Cutting the number of trials

According to the Solicitors Journal, the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA) is under pressure from the Treasury to cut the cost of the civil court system by reducing the number of civil and commercial cases which go to trial and the DCA has agreed to implement schemes to achieve this. Ministers are looking for an increase in the use of ADR and the Government is considering how it may be better used. Proposals are expected to be put forward. Around 2 million cases are commenced in the county courts and High Court each year, but only 15% go to full trial.