The civil procedure rules in England and Wales are a set of rules that govern the conduct of civil litigation in the courts of England and Wales.
The rules are designed to ensure that cases are dealt with justly, efficiently, and proportionately.
The civil procedure rules apply to a wide range of civil cases, including cases involving contract disputes, personal injury claims, and property disputes. The rules set out the steps that parties must follow in order to bring a case to court and to have it heard by a judge.
The rules cover issues such as the issuing and serving of court documents, the exchange of evidence and information between the parties, and the conduct of hearings and trials. They also contain provisions for alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation and arbitration, which can be used to resolve disputes without the need for a full trial.
The civil procedure rules are regularly updated to reflect changes in the law and to ensure that the courts are able to deal with cases in an efficient and effective manner. It is important for parties involved in civil litigation to be familiar with the rules, as failure to comply with them can result in delays and additional costs.