New legislation recently passed by the Scottish Parliament will provide a wider range of funding options and better protection from court costs for people considering legal action, the Scottish Government has reported.
It says that the passing of the Civil Litigation (Expenses and Group Proceedings) (Scotland) Bill will ensure civil justice is more affordable, predictable and accessible – while providing greater funding equity between claimants and defenders in personal injury actions.
The Bill was first published in the Scottish Parliament in June last year, and provided the legal framework to implement a number of key recommendations of Sheriff Principal James Taylor’s Review of Expenses and Funding of Civil Litigation in Scotland.
“The potential costs involved in civil court action can deter many people from pursuing legal action, even where their claim may have good grounds for success,” explained Minister for Legal Affairs Annabelle Ewing.
“This Bill will improve the ability of people in Scotland who have a civil claim to pursue that case in the courts,” she said. “It seeks to remove some of the barriers which, in the past, have deterred individuals from accessing justice in the civil courts.”
“We welcome the Bill,” added Kim Leslie of the Law Society of Scotland’s Civil Justice Committee. “It will create a fairer, more accessible and affordable civil justice system for members of the Scottish public seeking redress through our courts.”
Contact Us
For expert legal advice and support on litigation and going to court in Scotland then contact our specialist litigation lawyers today.
