Vexatious litigation

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The court has various powers to prevent parties from bringing or pursuing claims which are vexatious.

Civil restraint orders (CROs)

CROs can be made where a party persists in issuing claims or making applications that are totally without merit (CPR PD 3C, para 1). The CRO restrains the party from making claims or applications either in certain proceedings or in certain courts (depending on the type of CRO) and can apply to specific proceedings or for a specific period (which cannot exceed three years for most types of CRO), which can later be extended by the court (CPR PD 3C, para 3.9–CPR PD 3C, para 3.10 and CPR PD 3C, para 4.9–CPR PD 3C, para 4.10). During this time, the party who is subject to the CRO will only be able to make applications or claims (as specified in the order) with prior

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