Delays in civil litigation in supreme courts, 1977-1981

The purpose of the study was to assess efficiency in the handling of civil litigation in Australian courts and to identify the parts of the process in which delays occurred. It also refers to solutions to delay which have been recommended or adopted elsewhere but does not make detailed recommendations. The progress of cases was assessed according to the type of case and the type of list entered. The supreme courts of New South Wales and Victoria were chosen for study as having the highest volume of work. The supreme court of the A.C.T represents courts having a low volume of work. The study covers the years 1977-1984. Samples were taken of cases commenced between 1977 and 1980 and of cases listed for hearing on major and special lists in a twelve month period 1979/80 and 1980/81. Their progress through the judicial process was charted. Progress was assessed according to the type of case and the type of list entered. For budgetary reasons only cases from the Sydney and Melbourne registries were used in the NSW and Victorian Samples. Variables cover background information on a case, the parties and their solicitors, information on the number and types of appearances at various stages of the proceedings, dates of key steps in the process, the nature and means of disposition, and information on post-judgement proceedings.