How can proceedings be concluded early in Queensland?

In Queensland, proceedings can indeed be concluded early through mechanisms such as default judgment and summary judgment. Default judgment occurs when one party fails to respond to a claim or to appear in court when required, allowing the other party to obtain a judgment against them without a full trial. This aspect of procedure helps expedite cases by resolving issues when there is a clear absence of contestation.

Summary judgment, on the other hand, is a process where a party may apply for a judgment on the grounds that there is no genuine issue for trial. This means that the court can make a determination without the need for a full hearing if it is evident that the other party would not succeed in defending the claim. Both of these mechanisms serve the purpose of reducing the time, resources, and burden on the court and parties involved in the litigation process.

Other options do not reflect the same systematic approach to expediting proceedings. For example, appeals are typically the aftermath of trial outcomes and do not serve to conclude proceedings early. Similarly, while mandatory mediation is a useful tool in promoting settlement and resolution, it does not inherently result in a conclusion of proceedings—it could lead to an agreement but does not guarantee a resolution without a hearing if mediation fails. Lastly, bilateral agreements between parties can lead