International civil legal co-operation

Abstract

This article proposes that Commonwealth countries should work together to achieve a greater level of co-operation in resolving international civil disputes. The purpose is to facilitate international trade and development, to improve access to justice, and to simplify, expedite and reduce the costs of international litigation. Existing arrangements between Commonwealth countries are limited, complex, outdated and inefficient. This article proposes the development of a Commonwealth Scheme for Co-operation in International Civil Matters, a proposal which was accepted by Commonwealth law ministers at their meeting in Sydney, Australia in July 2011.