Summary assessment

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What is summary assessment?

The provisions relating to summary assessment are set out in CPR 44 and CPR PD 44. Summary assessment is defined under CPR 44.1 as the procedure where costs are assessed by the judge who has heard the case or application. The general rule is that the court should carry out a summary assessment of costs either at the conclusion of a fast track trial, in which case the order will deal with the costs of the whole claim, or at the conclusion of any other hearing which has not lasted for more than one day (CPR PD 44, para 9.2). Where costs are summarily assessed in relation to any other hearing (not the trial), the court order will deal with the costs of the application or matter to which the hearing related. If the hearing disposes the whole claim (eg if there is a successful strike out application) the court order can deal with the costs of the whole claim (CPR PD 44, para 9.2). If the court considers that summary assessment is inappropriate it may order the costs to be dealt

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