The FOUR Civil Court Tracks – Here’s What You Need to Know!
- teachlawhub
- May 4
- 3 min read
Updated: May 20
If you're studying A-level or BTEC Law, it is important to know how civil cases and claims are allocated to the correct track within the civil courts. As of 1 October 2023, a major change has been introduced. There are now four tracks, not three, thanks to new rules under The Civil Procedure (Amendment No.2) Rules 2023. This change follows the recommendation of Sir Rupert Jackson, who proposed a new category called the Intermediate Track, designed to sit between the Fast Track and the Multi Track.
Understanding how civil cases and claims are allocated within the courts is essential for your exams. You need to be able to name each track, identify the type and value of claims it covers, know which court it belongs in, who the judge is, and understand the key features of each one. Let’s have a look at them all.
The Small Claims Track is used for the least serious and the lowest value claims. It deals with cases worth up to £10,000, or up to £1,500 if the claim involves personal injury. These cases are heard in the County Court and are heard by a District Judge. The key idea behind small claims is to keep things simple and cheap. Parties are encouraged to represent themselves, and legal costs are kept low by discouraging the use of lawyers and avoiding expert witnesses. It’s a straightforward process designed for individuals who want to settle disputes without spending a lot of money or using legal representation.
Next, is the Fast Track, which handles claims between £10,000 and £25,000 (or over £1,500 in personal injury claims). These cases are also heard in the County Court, but they are overseen by a Circuit Judge. Fast Track cases are more serious than small claims, and there's a stronger emphasis on keeping them moving efficiently. There is usually a 30-week timetable from the allocation of the case to trial, and hearings should take no more than one day. One expert witness may be allowed, but the process remains fairly streamlined.
Now, here’s the big update: the new Intermediate Track. Introduced in 2023, this track fills the gap between Fast and Multi Track claims. It’s used for cases worth between £25,000 and £100,000. Like the Fast Track, these cases are heard in the County Court and dealt with by a Circuit Judge. However, they are generally more complex and may take longer to prepare. Hearings can last up to three days, and two expert witnesses can be used. One of the most important features of the Intermediate Track is that cases are assigned to a ‘band’ based on their complexity, which helps the court manage them more effectively.
Finally, there is the Multi Track, this is used for claims worth over £100,000, or for particularly complex cases that may be worth less. These cases are dealt with in the High Court in the King’s Bench Division and are heard by a High Court Judge. Multi Track cases require careful management by the judge, who will take control of setting deadlines, organising evidence, and managing the overall progress of the case. There is no limit on expert witnesses, and everything about the process is designed to handle the most serious or intricate disputes in civil law.
So, what does this mean for you as a law student? For your exams, you need to be able to identify each track, explain which kinds of claims go where, and discuss how the process differs between them. Most importantly, make sure you remember that the Intermediate Track is new, introduced in 2023, and is a change you can use to show off your up-to-date legal knowledge.
Click to download the FREE Four Tracks Revision sheet and practice recalling your knowledge with our free downloadable recall activity.
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