Compliance and relief from sanctions

The court's aim is to ensure that cases are dealt with justly and at proportionate cost, in accordance with the overriding objective in CPR 1, and it has wide powers to manage cases so as to achieve this. In furtherance of this objective, there are strict time limits for all stages of litigation, including filing and serving statements of case, giving disclosure, exchanging witness statements and expert reports etc. These deadlines are generally set out in the CPR, the relevant court guide for the court in which the claim is proceedings, and/or the court's case management directions orders. A failure to comply with these deadlines could result in sanctions being applied against the defaulting party, including cost consequences and/or that party's claim or defence being struck out. If a party is unable to comply with a deadline set out in the CPR or a court order, they should seek an extension of the time for compliance as soon as they realise it is needed.

For guidance on the meaning and importance of compliance with rules, practice directions and orders and tips for avoiding the potentially draconian

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