Bitannia Pty Ltd v Parkline Constructions Pty Ltd [2009] NSWCA 32

Procedure – Costs – Discontinuance – Default provision for costs in UCPR 42.19 – Need for reason for departing from the default provision – Primary judge makes costs order in favour of discontinuing plaintiff – Whether decision vitiated by error – Re-exercise of discretion – Whether appropriate to determine outstanding questions of costs prior to considering costs order to be made on discontinuance – Whether circumstance that discontinuance was not tantamount to capitulation justified departing from the default provision – Reasonableness of commencement of proceedings challenged by defendant, and not resolved because of plaintiff’s decision to discontinue – Relevance of late application by defendant to amend defence.

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