Justice Chang - On Mandatory Civil Procedures

Justice Chang recently ruled, quite eloquently, in May 2023, that the practice directions, knowledge of case lines and use of same, and proper procedures are not optional, but Rules that must be adhered to. This case is notable because Justice Chang outlines the significance of the protocols found in the Practice Directions as well as the Notice to the Profession, Public and Media, as well as Caselines.

The case can be accessed here. All lawyers should follow the directions from paragraphs 3-10 and hede his warnings of following proper procedure as a mandatory requirement of a lawyer’s ethical obligation. A failure to follow the Practice Directions puts the administration of justice in disrepute and contributes to the delays and backlogs the courts are furiously trying to clear.