Could someone please tell me why there is an outcry over the Mitchell costs rules? I am not a litigator, but surely the rules are the rules. Why shouldn’t litigators be held to abide by them like the rest of us? It is like real estate lawyers complaining that they should not be punished for failing to give a Landlord and Tenant Act notice on time; or football teams stealing extra yards on free kicks. Even the football authorities are insisting that the rules of the beautiful game are observed. At this World Cup, once a set-play is awarded, the referee will ‘spray’ around the ball, pace out 10 yards and draw a line, ensuring defenders keep their distance.

 Christopher Digby-Bell, London, W1

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