Preparing for a court hearing
A calm structure for the days before the hearing, arrival, papers, notes and post-hearing follow-up.
Read guideDocuments
Chronologies and Scott schedules
Two practical tools for organising events, allegations, responses and evidence.
Chronology
- A chronology is a dated list of important events.
- Keep entries short and factual.
- Include document references where the event is supported by evidence.
Scott schedule
- A Scott schedule is often used to set out specific allegations, responses and evidence in a table.
- Each row should deal with one allegation or issue.
- Columns often include date, allegation, response, evidence and court finding.
Practical checks
- Use neutral wording and avoid repeating the whole case in every row.
- Make sure dates match your documents.
- Update the schedule when new directions or evidence change what is in issue.
Related guides
Keep building the picture.
Remote and video hearings
Practical steps for phone, video and hybrid hearings, including documents, technology and privacy.
Read guidePreparing a court bundle
How to turn scattered papers into an indexed, paginated bundle that is easier to use at court.
Read guideNeed help with this task?