Fast-track justice likely to stay

Press, 2 November 1989, Page 42

Fast-track justice likely to stay

PA Auckand Auckland’s fast-track justice system of dealing with commercial cases is almost certain to become a permanent feature of the High Court. Since commercial list judges, Mr Justice Henry and Mr Justice Barker, recommended to the Justice Department earlier this year the list be continued indefinitely, the fast track system has continued to prosper. Court registrar, Mr Phil Milward, said that instead of taking two years

or more to chug through normal High Court hearings, relatively straightforward matters on the commercial list have a good chance of being ready for trial within seven months. This is because the commercial list is always under judicial control, he said. - Timetables are set by the judges to push along progress of the proceedings. It is difficult for the defence to instruct a solicitor to try delaying tactics. Matters qualifying for conuner-

cial listing include export/import cases, intellectual property, finance insurance and arbitration. Company windings up are not normal fare. Applicants must show that urgency is needed for their case, and the matters must show a degree of commerciality. Of the 140 proceedings initiated in the first year after the pilot commercial list began in April, 1987, 16 are still outstanding and only one does not have a date fixed for trial.