What key principle underlies the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules?

The principle that justice should be accessible to all parties is foundational to the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules (UCPR). This governs the conduct of civil proceedings in Queensland and aims to ensure that the legal processes are understandable and navigable for all individuals, regardless of their legal background. By prioritizing accessibility, the UCPR promotes fairness in the legal system and encourages participation from parties who may not have extensive legal knowledge or resources.

The other options do not align with the core objectives of the UCPR. The notion that only lawyers can represent parties in court undermines the principle of accessibility, as it may deter unrepresented parties from pursuing their claims. The focus on lengthy civil proceedings contradicts the UCPR's goals of ensuring efficiency and timeliness in litigation. Lastly, while judges in Queensland have discretion, this discretion is guided by principles set forth in the UCPR, and does not mean that judges operate without constraints or oversight. Thus, the key principle of accessibility aligns perfectly with the intent of the UCPR to foster an equitable legal environment.