Arrangements Prior To The Trial

Arrangements prior to the trial – witnesses in relation to the Technology and Construction Court

[rtbs name=”technology-and-construction-court”]Prior to the trial the parties’ legal representatives should seek to agree on the following matters, in so far as they have not been resolved at the Pre-trial Review: the order in which witnesses are to be called to give evidence; which witnesses are not required for cross examination and whose evidence in consequence may be adduced entirely from their witness statements; the timetable for the trial and the length of time each advocate is to be allowed for a brief opening speech. When planning the timetable, it should be noted that trials normally take place on Mondays to Thursdays, since Fridays are reserved for applications. The witnesses should be notified in advance of the trial as to: (a) when each is required to attend court and (b) the approximate period of time for which he or she will be required to attend. It is the parties’ responsibility to ensure that their respective witnesses are ready to attend court at the appropriate time. It is never satisfactory for witnesses to be interposed, out of their proper place. It would require exceptional circumstances for the trial to be adjourned for any period of time because of the unavailability of a witness.