The details of the claim and defence are set out in Statements of Case. These must include a concise account of all the relevant facts. Parties are not permitted simply to deny everything without setting out their own version of events. Statements of case (which expression includes both the claim and the defence and other documents such as witness statements) must include a statement of truth (“I believe that the facts stated are true”). The statement of truth can be signed by you or a senior person in your company. We can sign statements of truth where you have authorised us to do so. If we do sign on your behalf, we will be confirming your belief that the facts stated are true. It is essential to establish the facts and surprising how easy it is to be misinformed. If you do not have an honest belief in the truth of the facts stated, proceedings may be brought against you for contempt of Court, the penalties of which are imprisonment or a fine. Alternatively, the claim or defence could be struck out and costs orders made against you. If statements of case have to be amended the party causing the amendment will have to pay their opponent’s costs of the change and in some circumstances may be prevented from making any amendment.