CHEAPER LITIGATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21987, 23 June 1933, Page 3

CHEAPER LITIGATION

A simplification of legal procedure is urged in an article published in the current number of the Australian Law Institute Journal.

Commenting on the proposals contained in the article to make litigation cheaper • the Melbourne Argus says that lawyers themselves would benefit most by ■ reform of this kind. They would be called upon more frequently to act as advisers and advocates in the legal settlement of disputes which are now settled by more direct, if less conventional methods. The most important consideration, however, is the right of citizens to have their approach to the King’s Courts made ns easy as possible, consistently with the preservation of - adequate machinery, for ensuring justice. Litigation, is not desirable in itself. It is far better for the minor disputes of life and of business to be adjusted by the ordinary rules of good feeling and fair dealing as between man and man. But in many instances skilled intervention is necessary, and. it is important to ensure that no man should suffer injustice because of the. expense and pitfalls involved in approaching the fount of justice. ,;-Tbe courts should be regarded .by the humblest citizen as essentially the friends of right, rather than as institutions to be shunned because justice is expensive and uncertain. . ■