Author: Contend Legal
How to Write a Character Reference Letter for Court UK
What is a Character Reference for Court? A character reference for court is a letter written to a judge that describes a person’s character, behaviour, and background. Its main purpose is to help the court gain a fuller picture of the individual beyond the details of the case. By offering a personal perspective, a character…
Preparing to Go to Court: Legal Overview
Introduction to Preparing for Court Preparing for a court hearing is an important step in making sure your case is presented clearly and confidently. Good preparation can help you feel more in control, whether you are representing yourself or working with a lawyer. Before you start gathering documents or planning your arguments, it’s helpful to…
How to File a Defence in UK Court: Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding What a Defence Is A defence is your formal, written response to a claim made against you in court. In legal terms, it sets out your side of the story – explaining why you disagree with the claim, correcting any errors, or providing your own evidence and arguments. Filing a defence is your main…
How to Make a Counter-Claim in UK Court Proceedings
What is a Counter-Claim? A counter-claim is a legal claim you make in response to someone else taking you to court. If you are being sued or taken to court (known as the claimant bringing a claim against you), a counter-claim allows you to raise your own complaint against that person within the same case.…
Defending Against a Claim: Legal Overview
Understanding a Claim Against You When someone makes a claim against you in a UK court, it means they believe you owe them money, have breached a contract, or are otherwise responsible for a legal wrong. The claim will usually arrive as a formal document – often called a ‘claim form’ or ‘particulars of claim’…
What It Means if Your Case Is Dismissed in UK Courts
Understanding Case Dismissal Understanding Case Dismissal When a case is dismissed in a UK court, it means the judge has decided to end the proceedings before a full trial takes place. In simple terms, the court has determined that the case should not continue, and no final decision is made on the main dispute itself.…
Types of Hearings: UK Legal Overview
Introduction to Types of Hearings A hearing is a formal meeting held in a UK court where a judge or magistrate listens to both sides of a case before making a decision. Hearings are a key part of the legal process, and you may encounter different types depending on the nature and stage of your…
How to Present Evidence and Witnesses in UK Courts
Introduction to Presenting Evidence and Witnesses Introduction to Presenting Evidence and Witnesses Evidence and witnesses are at the heart of every court hearing or trial in the UK. Their main purpose is to help the judge or jury understand exactly what happened, so they can make fair and informed decisions. Whether you are bringing a…
How to Prepare and Deliver Effective Oral Submissions in Court
Introduction to Oral Submissions Introduction to Oral Submissions Oral submissions are the spoken arguments or explanations presented in court, usually by a lawyer or, in some cases, by the parties themselves. Unlike written statements, oral submissions give you the opportunity to speak directly to the judge, clarify your position, and respond to any questions that…
How Jury Verdicts Work in UK Courts: A Simple Guide
Understanding Jury Verdicts Understanding Jury Verdicts A jury verdict is the formal decision made by a group of jurors after they have listened to all the evidence and arguments presented during a trial. In the UK, the jury plays a crucial role in both criminal and some civil cases. Their responsibility is to carefully consider…
