the person with whom the patient resides or in whose care the patient is.
(5) This rule does not apply where the court has made an order under rule 21.2(3) allowing a child to conduct proceedings without a litigation friend. (Part 21 contains rules about the appointment of a litigation friend) Deemed service
6.7 (1) A document which is served in accordance with these rules or any relevant practice direction shall be deemed to be served on the day shown in the following table—
Fax • If it is transmitted on a business day before 4 p.m, on that day; or
• in any other case, on the business day after the day on which it is transmitted.
(3) In this rule— “business day” means any day except Saturday, Sunday or a bank holiday; and “bank holiday” includes Christmas Day and Good Friday. Service by an alternative method
6.8 (1) Where it appears to the court that there is a good reason to authorise service by a method not permitted by these Rules, the court may make an order permitting service by an alternative method.
(2) An application for an order permitting service by an alternative method—
(3) An order permitting service by an alternative method must specify—
(b) the date when the document will be deemed to be served. Power of court to dispense with service
6.9 (1) The court may dispense with service of a document.
(2) An application for an order to dispense with service may be made without notice. Certificate of service
6.10 Where a rule, practice direction or court order requires a certificate of service, the certificate must state—
(b) the details set out in the following table—
6.11 Where—
(b) the court is unable to serve it, the court must send a notice of non-service stating the method attempted to the party who requested service.
6.12 The general rules about service are subject to the special rules about service contained in rules 6.13 to 6.16. Service of claim form by the court—defendant’s address for service
6.13 (1) Where a claim form is to be served by the court, the claim form must include the defendant’s address for service.
(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1) , the defendant’s address for service may be the business address of the defendant’s solicitor if he is authorised to accept service on the defendant’s behalf but not otherwise. (Rule 6.5 contains general provisions about the address for service) Certificate of service relating to the claim form
6.14 (1) Where a claim form is served by the court, the court must send the claimant a notice which will include the date when the claim form is deemed to be served under rule 6.7.
(2) Where the claim form is served by the claimant—
(b) he may not obtain judgment in default under Part 12 unless he has filed the certificate of service. (Rule 6.10 specifies what a certificate of service must show) Service of the claim form by contractually agreed method
6.15 (1) Where—
(b) a claim form containing only a claim in respect of that contract is issued, the claim form shall, subject to paragraph (2) , be deemed to be served on the defendant if it is served by a method specified in the contract.
(2) Where the claim form is served out of the jurisdiction in accordance with the contract, it shall not be deemed to be served on the defendant unless—
(a) permission to serve it out of the jurisdiction has been granted under RSC Order 11 r.1(1) ; or
(b) it may be served without permission under RSC Order 11 r.1(2). Service of claim form on agent of principal who is overseas
6.16 (1) Where—
(b) the conditions specified in paragraph (2) are satisfied, the court may, on an application only, permit a claim form relating to a contract to be served on a defendant’s agent.
(2) The court may not make an order under this rule unless it is satisfied that—
(a) the contract to which the claim relates was entered into within the jurisdiction with or through the defendant’s agent; and
(b) at the time of the application either the agent’s authority has not been terminated or he is still in business relations with his principal.
(3) An application under this rule—
(4) An order under this rule must state a period within which the defendant must respond to the particulars of claim. (Rule 9.2 sets out how a defendant may respond to particulars of claim)
(6) Where the court makes an order under this rule, the claimant must send to the defendant copies of—
Where to start proceedings Rule 7.1
How to start proceedings Rule 7.2
Right to use one claim form to start two or more claims Rule 7.3
Particulars of claim Rule 7.4
Service of a claim form Rule 7.5
Extension of time for serving a claim form Rule 7.6
Application by defendant for service of a claim form Rule 7.7
Form for defence etc. must be served with particulars of claim Rule 7.8
Fixed date and other claims Rule 7.9
Production Centre for claims Rule 7.10
7.1 Restrictions on where proceedings may be started are set out in the relevant practice direction. How to start proceedings
7.2 (1) Proceedings are started when the court issues a claim form at the request of the claimant.
(2) A claim form is issued on the date entered on the form by the court. (A person who seeks a remedy from the court before proceedings are started or in relation to proceedings which are taking place, or will take place, in another jurisdiction must make an application under Part 23) (Part 16 sets out what the claim form must include) Right to use one claim form to start two or more claims
7.3 A claimant may use a single claim form to start all claims which can be conveniently disposed of in the same proceedings. Particulars of claim
7.4 (1) Particulars of claim must—
(2) Particulars of claim must be served on the defendant no later than the latest time for serving a claim form. (Rule 7.5 sets out the latest time for serving a claim form)
(3) Where the claimant serves particulars of claim separately from the claim form in accordance with paragraph (1) (b) , he must, within 7 days of service on the defendant, file a copy of the particulars together with a certificate of service. (Part 16 sets out what the particulars of claim must include) (Part 22 requires particulars of claim to be verified by a statement of truth) (Rule 6.10 makes provision for a certificate of service) Service of a claim form
7.5 (1) After a claim form has been issued, it must be served on the defendant.
(2) The general rule is that a claim form must be served within 4 months after the date of issue.
(3) The period for service is 6 months where the claim form is to be served out of the jurisdiction. Extension of time for serving a claim form
7.6 (1) The claimant may apply for an order extending the period within which the claim form may be served.
(2) The general rule is that an application to extend the time for service must be made—
(a) within the period for serving the claim form specified by rule 7.5; or
(3) If the claimant applies for an order to extend the time for service of the claim form after the end of the period specified by rule 7.5 or by an order made under this rule, the court may make such an order only if—
(a) the court has been unable to serve the claim form; or
(b) the claimant has taken all reasonable steps to serve the claim form but has been unable to do so; and
(4) An application for an order extending the time for service—
(b) may be made without notice. Application by defendant for service of claim form
7.7 (1) Where a claim form has been issued against a defendant, but has not yet been served on him, the defendant may serve a notice on the claimant requiring him to serve the claim form or discontinue the claim within a period specified in the notice.
(2) The period specified in a notice served under paragraph (1) must be at least 14 days after service of the notice.
(3) If the claimant fails to comply with the notice, the court may, on the application of the defendant—
(a) dismiss the claim; or
(b) make any other order it thinks just. Form for defence etc. must be served with particulars of claim
7.8 (1) When particulars of claim are served on a defendant, whether they are contained in the claim form, served with it or served subsequently, they must be accompanied by—
(a) a form for defending the claim;
(b) a form for admitting the claim; and
(c) a form for acknowledging service.
(2) Where the claimant is using the procedure set out in Part 8 (alternative procedure for claims) —
(a) paragraph (1) does not apply; and
(b) a form for acknowledging service must accompany the claim form. Fixed date and other claims
7.9 A practice direction—
(a) may set out the circumstances in which the court may give a fixed date for a hearing when it issues a claim;
(b) may list claims in respect of which there is a specific claim form for use and set out the claim form in question; and
(c) may disapply or modify these Rules as appropriate in relation to the claims referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b). Production Centre for claims
7.10 (1) There shall be a Production Centre for the issue of claim forms and other related matters.
(2) The relevant practice direction makes provision for—
(a) which claimants may use the Production Centre;
(b) the type of claims which the Production Centre may issue;
(c) the functions which are to be discharged by the Production Centre;
(d) the place where the Production Centre is to be located; and
(e) other related matters.
(3) The relevant practice direction may disapply or modify these Rules as appropriate in relation to claims issued by the Production Centre.
ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE FOR CLAIMS
Types of claim in which Part 8 procedure may be followed Rule 8.1
Contents of the claim form Rule 8.2
Acknowledgment of service Rule 8.3
Consequence of not filing an acknowledgment of service Rule 8.4
Filing and serving written evidence Rule 8.5
Evidence—general Rule 8.6
Part 20 claims Rule 8.7
Procedure where defendant objects to use of Part 8 procedure Rule 8.8
Modifications to the general rules Rule 8.9
Types of claim in which Part 8 procedure may be followed
8.1 (1) The Part 8 procedure is the procedure set out in this Part.
(2) A claimant may use the Part 8 procedure where—
(a) he seeks the court’s decision on a question which is unlikely to involve a substantial dispute of fact; or
(b) paragraph (6) applies.
(3) The court may at any stage order the claim to continue as if the claimant had not used the Part 8 procedure and, if it does so, the court may give any directions it considers appropriate.
(4) Paragraph (2) does not apply if a practice direction provides that the Part 8 procedure may not be used in relation to the type of claim in question.
(5) Where the claimant uses the Part 8 procedure he may not obtain default judgment under Part 12.
(6) A rule or practice direction may, in relation to a specified type of proceedings—
(a) require or permit the use of the Part 8 procedure; and
(b) disapply or modify any of the rules set out in this Part as they apply to those proceedings. (Rule 8.9 provides for other modifications to the general rules where the Part 8 procedure is being used) Contents of the claim form
8.2 Where the claimant uses the Part 8 procedure the claim form must state—
(b) (i) the question which the claimant wants the court to decide; or
(ii) the remedy which the claimant is seeking and the legal basis for the claim to that remedy;
(c) if the claim is being made under an enactment, what that enactment is;
(d) if the claimant is claiming in a representative capacity, what that capacity is; and
(e) if the defendant is sued in a representative capacity, what that capacity is. (Part 22 provides for the claim form to be verified by a statement of truth) (Rule 7.5 provides for service of the claim form) Acknowledgment of service
8.3 (1) The defendant must—
(a) file an acknowledgment of service in the relevant practice form not more than 14 days after service of the claim form; and
(b) serve the acknowledgment of service on the claimant and any other party.
(2) The acknowledgment of service must state—
(a) whether the defendant contests the claim; and
(b) if the defendant seeks a different remedy from that set out in the claim form, what that remedy is.
(3) The following rules of Part 10 (acknowledgment of service) apply—
(a) rule 10.3(2) (exceptions to the period for filing an acknowledgment of service) ; and
(b) rule 10.5 (contents of acknowledgment of service).
(4) Part 11 (disputing the court’s jurisdiction) applies subject to the modification that in rule 11(4) (a) and (5) (b) (time limit for application disputing court’s jurisdiction) references to the period for filing a defence are treated as if they were references to a period of 14 days from the filing of an acknowledgment of service. Consequence of not filing an acknowledgment of service
8.4 (1) This rule applies where—
(a) the defendant has failed to file an acknowledgment of service; and
(2) The defendant may attend the hearing of the claim but may not take part in the hearing unless the court gives permission. Filing and serving written evidence
8.5 (1) The claimant must file any written evidence on which he intends to rely when he files his claim form.
(2) The claimant’s evidence must be served on the defendant with the claim form.
(3) A defendant who wishes to rely on written evidence must file it when he files his acknowledgment of service.
(4) If he does so, he must also, at the same time, serve a copy of his evidence on the other parties.
(5) The claimant may, within 14 days of service of the defendant’s evidence on him, file further written evidence in reply.
(6) If he does so, he must also, within the same time limit, serve a copy of his evidence on the other parties.
(7) The claimant may rely on the matters set out in his claim form as evidence under this rule if the claim form is verified by a statement of truth. Evidence—general
8.6 (1) No written evidence may be relied on at the hearing of the claim unless—
(3) The court may give directions requiring the attendance for cross-examination(GL) of a witness who has given written evidence. (Rule 32.1 contains a general power for the court to control evidence) Part 20 claims
8.7 Where the Part 8 procedure is used, Part 20 (counterclaims and other additional claims) applies except that a party may not make a Part 20 claim (as defined by rule 20.2) without the court’s permission. Procedure where defendant objects to use of the Part 8 procedure
8.8 (1) Where the defendant contends that the Part 8 procedure should not be used because—
(b) the use of the Part 8 procedure is not required or permitted by a rule or practice direction, he must state his reasons when he files his acknowledgment of service. (Rule 8.5 requires a defendant who wishes to rely on written evidence to file it when he files his acknowledgment of service)
(2) When the court receives the acknowledgment of service and any written evidence it will give directions as to the future management of the case. (Rule 8.1(3) allows the court to make an order that the claim continue as if the claimant had not used the Part 8 procedure) Modifications to the general rules
8.9 Where the Part 8 procedure is followed—
(a) provision is made in this Part for the matters which must be stated in the claim form and the defendant is not required to file a defence and therefore—
(i) Part 16 (statements of case) does not apply;
(ii) Part 15 (defence and reply) does not apply;
(iii) any time limit in these Rules which prevents the parties from taking a step before a defence is filed does not apply; and
(iv) the requirement under rule 7.8 to serve on the defendant a form for defending the claim does not apply;
(b) the claimant may not obtain judgment by request on an admission and therefore—
(i) rules 14.4 to 14.7 do not apply; and
(ii) the requirement under rule 7.8 to serve on the defendant a form for admitting the claim does not apply; and
(c) the claim shall be treated as allocated to the multi-track and therefore Part 26 does not apply.
RESPONDING TO PARTICULARS OF CLAIM—GENERAL
Scope of this Part Rule 9.1
Defence, admission or acknowledgment of service Rule 9.2
9.1 (1) This Part sets out how a defendant may respond to particulars of claim.
(2) Where the defendant receives a claim form which states that particulars of claim are to follow, he need not respond to the claim until the particulars of claim have been served on him. Defence, admission or acknowledgment of service
9.2 When particulars of claim are served on a defendant, the defendant may—
(a) file or serve an admission in accordance with Part 14;
(b) file a defence in accordance with Part 15, (or do both, if he admits only part of the claim) ; or
(c) file an acknowledgment of service in accordance with Part 10.
Acknowledgment of service Rule 10.1
Consequence of not filing an acknowledgment of service Rule 10.2
The period for filing an acknowledgment of service Rule 10.3
Notice to claimant that defendant has filed an acknowledgment of service Rule 10.4
Contents of acknowledgment of service Rule 10.5
10.1 (1) This Part deals with the procedure for filing an acknowledgment of service.
(2) Where the claimant uses the procedure set out in Part 8 (alternative procedure for claims) this Part applies subject to the modifications set out in rule 8.3.
(3) A defendant may file an acknowledgment of service if—
(a) he is unable to file a defence within the period specified in rule 15.4; or
(b) he wishes to dispute the court’s jurisdiction. (Part 11 sets out the procedure for disputing the court’s jurisdiction) Consequence of not filing an acknowledgment of service
10.2 If—
(b) does not within that period file a defence in accordance with Part 15 or serve or file an admission in accordance with Part 14, the claimant may obtain default judgment if Part 12 allows it. The period for filing an acknowledgment of service
10.3 (1) The general rule is that the period for filing an acknowledgment of service is—
(2) The general rule is subject to the following rules—
(a) RSC Order 11 r.1A (which specifies how the period for filing an acknowledgment of service is calculated where the claim form is served out of the jurisdiction) ; and
(b) rule 6.16(4) (which requires the court to specify the period for responding to the particulars of claim when it makes an order under that rule). Notice to claimant that defendant has filed an acknowledgment of service
10.4 On receipt of an acknowledgment of service, the court must notify the claimant in writing. Contents of acknowledgment of service
10.5 An acknowledgment of service must—
(a) be signed by the defendant or his legal representative; and
(b) include the defendant’s address for service. (Rule 6.5 provides that an address for service must be within the jurisdiction)
Procedure for disputing the court’s jurisdiction. Rule 11
Procedure for disputing the court’s jurisdiction
11. (1) A defendant who wishes to—
(a) dispute the court’s jurisdiction to try the claim; or
(b) argue that the court should not exercise its jurisdiction, may apply to the court for an order declaring that it has no such jurisdiction or should not exercise any jurisdiction which it may have.
(2) A defendant who wishes to make such an application must first file an acknowledgment of service in accordance with Part 10.
(3) A defendant who files an acknowledgment of service does not, by doing so, lose any right that he may have to dispute the court’s jurisdiction.
(4) An application under this rule must—
(a) be made within the period for filing a defence; and
(b) be supported by evidence. (Rule 15.4 sets out the period for filing a defence)
(5) If the defendant—
(a) files an acknowledgment of service; and
(b) does not make such an application within the period for filing a defence, he is to be treated as having accepted that the court has jurisdiction to try the claim.
(6) An order containing a declaration that the court has no jurisdiction or will not exercise its jurisdiction may also make further provision including—
(a) setting aside the claim form;
(b) setting aside service of the claim form;
(c) discharging any order made before the claim was commenced or before the claim form was served; and
(d) staying(GL) the proceedings.
(7) If on an application under this rule the court does not make a declaration—
(a) the acknowledgment of service shall cease to have effect; and
(b) the defendant may file a further acknowledgment of service within 14 days or such other period as the court may direct.
(8) If the defendant files a further acknowledgment of service in accordance with paragraph (7) (b) he shall be treated as having accepted that the court has jurisdiction to try the claim.
(9) Where a defendant makes an application under this rule he need not file a defence before the hearing of the application.
(10) Where the claimant uses the procedure set out in Part 8 (alternative procedure for claims) this Part applies subject to the modifications set out in rule 8.3.
Meaning of “default judgment” Rule 12.1
Claims in which default judgment may not be obtained Rule 12.2
Conditions to be satisfied Rule 12.3
Procedure for obtaining default judgment Rule 12.4
Nature of judgment where default judgment obtained by filing a request Rule 12.5
Interest Rule 12.6
Procedure for deciding an amount or value Rule 12.7
Claim against more than one defendant Rule 12.8
Procedure for obtaining default judgment for costs only Rule 12.9
Default judgment obtained by making an application Rule 12.10
Supplementary provisions where applications for default judgment are made Rule 12.11
Meaning of “default judgment”
12.1 In these Rules, “default judgment” means judgment without trial where a defendant—
(a) has failed to file an acknowledgment of service; or
(b) has failed to file a defence. (Part 10 contains provisions about filing an acknowledgment of service and Part 15 contains provisions about filing a defence) Claims in which default judgment may not be obtained
12.2 A claimant may not obtain a default judgment—
(a) on a claim for delivery of goods subject to an agreement regulated by the Consumer Credit Act 1974(10 ) ;
(b) where he uses the procedure set out in Part 8 (alternative procedure for claims) ; or
(c) in any other case where a practice direction provides that the claimant may not obtain default judgment. Conditions to be satisfied
12.3 (1) The claimant may obtain judgment in default of an acknowledgment of service only if—
(a) the defendant has not filed an acknowledgment of service or a defence to the claim (or any part of the claim) ; and
(2) The claimant may obtain judgment in default of defence only if—
(a) the defendant has filed an acknowledgment of service but has not filed a defence; and
(b) the relevant time for doing so has expired. (Rules 10.3 and 15.4 deal respectively with the period for filing an acknowledgment of service and the period for filing a defence)
(3) The claimant may not obtain a default judgment if—
(a) the defendant has applied for summary judgment under Part 24, and that application has not been disposed of;
(b) the defendant has satisfied the whole claim (including any claim for costs) on which the claimant is seeking judgment; or
(c) (i) the claimant is seeking judgment on a claim for money; and
(ii) the defendant has filed or served on the claimant an admission under rule 14.4 or 14.7 (admission of liability to pay all of the money claimed) together with a request for time to pay. (Part 14 sets out the procedure where a defendant admits a money claim and asks for time to pay) (Rule 6.14 provides that, where the claim form is served by the claimant, he may not obtain default judgment unless he has filed a certificate of service) Procedure for obtaining default judgment
12.4 (1) Subject to paragraph (2) , a claimant may obtain a default judgment by filing a request in the relevant practice form where the claim is for—
(a) a specified amount of money;
(b) an amount of money to be decided by the court;
(c) delivery of goods where the claim form gives the defendant the alternative of paying their value; or
(d) any combination of these remedies.
(2) The claimant must make an application in accordance with Part 23 if he wishes to obtain a default judgment—
(a) on a claim which consists of or includes a claim for any other remedy; or
(b) where rule 12.9 or rule 12.10 so provides.
(3) Where a claimant—
(a) claims any other remedy in his claim form in addition to those specified in paragraph (1) ; but
(b) abandons that claim in his request for judgment, he may still obtain a default judgment by filing a request under paragraph (1). Nature of judgment where default judgment obtained by filing a request
12.5 (1) Where the claim is for a specified sum of money, the claimant may specify in a request filed under rule 12.4(1) —
(2) Except where paragraph (4) applies, a default judgment on a claim for a specified amount of money obtained on the filing of a request, will be judgment for the amount of the claim (less any payments made) and costs—
(b) if none is specified, immediately. (Interest may be included in a default judgment obtained by filing a request if the conditions set out in Rule 12.6 are satisfied) (Rule 45.4 provides for fixed costs on the entry of a default judgment)
(3) Where the claim is for an unspecified amount of money, a default judgment obtained on the filing of a request will be for an amount to be decided by the court and costs.
(4) Where the claim is for delivery of goods and the claim form gives the defendant the alternative of paying their value, a default judgment obtained on the filing of a request will be judgment requiring the defendant to—
(a) deliver the goods or (if he does not do so) pay the value of the goods as decided by the court (less any payments made) ; and
(b) pay costs. (Rule 12.7 sets out the procedure for deciding the amount of a judgment or the value of the goods)
(5) The claimant’s right to enter judgment requiring the defendant to deliver goods is subject to rule 40.14 (judgment in favour of certain part owners relating to the detention of goods). Interest
12.6 (1) A default judgment on a claim for a specified amount of money obtained on the filing of a request may include the amount of interest claimed to the date of judgment if—
(a) the particulars of claim include the details required by rule 16.4;
(b) where interest is claimed under section 35A of the Supreme Court Act 1981(11 ) or section 69 of the County Courts Act 1984(12 ) , the rate is no higher than the rate of interest payable on judgment debts at the date when the claim form was issued; and
(c) the claimant’s request for judgment includes a calculation of the interest claimed for the period from the date up to which interest was stated to be calculated in the claim form to the date of the request for judgment.
(2) In any case where paragraph (1) does not apply, judgment will be for an amount of interest to be decided by the court. (Rule 12.7 sets out the procedure for deciding the amount of interest) Procedure for deciding an amount or value
12.7 (1) This rule applies where the claimant obtains a default judgment on the filing of a request under rule 12.4(1) and judgment is for—
(a) an amount of money to be decided by the court;
(b) the value of goods to be decided by the court; or
(c) an amount of interest to be decided by the court.
(2) Where the court enters judgment it will—
(a) give any directions it considers appropriate; and
(b) if it considers it appropriate, allocate the case. Claim against more than one defendant
12.8 (1) A claimant may obtain a default judgment on request under this Part on a claim for money or a claim for delivery of goods against one of two or more defendants, and proceed with his claim against the other defendants.
(2) Where a claimant applies for a default judgment against one of two or more defendants—
(a) if the claim can be dealt with separately from the claim against the other defendants—
(i) the court may enter a default judgment against that defendant; and
(ii) the claimant may continue the proceedings against the other defendants;
(b) if the claim cannot be dealt with separately from the claim against the other defendants—
(i) the court will not enter default judgment against that defendant; and
(ii) the court must deal with the application at the same time as it disposes of the claim against the other defendants.
(3) A claimant may not enforce against one of two or more defendants any judgment obtained under this Part for possession of land or for delivery of goods unless—
(a) he has obtained a judgment for possession or delivery (whether or not obtained under this Part) against all the defendants to the claim; or
(b) the court gives permission. Procedure for obtaining a default judgment for costs only
12.9 (1) Where a claimant wishes to obtain a default judgment for costs only—
(a) if the claim is for fixed costs, he may obtain it by filing a request in the relevant practice form;
(b) if the claim is for any other type of costs, he must make an application in accordance with Part 23.
(2) Where an application is made under this rule for costs only, judgment shall be for an amount to be decided by the court. (Part 45 sets out when a claimant is entitled to fixed costs) Default judgment obtained by making an application
12.10 The claimant must make an application in accordance with Part 23 where—
(a) the claim is—
(i) a claim against a child or patient;
(ii) a claim in tort by one spouse against the other; or
(iii) a claim against the Crown.
(b) he wishes to obtain a default judgment where the defendant has failed to file an acknowledgment of service—
(i) against a defendant who has been served with the claim out of the jurisdiction under RSC Order 11 r.1(2) (a) (service without leave under the Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982(13 ) ) ;
(ii) against a defendant domiciled in Scotland or Northern Ireland or in any other Convention territory;
(iii) against a State;
(iv) against a diplomatic agent who enjoys immunity from civil jurisdiction by virtue of the Diplomatic Privileges Act 1964(14 ) ; or
(v) against persons or organisations who enjoy immunity from civil jurisdiction pursuant to the provisions of the International Organisations Acts 1968 and 1981(15 ). Supplementary provisions where applications for default judgment are made
12.11 (1) Where the claimant makes an application for a default judgment, judgment shall be such judgment as it appears to the court that the claimant is entitled to on his statement of case.
(2) Any evidence relied on by the claimant in support of his application need not be served on a party who has failed to file an acknowledgment of service.
(3) An application for a default judgment on a claim against a child or patient or a claim in tort between spouses must be supported by evidence.
(4) An application for a default judgment may be made without notice if—
(a) the claim was served in accordance with the Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982;
(b) the defendant has failed to file an acknowledgment of service; and
(c) notice does not need to be given under any other provision of these Rules.
(5) Where an application is made against a State for a default judgment where the defendant has failed to file an acknowledgment of service—
(a) the application may be made without notice, but the court hearing the application may direct that a copy of the application notice be served on the State;
(b) if the court—
(i) grants the application; or
(ii) directs that a copy of the application notice be served on the State,
the judgment or application notice (and the evidence in support) may be served out of the jurisdiction without any further order;
(c) where paragraph (5) (b) permits a judgment or an application notice to be served out of the jurisdiction, the procedure for serving the judgment or the application notice is the same as for serving a claim form under RSC Order 11 except where an alternative method of service has been agreed under section 12(6) of the State Immunity Act 1978(16 ). (Rule 23.1 defines “application notice”)
(6) For the purposes of this rule and rule 12.10—
(a) “domicile” is to be determined in accordance with the provisions of sections 41 to 46 of the Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982;
(b) “Convention territory” means the territory or territories of any Contracting State, as defined by section 1(3) of the Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982, to which the Brussels Conventions or Lugano Convention apply;
(c) “State” has the meaning given by section 14 of the State Immunity Act 1978; and
(d) “Diplomatic agent” has the meaning given by Article 1 (e) of Schedule 1 to the Diplomatic Privileges Act 1964.
SETTING ASIDE OR VARYING DEFAULT JUDGMENT
Scope of this Part Rule 13.1
Cases where the court must set aside judgment entered under Part 12 Rule 13.2
Cases where the court may set aside or vary judgment entered under Part 12 Rule 13.3
Application to set aside or vary judgment—procedure Rule 13.4
Claimant’s duty to apply to set aside judgment Rule 13.5
Abandoned claim restored where default judgment set aside Rule 13.6
13.1 The rules in this Part set out the procedure for setting aside or varying judgment entered under Part 12 (default judgment). (CCR Order 22 r.10 sets out the procedure for varying the rate at which a judgment debt must be paid) Cases where the court must set aside judgment entered under Part 12
13.2 The court must set aside(GL) a judgment entered under Part 12 if judgment was wrongly entered because—
(a) in the case of a judgment in default of an acknowledgment of service, any of the conditions in rule 12.3(1) and 12.3(3) was not satisfied;
(b) in the case of a judgment in default of a defence, any of the conditions in rule 12.3(2) and 12.3(3) was not satisfied; or
(c) the whole of the claim was satisfied before judgment was entered. Cases where the court may set aside or vary judgment entered under Part 12
13.3 (1) In any other case, the court may set aside(GL) or vary a judgment entered under Part 12 if—
(2) In considering whether to set aside(GL) or vary a judgment entered under Part 12, the matters to which the court must have regard include whether the person seeking to set aside the judgment made an application to do so promptly. (Rule 3.1(3) provides that the court may attach conditions when it makes an order) Application to set aside or vary judgment—procedure
13.4 (1) Where—
(a) the claim is for a specified amount of money;
(b) the judgment was obtained in a court which is not the defendant’s home court;
(c) the claim has not been transferred to another defendant’s home court under rule 14.12 (admission—determination of rate of payment by judge) or rule 26.2 (automatic transfer) ; and
(d) the defendant is an individual, the court will transfer an application by a defendant under this Part to set aside(GL) or vary judgment to the defendant’s home court. (Rule 2.3 explains which court is a defendant’s home court)
(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply where the claim was commenced in a specialist list.
(3) An application under rule 13.3 (cases where the court may set aside(GL) or vary judgment) must be supported by evidence. Claimant’s duty to apply to set aside judgment
13.5 (1) This rule applies where—
(a) the claimant has purported to serve particulars of claim; and
(b) the claimant has entered judgment under Part 12 against the defendant to whom the particulars of claim were sent.
(2) If a claimant who has entered judgment subsequently has good reason to believe that the particulars of claim did not reach the defendant before the claimant entered judgment, he must—
(a) file a request for the judgment to be set aside(GL) ; or
(b) apply to the court for directions.
(3) The claimant may take no further step in the proceedings for the enforcement of the judgment until the judgment has been set aside(GL) or the court has disposed of the application for directions. Abandoned claim restored where default judgment set aside
13.6 Where—
(a) the claimant claimed a remedy in addition to one specified in rule 12.4(1) (claims in respect of which the claimant may obtain default judgment by filing a request) ;
(b) the claimant abandoned his claim for that remedy in order to obtain default judgment on request in accordance with rule 12.4(3) ; and
(c) that default judgment is set aside(GL) under this Part, the abandoned claim is restored when the default judgment is set aside.
Making an admission Rule 14.1
Period for making an admission Rule 14.2
Admission by notice in writing—application for judgment Rule 14.3
Admission of whole of claim for specified amount of money Rule 14.4
Admission of part of claim for specified amount of money Rule 14.5
Admission of liability to pay whole of claim for unspecified amount of money Rule 14.6
Admission of liability to pay claim for unspecified amount of money where defendant offers a sum in satisfaction of the claim Rule 14.7
Allocation of claims in relation to outstanding matters Rule 14.8
Request for time to pay Rule 14.9
Determination of rate of payment Rule 14.10
Determination of rate of payment by court officer Rule 14.11
Determination of rate of payment by judge Rule 14.12
Right of re-determination Rule 14.13
Interest Rule 14.14
14.1 (1) A party may admit the truth of the whole or any part of another party’s case.
(2) He may do this by giving notice in writing (such as in a statement of case or by letter).
(3) Where the only remedy which the claimant is seeking is the payment of money, the defendant may also make an admission in accordance with—
(a) rule 14.4 (admission of whole claim for specified amount of money) ;
(b) rule 14.5 (admission of part of claim for specified amount of money) ;
(c) rule 14.6 (admission of liability to pay whole of claim for unspecified amount of money) ; or
(d) rule 14.7 (admission of liability to pay claim for unspecified amount of money where defendant offers a sum in satisfaction of the claim).
(4) Where the defendant makes an admission as mentioned in paragraph (3) , the claimant has a right to enter judgment except where—
(a) the defendant is a child or patient; or
(b) the claimant is a child or patient and the admission is made under rule 14.5 or 14.7. (Rule 21.10 provides that, where a claim is made by or on behalf of a child or patient or against a child or patient, no settlement, compromise or payment shall be valid, so far as it relates to that person’s claim, without the approval of the court)
(5) The court may allow a party to amend or withdraw an admission. (Rule 3.1(3) provides that the court may attach conditions when it makes an order) Period for making an admission
14.2 (1) The period for returning an admission under rule 14.4 or for filing it under rules 14.5, 14.6 or 14.7 is—
(a) where the defendant is served with a claim form which states that particulars of claim will follow, 14 days after service of the particulars; and
(2) Paragraph (1) is subject to the following rules—
(a) RSC Order 11 r.1A (which specifies how the period for filing or returning an admission is calculated where the claim form is served out of the jurisdiction) ; and
(b) rule 6.16(4) (which requires the court to specify the period for responding to the particulars of claim when it makes an order under that rule).
(3) A defendant may return an admission under rule 14.4 or file it under rules 14.5, 14.6 or 14.7 after the end of the period for returning or filing it specified in paragraph (1) if the claimant has not obtained default judgment under Part 12.
(4) If he does so, this Part shall apply as if he had made the admission within that period. Admission by notice in writing—application for judgment
14.3 (1) Where a party makes an admission under rule 14.1(2) (admission by notice in writing) , any other party may apply for judgment on the admission.
(2) Judgment shall be such judgment as it appears to the court that the applicant is entitled to on the admission. Admission of whole of claim for specified amount of money
14.4 (1) This rule applies where—
(a) the only remedy which the claimant is seeking is the payment of a specified amount of money; and
(b) the defendant admits the whole of the claim.
(2) The defendant may admit the claim by returning to the claimant an admission in the relevant practice form.
(3) The claimant may obtain judgment by filing a request in the relevant practice form and, if he does so—
(a) if the defendant has not requested time to pay, the procedure in paragraphs (4) to (6) will apply;
(b) if the defendant has requested time to pay, the procedure in rule 14.9 will apply.
(4) The claimant may specify in his request for judgment—
(5) On receipt of the request for judgment the court will enter judgment.
(6) Judgment will be for the amount of the claim (less any payments made) and costs—
(b) if none is specified, immediately. (Rule 14.14 deals with the circumstances in which judgment under this rule may include interest) Admission of part of a claim for a specified amount of money
14.5 (1) This rule applies where—
(b) the defendant admits part of the claim.
(2) The defendant may admit part of the claim by filing an admission in the relevant practice form.
(3) On receipt of the admission, the court will serve a notice on the claimant requiring him to return the notice stating that—
(a) he accepts the amount admitted in satisfaction of the claim;
(b) he does not accept the amount admitted by the defendant and wishes the proceedings to continue; or
(c) if the defendant has requested time to pay, he accepts the amount admitted in satisfaction of the claim, but not the defendant’s proposals as to payment.
(4) The claimant must—
(a) file the notice; and
(b) serve a copy on the defendant, within 14 days after it is served on him.
(5) If the claimant does not file the notice within 14 days after it is served on him, the claim is stayed(GL) until he files the notice.
(6) If the claimant accepts the amount admitted in satisfaction of the claim, he may obtain judgment by filing a request in the relevant practice form and, if he does so—
(a) if the defendant has not requested time to pay, the procedure in paragraphs (7) to (9) will apply;
(7) The claimant may specify in his request for judgment—
(b) the time and rate at which it is to be paid by instalments.
(8) On receipt of the request for judgment, the court will enter judgment.
(9) Judgment will be for the amount admitted (less any payments made) and costs—
(b) if none is specified, immediately. (If the claimant files notice under paragraph (3) that he wishes the proceedings to continue, the procedure which then follows is set out in Part 26) Admission of liability to pay whole of claim for unspecified amount of money
14.6 (1) This rule applies where—
(a) the only remedy which the claimant is seeking is the payment of money;
(b) the amount of the claim is not specified; and
(c) the defendant admits liability but does not offer to pay a specified amount of money in satisfaction of the claim.
(2) The defendant may admit the claim by filing an admission in the relevant practice form.
(3) On receipt of the admission, the court will serve a copy on the claimant.
(4) The claimant may obtain judgment by filing a request in the relevant practice form.
(5) If the claimant does not file a request for judgment within 14 days after service of the admission on him, the claim is stayed(GL) until he files the request.
(6) On receipt of the request for judgment the court will enter judgment.
(7) Judgment will be for an amount to be decided by the court and costs. Admission of liability to pay claim for unspecified amount of money where defendant offers a sum in satisfaction of the claim
14.7 (1) This rule applies where—
(c) the defendant—
(i) admits liability; and
(ii) offers to pay a specified amount of money in satisfaction of the claim.
(3) On receipt of the admission, the court will serve a notice on the claimant requiring him to return the notice stating whether or not he accepts the amount in satisfaction of the claim.
(4) If the claimant does not file the notice within 14 days after it is served on him, the claim is stayed(GL) until he files the notice.
(5) If the claimant accepts the offer he may obtain judgment by filing a request in the relevant practice form and if he does so—
(a) if the defendant has not requested time to pay, the procedure in paragraphs (6) to (8) will apply;
(6) The claimant may specify in his request for judgment—
(7) On receipt of the request for judgment, the court will enter judgment.
(8) Judgment will be for the amount offered by the defendant (less any payments made) and costs—
(a) to be paid on the date or at the rate specified in the request for judgment; or
(9) If the claimant does not accept the amount offered by the defendant, he may obtain judgment by filing a request in the relevant practice form.
(10) Judgment under paragraph (9) will be for an amount to be decided by the court and costs. Allocation of claims in relation to outstanding matters
14.8 Where the court enters judgment under rule 14.6 or 14.7 for an amount to be decided by the court it will—
(b) if it considers it appropriate, allocate the case. Request for time to pay
14.9 (1) A defendant who makes an admission under rules 14.4, 14.5 or 14.7 (admission relating to a claim for a specified amount of money or offering to pay a specified amount of money) may make a request for time to pay.
(2) A request for time to pay is a proposal about the date of payment or a proposal to pay by instalments at the times and rate specified in the request.
(3) The defendant’s request for time to pay must be served or filed (as the case may be) with his admission.
(4) If the claimant accepts the defendant’s request, he may obtain judgment by filing a request in the relevant practice form.
(5) On receipt of the request for judgment, the court will enter judgment.
(6) Judgment will be—
(a) where rule 14.4 applies, for the amount of the claim (less any payments made) and costs;
(b) where rule 14.5 applies, for the amount admitted (less any payments made) and costs; or
(c) where rule 14.7 applies, for the amount offered by the defendant (less any payments made) and costs; and (in all cases) will be for payment at the time and rate specified in the defendant’s request for time to pay. (Rule 14.10 sets out the procedure to be followed if the claimant does not accept the defendant’s request for time to pay) Determination of rate of payment
14.10 (1) This rule applies where the defendant makes a request for time to pay under rule 14.9.
(2) If the claimant does not accept the defendant’s proposals for payment, he must file a notice in the relevant practice form.
(3) Where the defendant’s admission was served direct on the claimant, a copy of the admission and the request for time to pay must be filed with the claimant’s notice.
(4) When the court receives the claimant’s notice, it will enter judgment for the amount admitted (less any payments made) to be paid at the time and rate of payment determined by the court. Determination of rate of payment by court officer
14.11 (1) A court officer may exercise the powers of the court under rule 14.10(4) where the amount outstanding (including costs) is not more than £50,000.
(2) Where a court officer is to determine the time and rate of payment, he must do so without a hearing. Determination of rate of payment by judge
14.12 (1) Where a judge is to determine the time and rate of payment, he may do so without a hearing.
(2) Where a judge is to determine the time and rate of payment at a hearing, the proceedings must be transferred automatically to the defendant’s home court if—
(a) the only claim is for a specified amount of money;
(b) the defendant is an individual;
(c) the claim has not been transferred to another defendant’s home court under rule 13.4 (application to set aside(GL) or vary default judgment—procedure) or rule 26.2 (automatic transfer) ;
(d) the claim was not started in the defendant’s home court; and
(e) the claim was not started in a specialist list. (Rule 2.3 explains which court is a defendant’s home court)
(3) If there is to be a hearing to determine the time and rate of payment, the court must give each party at least 7 days' notice of the hearing. Right of re-determination
14.13 (1) Where—
(a) a court officer has determined the time and rate of payment under rule 14.11; or
(b) a judge has determined the time and rate of payment under rule 14.12 without a hearing, either party may apply for the decision to be re-determined by a judge.
(2) An application for re-determination must be made within 14 days after service of the determination on the applicant.
(3) Where an application for re-determination is made, the proceedings must be transferred to the defendant’s home court if—
(a) the only claim (apart from a claim for interest or costs) is for a specified amount of money;
(e) the claim was not started in a specialist list. (Rule 2.3 explains which court is a defendant’s home court) Interest
14.14 (1) Judgment under rule 14.4 (admission of whole of claim for specified amount of money) shall include the amount of interest claimed to the date of judgment if—
(b) where interest is claimed under section 35A of the Supreme Court Act 1981(17 ) or section 69 of the County Courts Act 1984(18 ) , the rate is no higher than the rate of interest payable on judgment debts at the date when the claim form was issued; and
(2) In any case where judgment is entered under rule 14.4 and the conditions in paragraph (1) are not satisfied judgment shall be for an amount of interest to be decided by the court.
(3) Where judgment is entered for an amount of interest to be decided by the court, the court will give directions for the management of the case.