What defines an interlocutory application?

An interlocutory application is characterized by its nature of addressing procedural matters or preliminary issues within the context of a legal proceeding, without resolving the substantive rights of the parties involved. In this context, option C is correct because it highlights that while an interlocutory application may decide certain preliminary issues—like the admissibility of evidence or matters of procedure—it does not culminate in a final decision on the main dispute or the ultimate rights of the parties.

The distinction between interlocutory applications and final judgments is crucial. An interlocutory order can facilitate the progress of a case by addressing issues that need resolution before the main trial can proceed, but it does not conclude the matter in totality. This is essential in ensuring that the case can advance efficiently while still allowing for a final resolution at a later stage.

Other options do not accurately represent the nature of interlocutory applications. For instance, the assertion that it resolves all disputes before any trial is inconsistent with the definition of interlocutory applications, which only deal with preliminary matters rather than providing a full resolution. The idea that interlocutory applications are not subject to judicial review is also misleading; they can be reviewed by higher courts, specifically regarding their procedural correctness. Lastly, describing an interlocut