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10 February 2017 / Kerry Underwood
Issue: 7733 / Categories: Features
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Anywhere county court 2018: send in the clowns

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A play by Kerry Underwood

The scene: One of the four remaining county courts. A personal injury small claim hearing is taking place.

 

Judge: “Good morning. Please introduce yourself.”

 

Claimant’s representative : “I am Fat Fred from the Dog and Duck.”

 

Judge : “I have a note from the Ipswich Union Insurance Company saying:

 

`Do your worst–£400.00. In fact as part of our corporate social responsibility kick throw in the extra £25.00 for the psychological injury—that will get a nice bunch of flowers.’”

 

Fat Fred: “I want as much as possible as quickly as possible. I am on 60% of damages.

 

Judge: “You mean 40% for you and 60% for your client?”

 

Fat Fred : “I know what I mean. I am a McKenzie Friend. I can do what I want.”

 

Judge : “I see. The medical evidence is from a Doctor Doolittle Is he here?”

 

Fat Fred : “Yes, that’s me. I am a McKenzie

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Ward Hadaway—19 promotions

Ward Hadaway—19 promotions

19 promotions across national offices, including two new partners

Brabners—Ruth Hargreaves

Brabners—Ruth Hargreaves

Partner promoted to head of corporate team

Slater Heelis—Liam Hall, Jordan Bear & Joe Madigan

Slater Heelis—Liam Hall, Jordan Bear & Joe Madigan

Chester office expansion accelerates with triple appointment

NEWS
The Court of Appeal’s decision in Mazur v Charles Russell Speechlys has reignited debate over what exactly counts as the ‘conduct of litigation’ in modern legal practice
A controversial High Court financial remedies ruling has reignited debate over secrecy, non-disclosure and fairness in divorce proceedings involving hidden wealth
Britain’s deferred prosecution agreement regime is undergoing a significant shift, with prosecutors placing renewed emphasis on corporate cooperation, reform and early self-reporting
The High Court has upheld the Metropolitan Police’s live facial recognition policy, rejecting claims that its deployment unlawfully interferes with privacy and protest rights
As AI chatbots increasingly provide legal and commercial advice, English law is beginning to confront who should bear responsibility when automated systems get things wrong
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