Proportionality

Proportionality is a guiding principle for all litigation following the introduction of the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR). It refers to the idea of obtaining a just result in litigation with appropriate speed and expense. CPR 1.1 (the overriding objective) requires courts to deal with cases justly and at proportionate cost, in ways that are proportionate to: the amount of money involved; the importance of the case; the complexity of the issues; and the financial position of each party.

For more information on what proportionate cost means and how the courts might approach proportionality, see CPR 44.3(5) and Practice note, Detailed assessment: what it is and the basis of assessment: Proportionality.

For the definition of proportionality in an EU context, see proportionality (EU).