The general process framework

In this section:

What is a case conference
The specially managed civil list framework
The simplified process framework
The court dispute resolution framework
The general process framework

The general process framework

The general process framework applies to all originating claims filed in the District Courts on or after 1 April 2022 that are not subject to the specially managed civil list, simplified process or court dispute resolution frameworks.

Refer to the following for an overview of the general process framework:

general-process-framework

The first general process case conference

The first general process case conference (CC) will be scheduled around 7 weeks from the date that the defence was filed.

A general process CC notice will be issued to inform the claimant and any other party who has filed a notice of intention to contest and/or defend the claim that the case has been identified for the general process. The notice will state the following:

Date of the first general process CC.
Documents to be filed and steps to take within a prescribed time.

If there is at least one party who is not represented by a lawyer, a physical general process CC will be scheduled. During the general process CC, the parties are to submit the following:

Directions to be obtained from the court.
Applications contemplated under the Single Application Pending Trial (SAPT) pursuant to Order 9 Rule 9 of the Rules of Court 2021.

If both parties are represented by lawyers, the general process CC will be conducted on a “documents-only” basis. All updates, requests for directions, and directions given by the court must be communicated through eLitigation.

Further general process CCs may be convened if required by the court or on the parties’ application.

Single Application Pending Trial

The court may, at the first general process CC, direct the parties to file the Single Application Pending Trial (SAPT).

A party who intends to file any application, besides those directed at a CC, must seek the court’s approval. This can be done by filing:

"Request to seek Permission for Application”. This must be copied to all other parties.

"Request for Case Conference”, if the parties wish to make the submissions in a physical or remote CC. The request should state why the request for the court’s approval to file further applications cannot or should not be dealt with outside a CC.

Directions

Parties should agree on the directions that they are seeking from the court before they attend any general process CC. If they cannot agree, they must inform the court of the items they disagree with and submit their respective positions on each item at the general process CC.

A party who fails to comply with the directions given and is seeking an extension of time to comply must inform the court:

Why the directions have not been complied with.
Why they are seeking an extension of time.
Whether the other party agrees to the extension of time.

If any party fails to provide the update on the progress of the matter, the list of directions sought, or fails to comply with the court’s directions, the court may proceed to give the necessary directions to the parties, to facilitate the progress of the case.

Alternative dispute resolution

Where appropriate, the court may, at any general process CC, refer the case to court alternative dispute resolution (Court ADR) or allow time for the parties to engage in any other appropriate ADR process. There are 3 forms of Court ADR:

Mediation	Mediation is not to determine who is at fault in the dispute. Rather, the mediator will assist the parties in negotiating and agreeing on a possible settlement to their dispute.
Conciliation	Conciliation is similar to mediation. It is not to determine who is at fault in the dispute. Instead, the conciliator at the conciliation hearing will assist the parties in negotiating and agreeing on a possible settlement to their dispute. Compared to mediators, conciliators play a more active role in suggesting optimal solutions for the parties
Neutral evaluation	Neutral evaluation applies only to civil cases where parties have requested a neutral evaluation. It involves the parties and their solicitors making presentations of their claims and defences, including the available evidence, followed by the judge of the Court Dispute Resolution Cluster giving an assessment of the merits of the case. This process is also useful for helping the parties to arrive at areas of agreement and to discuss methods of case management to save costs and time.

Tip

In deciding the mode of Court ADR, the court will consider, amongst other things, the factual matrix and the parties’ preference.

The primary aim of Court ADR is to facilitate open and frank discussions between parties to help them achieve an amicable resolution of their dispute. As such, all communications made in a Court ADR hearing will be marked by the judge as being confidential or without prejudice, except the terms of the settlement agreement (unless all the parties to the settlement agree to keep it confidential), consent judgments and consent orders of court.

Setting down for trial

If the action is not disposed of by the court or settled or resolved, the court will, at an appropriate stage, set down the matter for trial.

If the matter is set down by the date fixed by the court, a pre-trial case conference will be arranged and any outstanding general process CC will be set aside.

When the matter has been set down, the parties should seek extended timelines and/or permission to file any further applications at the general process CC or from the trial judge if one has been allocated.

Need help?

The information here is for general guidance as the courts do not provide legal advice. If you need further help, you may want to get independent legal advice.

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