Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the simplified procedure?

The simplified procedure in civil litigation is designed to promote efficiency and accessibility within the legal system. One of its key objectives is to provide a mechanism for resolving disputes quickly and with less expense than traditional litigation processes.

The characteristic of high legal fees is inconsistent with the goals of the simplified procedure. This procedure typically encourages parties to engage in a more streamlined process, which inherently aims to reduce costs associated with lengthy legal battles. Consequently, legal fees are expected to be lower in cases handled under this procedure compared to ordinary actions.

In contrast, speedy resolution, limited discovery, and clear rules for pleadings are all core characteristics of the simplified procedure. The focus on expediting cases often involves limits on the scope of discovery to prevent delays, while the rules governing pleadings are simplified to ensure that parties understand their obligations and to enable a more straightforward approach to litigation. This setup facilitates quicker resolutions, which is beneficial for parties seeking timely closure to their disputes.