header-logo header-logo

A fresh approach

18 October 2013 / Peter Causton
Issue: 7580 / Categories: Features , Procedure & practice
printer mail-detail
istock_000022505621medium

 Peter Causton casts an eye over recent plans to modernise the Chancery Division

When Briggs LJ turned his attention to the modernisation of the Chancery Division, he faced a mammoth task and this is reflected in his 162-page Chancery Modernisation Review: Provisional Report.

It is apparent from the report that the decision-making in the Division is held in high regard and that there is no requirement for radical reform, so the focus is upon cultural change. No discussion of the Division can be complete without mentioning Dickens’ Bleak House, which some might consider to be the first review of the Division. Briggs LJ reports that there was no hint of the old Bleak House criticism in the consultation responses, but there are problems which do need addressing. He identifies long delays in obtaining hearings before registrars and criticises the lack of modern IT. Judges have no electronic diaries and there is no electronic filing system. There are unacceptable delays in drawing up orders and an absence of effective means of communication

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Hugh James—Phil Edwards

Hugh James—Phil Edwards

Serious injury teambolstered by high-profile partner hire

Freeths—Melanie Stancliffe

Freeths—Melanie Stancliffe

Firm strengthens employment team with partner hire

DAC Beachcroft—Tim Barr

DAC Beachcroft—Tim Barr

Lawyers’ liability practice strengthened with partner appointment in London

NEWS
Ceri Morgan, knowledge counsel at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, analyses the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Johnson v FirstRand Bank Ltd, which reshapes the law of fiduciary relationships and common law bribery
The boundaries of media access in family law are scrutinised by Nicholas Dobson in NLJ this week
Reflecting on personal experience, Professor Graham Zellick KC, Senior Master of the Bench and former Reader of the Middle Temple, questions the unchecked power of parliamentary privilege
Geoff Dover, managing director at Heirloom Fair Legal, sets out a blueprint for ethical litigation funding in the wake of high-profile law firm collapses
James Grice, head of innovation and AI at Lawfront, explores how artificial intelligence is transforming the legal sector
back-to-top-scroll