pre-trial review Procedure whereby, e.g., in civil actions, the registrar makes a preliminary consideration of an action to be heard in a county court. He gives all such directions as appear to him necessary or desirable for securing the just, expeditious and economical disposal of the action . Evidence may be given by affidavit. Failure of the defendant to appear combined with failure to deliver an admission or defence may result in the registrars entering a judgment for the plaintiff. Comparable arrangements exist in the Crown Court and in some magistrates, courts with a view to simplifying (and therefore shortening) trials.