5 COMMON

DRAFTING
ERRORS
(and how to
avoid them)
 ERROR #1
Heavy reliance on
templates/precedents

TIP #1
Find the relevant court rule
and use that to draft
Have the
templates/precedents as
references only
 ERROR #2
Citing the court
incorrectly

TIP #2
High Courts are located
by division
(find the applicable list)

Magistrates Courts are

located by district
(find the applicable list)
 ERROR #3
Designating the parties
incorrectly

TIP #3
Actions (trial matters) have
plaintiffs and defendants

Applications (opposed and

unopposed) have
applicants and respondents
 ERROR #4
Pleading unnecessary facts

TIP #4
Only plead the facts that
prove the elements of the
cause of action
 ERROR #5
Failure to ask for costs
and/or interest on the
judgment debt in the
prayer

TIP #5
Always include 'costs of
suit' by default
Know the current
prescribed rate of
interest