Justice and Efficiency - the Federal Court Case Management Handbook

This article examines the Federal Court Case Management Handbook, published in 2011. Given that lawyers are directly bound by the overarching objective of Justice and efficiency in the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth), the Handbook makes significant recommendations about how lawyers can discharge their obligations. The effectiveness of the Federal Court's case management system depends on the court being in a position to give realistic pre-trial directions. Without derogating from their obligations to their clients, lawyers must assist the court in advancing proper case management. The Handbook discusses how these dual obligations may be satisfied. The court's procedural powers and discretions, and their corresponding limits, are increasingly important.