The overriding objective of the Civil Procedure Rules is to ensure that the cases are dealt with justly. This includes: ensuring that the parties are on an equal footing; saving expense; ensuring that the case is dealt with fairly and expeditiously; and dealing with the case in a way that is proportionate to the amount of money involved, the importance and complexity of the case and the parties’ financial positions.

The parties have a duty to help the Court to further the overriding objective. Failure to comply with this duty, or any rule or court order, may result in a sanction. Sanctions include:

The Court striking out all or part of the Claim or Defence.
The Court requiring a payment into court as a condition of continuing with the Claim or Defence.
The Court ordering the party in default to pay all or part of their opponent’s legal costs.
The Court varying the amount of interest payable on any damages.