Reviews spell more change for litigators, says Richard Langley
“But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked” ( Isaiah 57:20-21 ).
Litigators in England must be deeply sinful given the constant change being imposed on them. While the waters are still churned up by the Jackson reforms, two major consultations are taking place concerning the procedures in specialist areas of the High Court. There are lessons to be learned from the contrasting way these consultations are proceeding.
Chancery Modernisation Review
The first is the Chancery Modernisation Review (CMR). This is being conducted by Lord Justice Briggs (with the assistance of Mr Justice Newey). In July 2013 he published a provisional report running to 162 pages. The level of detail is impressive and the analysis of the Chancery Division as it is now, and the objectives for modernisation, is thoughtful and balanced. It is a valuable piece of work for anyone working and practising in that court.
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