Defining Civil Disputes: Lessons from Two Jurisdictions

29 Pages Posted: 29 Nov 2011 Last revised: 21 Mar 2012

See all articles by Elizabeth G. Thornburg

Elizabeth G. Thornburg

Southern Methodist University - Dedman School of Law

Camille Cameron

University of Melbourne - Law School

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: November 28, 2011

Abstract

Court systems have adopted a variety of mechanisms to narrow the issues in dispute and expedite litigation. This article analyses the largely unsuccessful attempts in two jurisdictions - the United States and Australia - to achieve early and efficient issue identification in civil disputes. Procedures that rely on pleadings to provide focus have failed for centuries, from the common (English) origins of these two systems to their divergent modern paths. Case management practices that are developing in the United States and Australia offer greater promise in the continuing quest for early, efficient dispute definition. Based on a historical and contemporary comparative analysis of the approach to pleadings in the United States and Australia, this article recommends that courts should rethink the function of pleadings, alter litigation incentives, and refine case management practices. This will lead to earlier issue identification, better framing of the discovery process, and a more efficient litigation process.

Keywords: United States, Australia, civil disputes, litigation

JEL Classification: K19, K39

Suggested Citation

Thornburg, Elizabeth G. and Cameron, Camille, Defining Civil Disputes: Lessons from Two Jurisdictions (November 28, 2011). Melbourne Univeristy Law Review, Vol. 35, No. 1, 2011, U of Melbourne Legal Studies Research Paper No. 567, SMU Dedman School of Law Legal Studies Research Paper No. 94, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1965791

Elizabeth G. Thornburg

Southern Methodist University - Dedman School of Law ( email )

P.O. Box 0116
Dallas, TX 75275
United States
214-768-2613 (Phone)
214-768-3142 (Fax)

Camille Cameron (Contact Author)

University of Melbourne - Law School ( email )

University Square
185 Pelham Street, Carlton
Victoria, Victoria 3010
Australia

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