| 125. |
Looking at some of the
other aspects of the picture revealed in the figures, it is notable that a high level of
cases which eventually settle do not do so until the very last moment. This implies that
many cases settle after the parties have probably incurred full, but ultimately
unnecessary, trial preparation costs. Scope therefore clearly exists to encourage earlier
settlement and the avoidance of such costs. It is difficult to say whether trial durations
can be cut down, but a 3 day median appears to suggest room for manoeuvre. There is
certainly much room for improvement in relation to trial duration estimates. |
