89. |
Lord Woolf was
referring generally to plaintiffs. But delays may oppress defendants just as much as they
frustrate plaintiffs. The burden on an individual, psychological, financial and social, of
having an action hanging over his head is substantial and well-recognized. A business
facing a claim may lose customers, have its credit withdrawn and otherwise be damaged.
Where the claim cannot be made good, it is essential from the defendants' point of view
that it be disposed of as soon as possible. |