Vulnerable Parties & Witnesses in Civil Litigation - CPR Rule Changes & PD1A In Force from April

Introduction

Following a report published by the Civil Justice Council in February 2020, new rules come into force on 6 April 2021 aimed at the protection of vulnerable parties and witnesses in civil litigation.

An amendment to CPR Part 1 and a new practice direction (PD1A) are being introduced. The intent is to ensure that vulnerable parties may participate fully in the proceedings and witnesses may ‘give their best evidence’, whilst making sure the litigants are placed on an equal footing in such cases.

This webinar will explore the impact that the changes may have on the trials of claims where vulnerable parties and/or witnesses are involved.

What You Will Learn

This webinar will cover the following:

• Who is regarded as vulnerable?
• Temporary vulnerability?
• Who decides on the protection needed?
• Do the parties have a say?
• The problem of cross-examination
• Vulnerable witnesses and remote hearings
• Consequences for the proportionality of costs

This webinar was recorded on 6th April 2021