Where a party's late introduction of evidence at trial changes the landscape of the case, the opposing party should ordinarily be permitted to adduce responsive evidence, even if late and contrary to pre-trial orders, provided the other party's interests can be protected by an adjournment and costs order. The significance of the evidence to the party seeking to adduce it, and the magnitude of the potential impact on the outcome, are critical factors. Compliance with case management regimes must yield to the paramount purpose of just resolution of the dispute.
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