Which statement about pre-action objectives relating to costs is correct?

Which statement about pre-action objectives relating to costs is correct?

• A. Reduce the costs of resolving the dispute
• B. Increase the complexity of the case
• C. Eliminate ADR altogether
• D. Ensure the claimant loses

Answer: (A)

Pre-action objectives focus on keeping costs down by encouraging early resolution and efficient handling of disputes. The idea is to share information early, consider ADR, and take reasonable steps to settle before or without going to court. When parties follow these steps, costs tend to be lower because there’s less time spent on formal proceedings, unnecessary steps, or unnecessary legal wrangling. That’s why stating that the objective is to reduce the costs of resolving the dispute is the best fit. The other options run counter to this aim: increasing complexity would raise costs, eliminating ADR ignores the push for early settlement, and ensuring the claimant loses is not a aim of the process.

Pre-action objectives focus on keeping costs down by encouraging early resolution and efficient handling of disputes. The idea is to share information early, consider ADR, and take reasonable steps to settle before or without going to court. When parties follow these steps, costs tend to be lower because there’s less time spent on formal proceedings, unnecessary steps, or unnecessary legal wrangling. That’s why stating that the objective is to reduce the costs of resolving the dispute is the best fit. The other options run counter to this aim: increasing complexity would raise costs, eliminating ADR ignores the push for early settlement, and ensuring the claimant loses is not a aim of the process.