Statements of case
Statements of case define the issues the court will decide. SQE1 tests the required content of particulars of claim, defence and counterclaim, the time limits for responding and the rules on amendment.
What "Statements of case" covers
- The particulars of claim must set out a concise statement of the facts relied on and the remedy sought, with any interest claimed (CPR 16.4).
- A defendant may file an acknowledgment of service and then has 14 days from service of particulars to file a defence, or 28 days if an acknowledgment was filed (CPR 15).
- The defence must state which allegations are admitted, denied or not admitted, and must give reasons for each denial — a bare denial is insufficient (CPR 16.5).
- A defendant may bring a counterclaim against the claimant or an additional claim against a third party under Part 20.
- Every statement of case must be verified by a statement of truth (CPR 22); a false statement without honest belief may be contempt of court.
- A party may request further information about a statement of case under CPR 18 to clarify or give additional detail on a matter in dispute.
- Once a statement of case has been served, it may be amended only with the written consent of the other parties or the permission of the court (CPR 17).
Key cases & statutes
The authorities and provisions most likely to matter for this subtopic:
How it's tested in SQE1
SQE1 uses single best answer questions: a short factual scenario, one precise question, and five options of which only one is the best answer on the law applied to the facts. For statements of case, expect to be asked what the correct legal position is, what a party may or must do, or which outcome follows — with more than one option looking arguable. Reading the facts carefully and eliminating the near-misses is the skill that earns the mark.
Where candidates lose marks
- Getting the defence deadline wrong — it is 14 days from particulars, extended to 28 days only where an acknowledgment of service is filed.
- Pleading a bare denial without reasons, contrary to CPR 16.5, which risks the allegation being taken as admitted.
- Forgetting that once served, a statement of case can only be amended by consent or the court's permission.
Learn this subtopic in the course
A video lesson, notes and exam-style practice on statements of case.
FAQ
Is statements of case tested on SQE1?
Yes — statements of case is part of the SQE1 Dispute Resolution syllabus (FLK1) and can appear in single best answer questions.
How is statements of case examined in SQE1?
SQE1 tests it by application: you're given a realistic scenario and choose the single best answer from five options. The focus is on using the law correctly, not reciting it — knowing the leading authorities (CPR 16 (statements of case), CPR 16.5 (defence: reasons for denial)) helps.