A not-for-profit arbitration scheme has been launched for libel disputes.
Early Resolution – the brainchild of Sir Charles Gray, a retired high court judge, and Alastair Brett, a former legal manager of The Times – aims to help parties cut costs by dealing with key issues at an early stage. It aims to increase access to justice at reasonable cost irrespective of an individual’s financial means.
A high-profile roster of legal professionals have signed up to act as arbitrators, including retired Court of Appeal judges, Sir Henry Brooke and Sir Brian Neill, former Bar chair, Desmond Browne QC, and Doughty Street’s Heather Rogers QC.
Early Resolution aims to resolve disputes within 28 days, with initial costs unlikely to exceed £2,500 plus VAT.
Brett said: “The object of the exercise is to make the cost of libel actions infinitely cheaper. We believe we can offer that by deciding on ‘meaning’ on day one, so the defendant can decide whether to stand up and defend or make an offer of amends...This gives access to justice who people who think they have a prima facie case.”
