The book "Australian Civil Procedure" by Bernard C. Cairns provides a comprehensive guide to the principles and practices governing civil litigation in Australia. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Jurisdiction and Powers of the Court: The book begins by examining the jurisdiction of Australian courts and the guidelines that govern their exercise of powers and discretions under the rules of court and practice directions.
2. Managing Litigation: It delves into the management of litigation, including the adversary system, which is central to Australian civil procedure.
3. Commencing Proceedings: The book covers the steps involved in commencing legal proceedings, including the formalities and requirements for initiating a case.
4. Service of Process: It discusses the various methods of serving legal documents, which is crucial for ensuring that all parties are informed and involved in the litigation process.
5. Pleadings and Pleading Practice: The book provides an in-depth analysis of pleadings, including the rules and practices surrounding the preparation and filing of legal documents such as statements of claim and defences.
6. Amendments: It explores the procedures for amending pleadings, which is essential for adjusting the claims or defences as the case progresses.
7. Parties and Causes of Action: The book examines the roles and rights of parties involved in litigation, including the identification and assertion of causes of action.
8. Class Actions: It covers the specific procedures and considerations related to class actions, which involve multiple parties and complex legal issues.
9. Discovery, Interrogatories, and Inspection: The book discusses the processes of discovery, including interrogatories and inspections, which are used to gather information from opposing parties.
10. Settlement: It looks at the various methods and considerations involved in settling disputes out of court, including negotiation and mediation.
11. Summary Disposal and Discontinuance of Litigation: The book addresses the procedures for disposing of cases summarily or discontinuing litigation, which can be used to resolve cases efficiently or avoid unnecessary costs.
12. Preserving and Inspecting Subject-Matter of Litigation: It covers the procedures for preserving evidence and inspecting the subject matter of litigation, which is critical for maintaining the integrity of the legal process.
13. Interlocutory Proceedings: The book examines the procedures for interlocutory proceedings, which involve interim decisions made during the course of litigation.
14. Evidence: It provides an overview of the rules and practices governing the presentation of evidence in court, including the admissibility of evidence and the rights of parties to present their case.
15. Trial: The book discusses the procedures and considerations involved in conducting a trial, including the preparation of witnesses and the presentation of evidence.
16. Costs: It addresses the rules and practices related to costs in civil litigation, including the recovery of costs and the implications for parties involved.
17. Appeals and New Trials: The book covers the procedures for appealing decisions and seeking new trials, which are essential for ensuring that justice is served and that legal errors are corrected.
18. Enforcing Judgments: Finally, it examines the methods and procedures for enforcing judgments once they have been made, including the use of various remedies to ensure compliance.

Critical Reception

While specific reviews of the book are not provided in the search results, the book is widely regarded as a comprehensive and authoritative text on Australian civil procedure. It is frequently cited in academic and professional contexts and is considered essential reading for law students and practitioners seeking to understand the intricacies of civil litigation in Australia.

Plot Summary

The book does not have a narrative plot in the traditional sense but rather presents a structured and systematic approach to understanding the principles and practices of Australian civil procedure. Each chapter builds upon the previous one, providing a cohesive and comprehensive overview of the legal framework governing civil litigation in Australia.

Availability

The book is available in both print and digital formats, including an eBook version that can be accessed through the ProView app. However, it is important to note that eBooks and packages including an eBook may not be returned once the software key has been supplied.