Supreme Court Rules 2000

After a certificate of readiness or a joint letter of readiness has been filed, the registrar is to give notice of a pre-trial conference to the parties.

A notice of pre-trial conference – is to be given at least 7 days before the day fixed for the conference; and is to specify the date, time and place of the conference; and may state generally the matters that the judge requires to be dealt with at the conference.

If the registrar considers that, after a certificate or joint letter of readiness has been filed, a pre-trial conference may be unnecessary, the registrar is to refer the certificate or letter, together with the file to which it relates, to a judge.

On receiving the certificate or letter and file, a judge may order that – a pre-trial conference is not to be held; and that the action or proceeding be listed for trial.

The registrar is not to give a notice of pre-trial conference if an order is made under subrule (4).

A judge, without an application, may at any time direct that no pre-trial conference be held and that the action or proceeding be listed for trial.

A judge may – direct that a pre-trial conference be held by telephone, video link or other means; and give directions as to the manner in which the conference is to be held.