Supreme Court and Federal Court Procedures

Northern Territory Supreme Court and Federal Court are introducing measures to expedite procedures. It is felt that the aims are to reduce the costs of proceedings, facilitate access to justice and to make better use of court resources.

The draft practice direction No 8 of 2009 - Trial Civil Procedures Reforms discussed by the ad hoc Rules Committee and draft Explanatory statements have been circulated

CPDs on the draft practice direction are to be held shortly Tuesday 5 May 2009 and Monday 25 May 2009.

Barbara Bradshaw has discussed the draft practice direction further with members of the Ad Hoc Rules Committee and it would appear that the documents closely reflect the views of the Committee and that it is quite probably the final practice direction, to be discussed by the Judges at their pending Conference.

All practitioners who practice in the litigation area should get across the terms of the direction as they will be in line with procedures being adopted in other jurisdictions and represents the way of the future in litigation.

There are advantages in the approach for the public, insurers and practitioners. There are likely to be further developments.