We all strive towards perfection. As litigators we want to achieve the ideal: to have our letters commended by judges and all our time allowed by the costs office.  Richard Harrison considers how to achieve the status of ideal litigator.

Litigation is a serious and expensive business. But, just occasionally, it descends into farce. A judge gives a judgment which paints a picture so vivid that you can see the events unfolding, with painful clarity.

When can you penalise default? A developed system of law must control the imposition of disproportionate sanctions.