County Court

County Court meaning

A national civil court for England and Wales, the County Court has limited monetary jurisdiction and is known as the County Court. Instead than being housed in a single place, the County Court may be found in a number of different courtrooms and buildings located throughout England and Wales.

Difference between County Court and High Court

The County Court and the High Court are two distinct levels of court that have their own jurisdiction and powers. The County Court deals with civil and family matters, such as debt recovery, housing possession, small claims, and divorce proceedings. On the other hand, the High Court is responsible for more complex and serious civil cases that require expertise, such as large personal injury claims, complex commercial disputes, and judicial reviews of government decisions. In addition, the High Court also handles appeals from lower courts and tribunals. Another key difference between the two courts is the level of judges presiding over cases. The County Court is typically presided over by a district judge or a circuit judge, whereas the High Court is presided over by a senior judge or a specialist judge.

Choice of Court

A client may have the option of beginning legal action in either the High Court or the County Court, depending on the circumstances. As a general rule, the County Court has the authority to consider any and all matters involving breaches of contract and torts. This is due to the provision included in PD 7A, paragraph 2.1, Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) which states that legal actions cannot be initiated in the High Court unless the amount of the claim is more than £100,000. Hence, if the action is expected to be resolved for less than £100,000, it must be brought before the County Court. If the client so desires, the case may be brought to the High Court if the value of the matter is more than £100,000.

The County Court Judgment (CCJ)

A County Court Judgment or CCJ is a type of court order issued by the County Court in the UK. It is a legal decision that confirms an individual or company has failed to repay debt owed to a creditor. In other words, it is a court order stating that the debtor has failed to satisfy their financial obligations, which may have resulted in the creditor starting legal proceedings against them. A CCJ can have severe consequences including affecting one's credit rating, and it can appear on a person's credit file for six years, making it challenging to obtain credit from financial institutions. Therefore, it is recommended to act promptly when one receives a County Court Judgment notice to avoid dire financial consequences.

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