The formation of the UK judiciary’s new Business and Property Division has just been announced by the Lady Chief Justice and Lord Chancellor. Its aim is to modernise the High Court and strengthen its accessibility.
The reform will see both Business and Property courts being brought together under a new division. This will replace the current structure which stretches across the King’s Bench and Chancery Divisions.
Aiming to reinforce the international reputation of the Business and Property Courts, the reform will make it easier for court users to understand where to bring their cases, simplify governance arrangements and support flexible judicial deployment.
The Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales said:
“I want to do everything in my power to ensure that our courts are open and straightforward for anyone who needs our services. It’s a change which will provide greater clarity for user and strengthen accessibility of justice for all.
“The creation of the Business and Property Division more accurately reflect the requirements of people and businesses today. It’s clearer structure improves access to civil justice, and reinforces the country’s position as a leading global centre for dispute resolution.”
What is behind the reform of The UK judiciary’s new Business and Property Division?
The key aims of introduction of the UK judiciary’s new Business and Property Division are to:
- Strengthen international reputation of the Business and Property Courts by uniting them all under one singular roof
- Bring clarity to justice, and make it easier for court users to understand where to allocate their cases
- Clarify governance arrangements for business and property work in the High Court
- Strengthen the flexibility of judicial deployment, and ensure that judges can be assigned to where they are needed most
What will the UK judiciary’s new Business and Property Division do?
The UK judiciary’s new Business and Property Division Courts are a specialised group of civil courts that handle high-value domestic and international disputes, such as business, commercial, business, property, technology, construction and intellectual property cases. Since a substantial percentage of their cases involve international disputes, these courts play a driving force in the UK’s wider economy.
Once the reform take effect, the new Business and Property Division will replace the Chancery Division and sit alongside the King’s Bench and Family Divisions of the High Court. The individual courts and lists which comprise the new division will continue working as normal, keeping their current jurisdictions, identities and areas of expertise.
What changes will the introduction of the reform of The UK judiciary’s new Business and Property Division bring?
The Business and Property Division will be led by the current Chancellor of the High Court, Sir Colin Birss. He will assume the position of President of the Business and Property Division.
No changes will be made to the existing organisation, jurisdiction or operation of the King’s Bench Division, nor will it affect the current courts and specialist lists within the High Court.
Whilst it waits for approval through an Order in Council, the new Division is expected to come into effect at the beginning of the next legal year.
if you or a client are involved in a business or property dispute and would like to discuss the case with one of our team, please contact us today.