The Australian government has introduced draft laws aimed at reforming the legal system so it doesn't, in the words of Charles Dickens, give the "monied might the means abundantly of wearying out the right."
The reforms aim to have appeals and litigation resolved quickly and efficiently. They would give the Federal Court power to impose time limits, witness limits, submission length limits, and to penalise deliberately inefficient parties and lawyers.
"These reforms are essential in enabling federal courts to deliver a fair, effective and affordable service to litigants," said Attorney-General Robert McClelland. The improved efficiency should also save the taxpayer a great deal of money.
