Civil Litigation
Some matters falling into this category include the following:
Adverse Possession
The occupation of land by a person for at least 16 years with the intention to possess where another has title.
Judicial Review
A procedure by which the Court reviews an administrative action by a public body.
Family Matters
Entails Divorce, Children and Property Settlement.
Libel and Slander
Collectively referred to as “Defamation” – these are civil wrongs that cause harm to a person’s reputation, etc.
Title to Land
Deals with the non-consensual or hostile use of another’s land.
Leases-Landlord and Tenant
Any action relating to leases, tenancy agreements, etc.
Boundary Dispute
Disagreement in relation to boundaries of properties.
CIVIL LITIGATION
Specific Performance
To compel someone to act in accordance with an agreement.
Habeas Corpus
An act requiring a person under arrest to be released.
Constitutional Matters
Deals with the breach of a right of a citizen governed by the constitution of Trinidad and Tobago.
Malicious Prosecution
The wrongful institution of criminal proceedings against someone without reasonable grounds.
Wrongful Dismissal
Deals with the wrongful or unfair termination from one’s place of employment.
Estates
Deals with a deceased person’s estate whether that person left a Will or no.
HIGH COURT
Generally speaking, the process at the High Court level may be divided into five (5) stages:
1. Pre-Action Protocol
- Letter
- Negotiations
- Mediation
2. Pleadings
- Claim Form & Statement of Case
- Defence & Counterclaim
- Reply & Defence to Counterclaim
3. Case Management Conference
- Directions
- Witness Statements
- Judicial Settlement Conference
- Pre-Trial Review
4. Trial
- Give Evidence
- Cross Examination
5. Submissions
- Facts
- Law
- Analysis