Table Of Contents

Criminal Procedure Act 1986 No 209

An Act relating to the prosecution of indictable offences, the listing of criminal proceedings before the Supreme Court and the District Court and the giving of certain indemnities and undertakings; and for other purposes.
Part 1 Preliminary
1   Name of Act
This Act may be cited as the Criminal Procedure Act 1986.
2   Commencement
(1)  Sections 1 and 2 shall commence on the date of assent to this Act.
(2)  Except as provided by subsection (1), this Act shall commence on such day as may be appointed by the Governor and notified by proclamation published in the Gazette.
3   Definitions
(1)  In this Act, except in so far as the context or subject-matter otherwise indicates or requires:
committal proceedings means a hearing before a Magistrate (or one or more justices) for the purpose of deciding whether a person charged with an indictable offence should be committed for trial or sentence.
indictable offence means an offence (including a common law offence) that may be prosecuted on indictment.
offence means an offence against the laws of the State.
prescribed summary offence has the same meaning as in the Director of Public Prosecutions Act 1986.
prosecuting authority means the Director of Public Prosecutions or other person responsible for the conduct of a prosecution.
regulations means regulations under this Act.
summary offence means an offence that is not an indictable offence.
(2)  In this Act:
(a)  a reference to a function includes a reference to a power, authority and duty, and
(b)  a reference to the exercise of a function includes, where the function is a duty, a reference to the performance of the duty.
s 3: Am 1995 No 22, Sch 1 [1].
3A   Consequences of abolition of office of Clerk of the Peace
(1)  The registry functions of the abolished office of the Clerk of the Peace are the functions of the registrars and other officers of the Supreme Court or the District Court.
(2)  Subsection (1) has effect subject to this Act and any other Act and, in particular, does not affect the functions of the Criminal Listing Director.
(3)  A reference in any other Act, in any instrument made under any Act or in any other instrument of any kind to the Clerk of the Peace shall be read as a reference to such person or persons as may be prescribed.
s 3A: Ins 1989 No 89, Sch 2.
3B   Regulations
The Governor may make regulations, not inconsistent with this Act, for or with respect to any matter that by this Act is required or permitted to be prescribed or that is necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to this Act.
s 3B: Ins 1989 No 89, Sch 2.
Part 2 Indictable offences generally
4   Prosecution of indictable offences
(1)  All offences shall be punishable by information (to be called an indictment) in the Supreme Court or the District Court, on behalf of the Crown, in the name of the Attorney General or the Director of Public Prosecutions.
(2)  Such an indictment may be presented or filed whether or not the person to whom the indictment relates has been committed for trial in respect of an offence specified in the indictment.
(3)  This section does not apply to offences that may be heard and determined in a summary manner only.
(4)  This section does not affect any law or practice that provides for an indictable offence to be heard and determined in a summary manner.
s 4: Am 1995 No 22, Sch 1 [2].
5   Jurisdiction of courts
(1)  The Supreme Court has jurisdiction in respect of all indictable offences.
(2)  The District Court has jurisdiction in respect of all indictable offences, other than such offences as may be prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this section.
6   Certain matters not affected
Nothing in this Part affects any law or practice relating to:
(a)  the laying of an information before a justice in respect of an indictable offence, or
(b)  committal proceedings for an indictable offence.
Part 3 Listing
7   Definitions
In this Part:
Criminal Listing Director means the public servant holding or acting in the position of that name, and includes any public servant authorised by the Criminal Listing Director, or in accordance with the regulations, to exercise any functions of the Criminal Listing Director.
criminal proceedings means:
(a)  proceedings relating to the trial of a person before the Supreme Court or the District Court,
(b)  proceedings relating to the sentencing of a person by the Supreme Court or the District Court, or
(c)  proceedings relating to an appeal under the Justices Act 1902 to the District Court in its criminal jurisdiction.
8   Listing
(1)  The Criminal Listing Director is, subject to the regulations, to make arrangements for the listing of criminal proceedings that are to be heard and determined before the Supreme Court or the District Court.
(1A)  In making such listing arrangements, the Criminal Listing Director is responsible to:
(a)  the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, in the case of criminal proceedings that are to be heard and determined before that Court, or
(b)  the Chief Judge of the District Court, in the case of criminal proceedings that are to be heard and determined before that Court.
(2)  The regulations may make provision for or with respect to the practice and procedure to be adopted for the listing of criminal proceedings that are to be heard and determined before the Supreme Court or the District Court.
(3)  Regulations made under this section prevail over rules of court, or any direction or order of a court, to the extent of any inconsistency.
s 8: Am 1989 No 132, Sch 1; 1991 No 17, Sch 1.
9   Listing for mention following committal for trial
If, at the end of a period prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this section (being a period that commenced to run when an accused person was committed for trial):
(a)  the Criminal Listing Director has not received a notice of readiness in respect of the proceedings that is accompanied by a draft indictment, and
(b)  the matter has not been terminated,
the Criminal Listing Director shall arrange for the matter to be listed for mention before the Supreme Court or the District Court as soon as practicable.
s 9: Subst 1988 No 131, Sch 4.
10   Authority of Criminal Listing Director
It is the duty of all persons involved in criminal proceedings to abide, as far as practicable, by the arrangements made by the Criminal Listing Director in exercising functions under this Act.
11   Liaison
For the purpose of exercising the functions conferred on the Criminal Listing Director, the Criminal Listing Director may liaise with the Judges and officers of the Supreme Court and the District Court, prosecuting authorities, accused persons and their lawyers, and other persons involved in criminal proceedings.
12   Certain matters not affected
(1)  This Part does not authorise the Criminal Listing Director:
(a)  to fix or change the venue of proceedings, except with the consent of the accused person and the prosecuting authority, or
(b)  to determine when or where a court is to exercise its jurisdiction.
(2)  Nothing in this Part relating to the Criminal Listing Director affects:
(a)  the power of the Attorney General to fix or change the venue of any matter,
(b)  the power of a court to regulate proceedings before it,
(c)  the power of a court to adjourn any matter,
(d)  proceedings in the Court of Criminal Appeal,
(e)  proceedings in the Supreme Court in its summary jurisdiction, or
(f)  proceedings under the Bail Act 1978.
Part 4 Indemnities and undertakings
13   Indemnities
(1)  The Attorney General may, if of the opinion that it is appropriate to do so, grant a person an indemnity from prosecution (whether on indictment or summarily):
(a)  for a specified offence, or
(b)  in respect of specified acts or omissions.
(2)  If the Attorney General grants such an indemnity, no proceedings may thereafter be instituted or continued against the person in respect of the offence or the acts or omissions.
(3)  Such an indemnity may be granted conditionally or unconditionally.
(4)  Such an indemnity may not be granted in respect of a summary offence that is not a prescribed summary offence, unless the Attorney General has consulted the Minister administering the enactment or instrument under which the offence is created.
14   Undertakings
(1)  The Attorney General may, if of the opinion that it is appropriate to do so, give to a person an undertaking that:
(a)  an answer that is given, or a statement or disclosure that is made, by the person in the course of giving evidence in specified proceedings, or
(b)  the fact that the person discloses or produces a document or other thing in specified proceedings,
being proceedings for an offence against a law of the State (whether an indictable offence or a summary offence), will not be used in evidence against the person.
(2)  If the Attorney General gives such an undertaking:
(a)  an answer that is given, or a statement or disclosure that is made, by the person in the course of giving evidence in the specified proceedings, or
(b)  the fact that the person discloses or produces a document or other thing in the specified proceedings,
is not admissible in evidence against the person in any civil or criminal proceedings, other than proceedings in respect of the falsity of evidence given by the person.
(3)  Such an undertaking may be given conditionally or unconditionally.
(4)  Such an undertaking may not be given in respect of a summary offence that is not a prescribed summary offence, unless the Attorney General has consulted the Minister administering the enactment or instrument under which the offence is created.
Part 5 Institution of proceedings
pt 5, hdg: Subst 1989 No 89, Sch 2.
15   Signing of indictments
(1)  An indictment shall be signed:
(a)  by the Attorney General, the Solicitor General or the Director of Public Prosecutions, or
(b)  for and on behalf of the Attorney General or the Director of Public Prosecutions by:
(i)  a Crown Prosecutor,
(ii)  a Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, or
(iii)  a person authorised under subsection (2) to sign indictments.
(2)  The Director of Public Prosecutions may, by order in writing, authorise a person to sign indictments for and on behalf of the Director.
(3)  It shall be presumed, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, that an indictment signed by a person for and on behalf of the Attorney General or the Director of Public Prosecutions was signed by a person authorised to do so.
(4)  A certificate signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions to the effect that a specified person was authorised during a specified period to sign indictments for and on behalf of the Director is admissible in evidence in any legal proceedings and is evidence of the matters certified.
s 15: Am 1987 No 209, Sch 7.
16   Name in which prosecutions may be instituted
Any prosecution or proceedings instituted by the Attorney General or the Director of Public Prosecutions in respect of any offence (whether an indictable offence or a summary offence) may be instituted in either the official name or the personal name of the Attorney General or the Director of Public Prosecutions.
17   Supreme Court or District Court may require indictment to be presented
(1)  In this section, court means the Supreme Court or District Court.
(2)  A court may order an indictment to be presented on the date fixed for the trial of a person in the court for an indictable offence, or on or before some other later date.
(3)  A court may order the presentation of an indictment whether or not the prosecutor is ready to proceed with the case.
(4)  A court may, if an indictment is not presented in accordance with its order, adjourn the proceedings or take such other action as it thinks appropriate in the circumstances of the case.
(5)  The prosecutor has no right to an adjournment merely because an indictment has not been presented.
(6)  A court must, in exercising any power under this section, have regard to the fact that the Crown does not have a right of appeal if the accused person is acquitted.
(7)  This section does not affect the powers of the court under section 365 of the Crimes Act 1900.
(8)  This section extends to criminal proceedings commenced, but not concluded, before the commencement of this section.
s 17: Rep 1989 No 89, Sch 2. Ins 1990 No 74, Sch 1 (1).
18   (Repealed)
s 18: Rep 1989 No 89, Sch 2.
19   
(Renumbered as sec 24)
s 19 (Renumbered as s 24): Ins 1988 No 96, sec 3. Renumbered 1989 No 89, Sch 2.
Part 6 Sentencing by reference to outstanding charges
pt 6: Ins 1989 No 40, Sch 1.
20   Definitions
(1)  In this Part:
court means:
(a)  the Court of Criminal Appeal,
(b)  the Supreme Court,
(c)  the Land and Environment Court,
(d)  the District Court,
(e)  a Local Court, or
(f)  any other court which, or person who, exercises criminal jurisdiction.
penalty includes a sentence of imprisonment, an order for periodic detention, a fine and a community service order, but does not include an order or direction referred to in section 22.
(2)  In this Part, a reference to imposing a penalty on a person includes a reference:
(a)  to making an order under section 556A of the Crimes Act 1900 relating to the person, and
(b)  to deferring the imposition of a penalty on the person, and
(c)  to making a decision or an order requiring or permitting the person to enter into a recognizance, and
(d)  to making a decision or an order to remand the person in custody or to remand or release the person (whether or not on conditions), and
(e)  if the court concerned is the Children’s Court—to dealing with the person under section 33 of the Children (Criminal Proceedings) Act 1987.
(3)  This Part applies:
(a)  to a person who is found guilty of an offence committed before or after the commencement of this Part, and
(b)  so as to allow an offence committed before or after that commencement to be taken into account under this Part.
ss 20–22: Ins 1989 No 40, Sch 1.
21   Outstanding charges may be taken into account
(1)  If a person is found guilty of an offence and the court is satisfied that:
(a)  a document in the form prescribed for the purposes of this section is filed in the court, and
(b)  the document contains a list of one or more other offences with which the person has been charged but of which the person has not been convicted, and
(c)  the document has been signed by the person and:
(i)  by the Director of Public Prosecutions, or
(ii)  for and on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions, by a specified person, or a person of a specified class, authorised by order in writing by the Director of Public Prosecutions to sign documents under this section, or
(iii)  by a prescribed person or a person of a prescribed class, and
(d)  a copy of the document has been given to the person found guilty, and
(e)  in all the circumstances it is proper to do so,
the court may, with the consent of the prosecutor and before dealing with the person for the offence of which the person has been found guilty, ask the person whether the person admits guilt in respect of all or any of the offences specified in the list and wishes them to be taken into account by the court in so dealing with the person.
(2)  If the person:
(a)  admits guilt in respect of all or any of the offences specified in the list, and
(b)  wishes to have them taken into account by the court in dealing with the person for the offence of which the person has been found guilty,
the court may, if it thinks fit, in imposing a penalty on the person for the offence of which the person has been found guilty, take into account all or any of the offences in respect of which the person has admitted guilt.
(3)  If the court takes into account under this section all or any of the offences in respect of which the person has admitted guilt, the penalty imposed on the person for the offence of which the person has been found guilty shall not exceed the maximum penalty that the court would have been empowered to impose on the person for the offence if no offence had been so taken into account.
(4)  A court may take any offence into account under this section if it is of a kind for which the court has jurisdiction to impose a penalty, whether or not that jurisdiction requires the consent of the accused.
(5)  Despite subsection (4):
(a)  an indictable offence punishable with penal servitude for life cannot be taken into account under this section, and
(b)  the Court of Criminal Appeal, Supreme Court or District Court may take any summary offence into account under this section.
(6)  This section applies in relation to a document:
(a)  that is in or to the effect of the form contained, before the commencement of this Part, in the Ninth Schedule to the Crimes Act 1900, and
(b)  that was, before that commencement, filed in a court in accordance with section 447B of the Crimes Act 1900,
in the same way as it applies to a document in the form prescribed for the purposes of this section and signed in accordance with subsection (1) (c) that has been filed in the court.
ss 20–22: Ins 1989 No 40, Sch 1.
22   Orders and directions relating to offences taken into account
(1)  If an offence is taken into account under section 21 in a case in which a document in the form prescribed for the purposes of that section is filed in a court, the court may make such orders or give such directions under any Act or law with respect to:
(a)  restitution, and
(b)  compensation, and
(c)  costs, and
(d)  forfeiture, and
(e)  disqualification, and
(f)  loss or suspension of a licence or privilege,
as it would have been empowered to make or give if the person had been convicted by the court of the offence when the offence was taken into account, but shall not otherwise impose any separate punishment for the offence.
(2)  If the court makes any such order or gives any such direction in respect of an offence taken into account, there shall be such rights of appeal in respect of the order or direction as there would have been if the order or direction had been made or given on the conviction of the person for that offence.
(3)  Any such order or direction in respect of an offence taken into account lapses, by force of this subsection, if the decision in respect of which the offence was taken into account is quashed or set aside.
ss 20–22: Ins 1989 No 40, Sch 1.
23   Consequences of taking offences into account
(1)  If an offence is taken into account under section 21, the court shall certify, on the document filed under that section, that the offence was so taken into account.
(2)  Subsequently, no proceedings shall be taken or continued in respect of the offence unless the decision in respect of which the offence has been taken into account is quashed or set aside.
(3)  This section does not prevent offences taken into account under section 21 in deferring the imposition of a penalty from being taken into account under that section when imposing the penalty the imposition of which was deferred.
(4)  An admission of guilt made for the purposes of section 21 is not admissible in evidence in any proceedings relating:
(a)  to the offence in respect of which the admission was made, or
(b)  to any other offence specified in the list contained in the document filed in the court.
(5)  An offence taken into account under section 21 shall not, because of its being so taken into account, be regarded for any purpose as an offence of which a person has been convicted.
(6)  In or in relation to any criminal proceedings, reference may lawfully be made to, or evidence may lawfully be given of, the fact that an offence was taken into account under section 21 in imposing a penalty for an offence of which a person was found guilty if, in or in relation to those proceedings:
(a)  reference may lawfully be made to, or evidence may lawfully be given of, the fact that the person was found guilty or convicted of the lastmentioned offence, and
(b)  had the person been found guilty or convicted of the offence so taken into account, reference could lawfully have been made to, or evidence could lawfully have been given of, the fact that the person had been found guilty or convicted of that offence.
(7)  The fact that an offence was taken into account under section 21 may be proved in the same manner as the decision in respect of which it was taken into account may be proved.
(8)  This section applies in relation to an offence certified under section 447B of the Crimes Act 1900 as having been taken into account in the same way as it applies in relation to an offence certified under this section as having been taken into account.
s 23: Ins 1989 No 40, Sch 1. Am 1989 No 132, Sch 1.
Part 7 Correction and adjustment of sentences
pt 7, hdg: Ins 1989 No 89, Sch 2. Subst 1996 No 117, Sch 1 [1].
23F   Definitions
In this Part:
court means:
(a)  the Court of Criminal Appeal, the Supreme Court, the Land and Environment Court, the Industrial Relations Commission, the District Court or a Local Court, or
(b)  any other court which, or person who, exercises criminal jurisdiction.
cumulative sentence means a sentence of imprisonment that is imposed so as to commence at the end of another sentence to which the same person is subject, or at the end of the minimum term of any such other sentence.
sentence of imprisonment includes sentence of penal servitude.
s 23F: Ins 1996 No 117, Sch 1 [2].
24   Court may reopen proceedings to correct sentencing errors
(1)  If a court has, in or in connection with any criminal proceedings (including proceedings on appeal):
(a)  imposed a penalty that is contrary to law, or
(b)  failed to impose a penalty that is required to be imposed by law,
the court (whether or not differently constituted) may reopen the proceedings and, after giving the parties an opportunity of being heard, impose a penalty that is in accordance with the law (and, if necessary, amend any relevant conviction or order).
(2)  The court may reopen the proceedings on its own motion or on the application of a party to the proceedings.
(3)  This section applies to criminal proceedings whether or not a person has been convicted of an offence in those proceedings.
(4)  Subject to subsection (5), nothing in this section affects any right of appeal.
(5)  For the purposes of an appeal under any Act in respect of a penalty imposed in exercise of the powers conferred by this section, the time within which such an appeal is required to be made shall commence from the date on which the penalty is so imposed.
(6)  This section applies to a penalty imposed, or required to be imposed, whether before or after the commencement of this section.
(7)  In this section:
penalty includes a sentence of imprisonment, an order for periodic detention, a fine, a community service order, a forfeiture, a disqualification, a loss or suspension of a licence or privilege and an order to pay costs or compensation.
s 24 (previously s 19): Ins 1988 No 96, sec 3. Renumbered 1989 No 89, Sch 2. Am 1996 No 117, Sch 1 [3].
24A   Court may adjust commencement of cumulative sentence on quashing or variation of earlier sentence
(1)  A court that quashes or varies a sentence of imprisonment imposed on a person (on appeal or otherwise) may adjust the date of commencement of any cumulative sentence that has been imposed on that person by that or any other court.
(2)  If a person is subject to more than one cumulative sentence, this section applies to each such sentence.
(3)  A court may adjust a cumulative sentence under this section on its own motion or on the application of a party to the proceedings on the quashing or variation of the other sentence.
(4)  An appeal does not lie merely because of an adjustment of the date of commencement of a cumulative sentence under this section. This subsection does not affect the operation of section 24.
(5)  The length of a sentence, or the minimum term of a sentence, cannot be adjusted under this section.
(6)  This section applies to sentences imposed whether before or after the commencement of this section.
s 24A: Ins 1996 No 117, Sch 1 [4].
Part 8 Reciprocal enforcement of fines against bodies corporate
pt 8 (ss 25–29): Ins 1989 No 170, sec 3.
25   Definitions
In this Part:
conviction means a conviction or order entered or made (before or after the commencement of this Part) in the exercise of summary jurisdiction in proceedings for an offence.
fine includes:
(a)  a pecuniary penalty, pecuniary forfeiture and pecuniary compensation, and
(b)  fees, charges and costs payable by a body corporate under an order made in proceedings in which a conviction was entered in respect of the body corporate.
New South Wales fine means a fine payable under a conviction of a New South Wales court.
reciprocating court means a court, or a court included in a class of courts, declared under section 26 to be a reciprocating court or a class of reciprocating courts.
relevant officer, in relation to a reciprocating court, means the registrar or other corresponding officer of the court.
State does not include the State of New South Wales, but includes a Territory.
pt 8 (ss 25–29): Ins 1989 No 170, sec 3.
26   Declaration of reciprocating court
Where a State has laws providing for enforcement in the State of a New South Wales fine against a body corporate, the Minister may, by notice in the Gazette:
(a)  declare a court which exercises summary jurisdiction in that State to be a reciprocating court, or
(b)  declare a class of courts which exercise summary jurisdiction in that State to be a class of reciprocating courts.
Editorial note—
See notice published in Gazette No 52 of 28.3.1991, p 2462.
pt 8 (ss 25–29): Ins 1989 No 170, sec 3.
27   Enforcement of fine
(1)  Where, under a conviction of a reciprocating court, a fine is payable by a body corporate having or appearing to have property in New South Wales and the registrar of the Local Court held for the district in which the body corporate has or appears to have property receives a request in writing from the relevant officer of the reciprocating court for the enforcement of the conviction, accompanied by:
(a)  a copy, certified by the relevant officer to be correct, of the conviction, and
(b)  a certificate under the hand of the relevant officer specifying the amount of the fine that remains unpaid,
the registrar is required:
(c)  to register the conviction by filing in the court the certified copy of the conviction, and
(d)  to note, on the certified copy, the date of registration.
(2)  A conviction may be registered even though the amount of the fine that remains unpaid is greater than the amount which may be claimed in an action in a Local Court pursuant to the Local Courts (Civil Claims) Act 1970.
(3)  On registration of a conviction:
(a)  the conviction is, for the purposes of this Part, to be taken to be a civil judgment of the Local Court entered up against the body corporate in the amount specified as unpaid in the certificate relating to the conviction, and
(b)  the registrar is required to issue a writ of execution for the purpose of recovering the amount, and
(c)  subject to this section, this Part applies to and in relation to the writ of execution, and the execution of the writ, as if the writ had been issued under section 58 of the Local Courts (Civil Claims) Act 1970 in connection with a judgment of the court.
(4)  Where a request is made under this section in respect of a fine payable under a conviction of a reciprocating court and the registrar, after the request, receives a notification from the relevant officer of the reciprocating court of payment of an amount in satisfaction in whole or in part of the amount of the fine, the registrar must note the particulars of the payment on the certified copy of the conviction filed in accordance with subsection (1) (c).
(5)  Where:
(a)  a writ of execution is issued as referred to in subsection (3) (b) in respect of a fine, and
(b)  before execution of the writ, the registrar receives a notification of payment referred to in subsection (4) relating to the fine,
the registrar is required to notify the sheriff of the amount of the payment.
(6)  If the amount of the fine and any costs and expenses relating to the issue and execution of the writ are paid in full, the registrar is required to withdraw the writ.
(7)  If part of the amount of the fine remains unpaid, the writ has effect only in relation to the amount unpaid (and any costs and expenses relating to the issue and execution of the writ).
(8)  If a sum of money is paid to the registrar in satisfaction of the whole or part of a fine payable under a conviction registered under subsection (1) (c), the registrar is required to remit the sum of money to the relevant officer of the reciprocating court concerned.
(9)  For the purposes of this section, a document that purports to have been signed by the relevant officer of a reciprocating court is to be taken to have been so signed unless the contrary is proved.
pt 8 (ss 25–29): Ins 1989 No 170, sec 3.
28   Effect of enforcement by reciprocating court
A sum of money received by the registrar of a court from a reciprocating court in satisfaction of the whole or part of a New South Wales fine is to be applied by the registrar as if the sum had been paid to the registrar by the body corporate by which the fine was payable in satisfaction of the whole or part of the fine.
pt 8 (ss 25–29): Ins 1989 No 170, sec 3.
29   Registrar to notify payment of New South Wales fine
If:
(a)  a conviction of a court under which a New South Wales fine is payable is registered by the relevant officer of a reciprocating court, and
(b)  a sum of money is received by the registrar of the court (otherwise than from the relevant officer) in satisfaction of the whole or part of the fine,
the registrar is required, as soon as practicable, to notify the relevant officer of the amount of the payment.
pt 8 (ss 25–29): Ins 1989 No 170, sec 3.
Part 9 Trial by jury on indictment
pt 9: Ins 1990 No 74, Sch 1 (2).
30   Definition and application
(1)  In this Part:
criminal proceedings means proceedings for the prosecution of persons on indictment.
(2)  This Part extends to criminal proceedings commenced, but not concluded, before the commencement of this Part.
s 30: Ins 1990 No 74, Sch 1 (2).
31   Trial by jury in criminal proceedings
Criminal proceedings in the Supreme Court or the District Court are to be tried by a jury, except as otherwise provided by this Part.
s 31: Ins 1990 No 74, Sch 1 (2).
32   Trial by Judge in criminal proceedings
(1)  An accused person in criminal proceedings in the Supreme Court or District Court must be tried by the Judge alone if:
(a)  the person so elects in accordance with this section, and
(b)  the Judge is satisfied that the person, before making the election, sought and received advice in relation to the election from a barrister or solicitor.
(2)  An election may not be made unless:
(a)  all other accused persons in the trial also elect to be tried by the Judge alone, and
(b)  each election is made in respect of all offences with which the accused persons in the trial are charged.
(3)  An election may be made only with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
(4)  An election must be made before the date fixed for the person’s trial in the Supreme Court or District Court.
(5)  An accused person who elects to be tried by the Judge alone may, at any time before the date fixed for the person’s trial, subsequently elect to be tried by a jury.
(6)  Rules of court may be made with respect to elections under this section.
s 32: Ins 1990 No 74, Sch 1 (2). Am 1995 No 23, Sch 1.4 [1].
33   Verdict of single Judge
(1)  A Judge who tries criminal proceedings without a jury may make any finding that could have been made by a jury on the question of the guilt of the accused person. Any such finding has, for all purposes, the same effect as a verdict of a jury.
(2)  A judgment by a Judge in any such case must include the principles of law applied by the Judge and the findings of fact on which the Judge relied.
(3)  If any Act or law requires a warning to be given to a jury in any such case, the Judge is to take the warning into account in dealing with the matter.
s 33: Ins 1990 No 74, Sch 1 (2).
Part 9A Summary disposal of indictable offences by Local Courts
pt 9A: Ins 1995 No 22, Sch 1 [3].
pt 9A, tbl 1: Ins 1995 No 22, Sch 1 [3]. Am 1995 No 87, sec 45; 1996 No 6, Sch 1.4 [3]–[6]; 1996 No 25, Sch 1.2 [1] [2]; 1996 No 83, Sch 2 [2]; 1996 No 137, Sch 2.4 [1]–[3].
pt 9A, tbl 2: Ins 1995 No 22, Sch 1 [3]. Am 1995 No 23, Sch 1.4 [4]; 1996 No 6, Sch 1.4 [7]–[9]; 1996 No 137, Sch 2.4 [4].
33A   Objects of this Part
The objects of this Part are:
(a)  to require the indictable offences listed in Table 1 to this Part to be dealt with summarily unless the prosecuting authority or the person charged with the offence concerned elects to have the offence dealt with on indictment, and
(b)  to require the indictable offences listed in Table 2 to this Part to be dealt with summarily unless the prosecuting authority elects to have the offence concerned dealt with on indictment.
ss 33A–33I: Ins 1995 No 22, Sch 1 [3].
33B   Indictable offences to which this Part applies
This Part applies to the indictable offences listed in Tables 1 and 2 to this Part.
ss 33A–33I: Ins 1995 No 22, Sch 1 [3].
33C   Offences to be dealt with summarily unless election made to proceed on indictment
(1)  An indictable offence listed in Table 1 to this Part is to be dealt with summarily by a Local Court unless the prosecuting authority or the person charged with the offence elects in accordance with this Part to have the offence dealt with on indictment.
(2)  An indictable offence listed in Table 2 to this Part is to be dealt with summarily by a Local Court unless the prosecuting authority elects in accordance with this Part to have the offence dealt with on indictment.
ss 33A–33I: Ins 1995 No 22, Sch 1 [3].
33D   Procedure for dealing with offences summarily if no election made
An indictable offence listed in Table 1 or 2 to this Part is, if no election is made in accordance with this Part, to be dealt with summarily in accordance with the relevant provisions of this Act, the relevant provisions of the Justices Act 1902 and any other relevant law as if it were a summary offence.
ss 33A–33I: Ins 1995 No 22, Sch 1 [3].
33E   Procedure for dealing with offences if election made
(1)  An indictable offence listed in Table 1 or 2 to this Part is, if an election is made in accordance with this Part, to be dealt with on indictment in accordance with the relevant provisions of this Act, the relevant provisions of the Justices Act 1902 and any other relevant law.
(2)  If an election is made in accordance with this Part and the person charged with the offence pleads guilty to the offence before a Local Court and the Court accepts the plea, the offence is to be dealt with in accordance with section 51A of the Justices Act 1902 as if the person charged had pleaded guilty under that section to the offence.
ss 33A–33I: Ins 1995 No 22, Sch 1 [3].
33F   Time for making election
(1)  An election to have an offence dealt with on indictment must be made within the time fixed by the Local Court.
(2)  An election may, with the leave of the Local Court, be made after the time so fixed if the Court is satisfied that special circumstances exist.
(3)  However, an election may not be made after the following events:
(a)  in the case of a plea of not guilty—the commencement of the taking of evidence for the prosecution in the summary trial,
(b)  in the case of a plea of guilty—the presentation of the facts relied on by the prosecution to prove the offence.
ss 33A–33I: Ins 1995 No 22, Sch 1 [3].
33G   Election may be withdrawn
(1)  An election for an offence to be dealt with on indictment may be withdrawn by the party who made the election.
(2)  However, an election may not be withdrawn after the following events:
(a)  in the case of a plea of not guilty—the commencement of the taking of evidence for the prosecution in the committal for trial proceedings,
(b)  in the case of a plea of guilty—the committal of the person charged for sentence.
(3)  An offence is to be dealt with summarily in accordance with this Part if an election is withdrawn in accordance with this section.
ss 33A–33I: Ins 1995 No 22, Sch 1 [3].
33H   Information to be given to person charged (Table 1 offences)
(1)  When a person charged with an indictable offence listed in Table 1 to this Part first appears before a Local Court in respect of the offence, the Court:
(a)  is to address the person about the person’s right to make an election and the consequences of not making an election, and
(b)  is to give to the person a statement about the person’s right to make an election and the consequences of not making an election that is in the form of words prescribed by the regulations.
(2)  The prosecuting authority is to serve, or cause to be served, on the person charged with an indictable offence listed in Table 1 to this Part:
(a)  the brief of evidence relating to the offence, and
(b)  a copy of the person’s criminal record (if any) known to the prosecuting authority,
within the time fixed by the Local Court. The time so fixed must be before the time fixed by the Court for the making of an election in respect of the offence.
(3)  Without limiting the powers of a Local Court to adjourn proceedings, the Local Court is to grant such adjournments as appear to be just and reasonable if a brief of evidence or a criminal record, or both, are not served in accordance with this section, and the Court is to extend accordingly the time fixed for the making of an election in respect of the offence.
ss 33A–33I: Ins 1995 No 22, Sch 1 [3].
33I   Regulations
(1)  Regulations may be made for or with respect to elections under this Part.
(2)  In particular, regulations may be made for or with respect to the following:
(a)  the form and manner in which an election is to be made,
(b)  the form and manner in which the withdrawal of an election is to be made,
(c)  the notification of the making or withdrawal of an election,
(d)  the form and contents, and the service, of briefs of evidence and criminal records.
ss 33A–33I: Ins 1995 No 22, Sch 1 [3].
33J   Maximum penalties for Table 1 offences
(1)  This section prescribes the maximum penalty that may be imposed for an indictable offence listed in Table 1 to this Part dealt with summarily under this Part in any case where the maximum penalty (when the offence is dealt with summarily) is not provided by law.
(2)  The maximum term of imprisonment that a Local Court may impose for an offence is, subject to this section, 2 years or the maximum term of imprisonment provided by law for the offence, whichever is the shorter term.
(3)  The maximum fine that a Local Court may impose for an offence is 100 penalty units or the maximum fine provided by law for the offence, whichever is the smaller fine.
(4)  The maximum term of imprisonment that a Local Court may impose for the following offences (including an attempt to commit the offence concerned) is:
(a)  for an offence under section 52A or 52B of the Crimes Act 1900—18 months,
(b)  for an offence under section 53 or 54 of the Crimes Act 1900—12 months.
(4A)  The maximum penalty that a Local Court may impose for an offence under section 25 of the Oaths Act 1900 is imprisonment for 12 months, or a fine of 50 penalty units, or both.
(5)  A Local Court may, instead of imposing a term of imprisonment, impose a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units for an offence listed in Table 1 to this Part in any case where a fine is not otherwise provided by law for the offence.
(6)  Nothing in this section affects an option provided by law to impose either a term of imprisonment, or a fine, or both.
(7)  Nothing in this section affects section 444 of the Crimes Act 1900.
(7A)  Nothing in this section prevents a Local Court from imposing the maximum term of imprisonment that may be imposed under section 33AA (2) (a) of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985.
(8)  In this section, imprisonment includes penal servitude.
s 33J: Ins 1995 No 22, Sch 1 [3]. Am 1995 No 23, Sch 1.4 [2]; 1996 No 83, Sch 2 [1].
33K   Maximum penalties for Table 2 offences
(1)  This section prescribes the maximum penalty that may be imposed for an indictable offence listed in Table 2 to this Part dealt with summarily under this Part in any case where the maximum penalty (when the offence is dealt with summarily) is not provided by law.
(2)  The maximum penalty that a Local Court may impose for the following offences (including an attempt to commit the offence concerned) is:
(a)  for an offence under section 35A (2), 58, 59, 61L or 61O (1) or (1A) of the Crimes Act 1900—imprisonment for 2 years, or a fine of 50 penalty units, or both,
(b)  for an offence under section 56, 61 or 61N of the Crimes Act 1900—imprisonment for 12 months, or a fine of 20 penalty units, or both,
(c)  for an offence listed in Part 2 of Table 2 to this Part (other than an offence under section 154A of the Crimes Act 1900—imprisonment for 12 months, or a fine of 50 penalty units, or both, however, the maximum fine that a Local Court may impose if the value of the property, amount of money or reward concerned does not exceed $2,000 is 20 penalty units,
(d)  for an offence under section 154A of the Crimes Act 1900—imprisonment for 2 years, or a fine of 50 penalty units, or both,
(e)  for an offence under section 93G or 93H of the Crimes Act 1900—imprisonment for 2 years, or a fine of 50 penalty units, or both,
(f)  for an offence under section 562AB of the Crimes Act 1900—imprisonment for 2 years, or a fine of 50 penalty units, or both.
(3)  Nothing in this section affects section 444 of the Crimes Act 1900.
s 33K: Ins 1995 No 22, Sch 1 [3]. Am 1995 No 23, Sch 1.4 [3]; 1996 No 6, Sch 1.4 [1].
33L   Jurisdiction of Local Court
(1)  The jurisdiction of a Local Court under this Part may be exercised only by a Local Court constituted by a Magistrate sitting alone.
(2)  Despite subsection (1), the jurisdiction of a Local Court under section 33F or 33H may also be exercised by an authorised justice.
(3)  In this section:
authorised justice means:
(a)  a justice of the peace who is a Clerk of a Local Court, or
(b)  a justice of the peace who is employed in the Local Courts Administration of the Attorney General’s Department and who is declared (whether by name or by reference to the holder of a particular office), by the Attorney General by instrument in writing or by order published in the Gazette to be an authorised justice for the purposes of this section.
s 33L: Ins 1995 No 22, Sch 1 [3]. Am 1996 No 6, Sch 1.4 [2].
33M   Offences by children
Nothing in this Part confers jurisdiction on a Local Court to deal with an offence if the Children’s Court has exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine the matter.
ss 33M–33P: Ins 1995 No 22, Sch 1 [3].
33N   No time limit for offences dealt with summarily under this Part
Section 56 of the Justices Act 1902, and the provisions of any other Act limiting the time within which proceedings for summary offences may be instituted, do not apply to offences dealt with summarily under this Part.
ss 33M–33P: Ins 1995 No 22, Sch 1 [3].
33O   Effect of conviction
The conviction of a person of an offence dealt with summarily under this Part has the same effect as a conviction on indictment for the offence.
ss 33M–33P: Ins 1995 No 22, Sch 1 [3].
33P   Application of Part and continued application of certain provisions
(1)  This Part applies to proceedings for an offence with which a person is charged after (but not before) the commencement of this section irrespective of when the offence was committed.
(2)  Despite section 475C of the Crimes Act 1900, sections 476, 480, 481, 495, 496, 496A, 497 and 500 of that Act, and the provisions of any other Act or instrument referring to any of those sections, continue to apply to proceedings for offences with which a person was charged before the commencement of this section (irrespective of when the person is dealt with under those sections or provisions).
(3)  However, if a person is charged with more than one offence and proceedings for those offences are to be dealt with together, this Part applies to the proceedings despite the fact that the person was charged with one or more (but not all) of those offences before the commencement of this section.
ss 33M–33P: Ins 1995 No 22, Sch 1 [3].
Table 1   Indictable offences that are to be dealt with summarily unless prosecuting authority or person charged elects otherwise
Part 1   Offences against the person under Crimes Act 1900
1   Offences against the person where victim 14 years of age or over
An offence under section 61E, 66C (1), 66D, 71, 72, 76, 76A or 81 of the Crimes Act 1900 where the person against whom the offence was committed was at the time of the commission of the offence of or above the age of 14 years.
2   Other offences against the person
An offence under section 31, 31C, 35, 35A (1), 39, 41, 41A, 43, 44, 49, 52A (other than an offence by which death was occasioned), 52B (other than an offence by which death was occasioned), 53, 54, 55, 57, 61M, 61O (2), 78Q, 80, 81A, 81B, 81C, 82, 83, 84, 85 (where the person charged is the mother of the child and is not charged with any other person), 90, 91, 91A, 91B, 92 or 93 of the Crimes Act 1900.
Part 2   Offences relating to property under Crimes Act 1900 or common law
3   Larceny and other offences exceeding $5,000
Any of the following offences where the value of the property, matter or thing, or the damage, or the amount of money or reward, in respect of which the offence is charged exceeds $5,000:
(a)  larceny, or
(b)  an offence of stealing any chattel, money or valuable security from another person (eg section 94 of the Crimes Act 1900), or
(c)  an offence under section 3B, 125, 126, 131, 132, 133, 139, 140, 148, 150, 151, 152, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 178A, 178B, 178BA, 178BB, 178C, 179, 184, 185, 185A, 186, 188, 189, 189A, 190, 192 or 195 of the Crimes Act 1900.
4   Offences taken to be, or punishable as, larceny or stealing
Any offence that under the Crimes Act 1900 is taken to be, or is made punishable as, larceny or stealing (other than an offence under section 125, 139, 140 or 154A of that Act).
5   Breaking and entering place of Divine worship with intent to commit felony
An offence under section 107 (1) of the Crimes Act 1900.
6   Entering with intent to commit felony, or commit felony, in dwelling-house and breaking out
An offence under section 109 (1) of the Crimes Act 1900 where:
(a)  the felony intended is stealing, or
(b)  the felony alleged is stealing and the value of the property stolen does not exceed $15,000.
7   Entering dwelling-house in the night or breaking and entering any house or other building with intent to commit felony
An offence under section 111 (1) or 113 (1) of the Crimes Act 1900 where the felony intended is stealing.
8   Breaking and entering into, or being in, any house or other building and committing felony
An offence under section 112 (1) of the Crimes Act 1900 where:
(a)  the felony alleged is stealing, and
(b)  the value of the property stolen does not exceed $15,000.
9   Other property offences
An offence under section 99, 100, 100A, 102, 114 (1) (a), (c) and (d), 115, 135, 138, 153, 154AA, 154B (1), 165, 166, 168, 169, 170, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 176A, 181, 184A, 196, 197, 199, 200, 201, 202 or 203 of the Crimes Act 1900.
Part 3   Other offences under Crimes Act 1900 or the common law
10   Offences relating to public order
An offence under section 93B or 93C of the Crimes Act 1900.
11   Offences relating to transport services
An offence under section 207, 208 (4), 209, 210, 212 or 213 of the Crimes Act 1900.
12   Corrupt practices
(1)  An offence under section 249B, 249D or 249E of the Crimes Act 1900, or an offence under section 249F of that Act of aiding, abetting, counselling, procuring, soliciting or inciting such an offence, where the benefit in respect of which the offence is charged exceeds $5,000.
(2)  An offence under section 249C of the Crimes Act 1900 or an offence under section 249F of that Act of aiding, abetting, counselling, procuring, soliciting or inciting such an offence.
13   False instruments
An offence under section 300, 301, 302 or 302A of the Crimes Act 1900.
14   Offences relating to computers
An offence under section 309 (2), (3) or (4) or 310 of the Crimes Act 1900.
15   Public justice offences
(1) Public justice offences not involving intent to procure conviction or acquittal
An offence under section 321, 322, 323 or 333 (1) of the Crimes Act 1900 unless the person charged intended to procure the conviction or acquittal of any person of any serious offence.
(2) Other public justice offences
An offence under section 314, 315, 316, 317, 325, 326, 327, 330, 335, 336 or 337 of the Crimes Act 1900.
16   Escape from lawful custody
(1)  Escape from lawful custody.
(2)  An offence under section 358C of the Crimes Act 1900.
Part 4   Offences under certain other Acts
17   Bail Act 1978
An offence under section 58 of the Bail Act 1978.
18A   Correctional Centres Act 1952
An offence under the Correctional Centres Act 1952 (other than an offence under section 32) for which a sentence of penal servitude may be imposed.
19   Electricity Commission Act 1950
An offence under section 76 or 81 of the Electricity Commission Act 1950.
21   Justices Act 1902
An offence under section 48H of the Justices Act 1902.
22   Oaths Act 1900
An offence under section 13 (2), 20, 25, 25A, 29 or 30 of the Oaths Act 1900.
24   (Repealed)
24A   Witness Protection Act 1995
An offence under section 32 of the Witness Protection Act 1995.
25   Water Act 1912
An offence under section 21 of the Water Act 1912.
Part 5   Attempts, accessories and abettors
26   Attempts
Attempting to commit any offence mentioned in a preceding Part of this Table.
27   Accessories
Being an accessory before or after the fact to any offence mentioned in a preceding Part of this Table (if the offence is a felony).
28   Abettors
Aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring the commission of any offence mentioned in a preceding Part of this Table (if the offence is a misdemeanour).
Part 6   Offences under Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985
29   Offences involving more than small quantity but not more than indictable quantity
An offence to which section 31 (1) of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 applies where the number or amount of the prohibited plant or prohibited drug concerned is more than the applicable small quantity but not more than the applicable indictable quantity.
30   Offences involving more than indictable quantity but less than commercial quantity (cannabis plant and cannabis leaf)
An offence referred to in section 32 (a)–(f) of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 where the offence relates to cannabis plant or cannabis leaf and the quantity of cannabis plant or cannabis leaf concerned is more than the applicable indictable quantity but less than the applicable commercial quantity.
Table 2   Indictable offences that are to be dealt with summarily unless prosecuting authority elects otherwise
Part 1   Offences against the person under Crimes Act 1900
1   Offences against the person
An offence under section 35A (2), 56, 58, 59, 61, 61L, 61N or 61O (1) or (1A) of the Crimes Act 1900 or an attempt to commit any such offence.
2   Stalking and intimidation
An offence under section 562AB of the Crimes Act 1900.
Part 2   Offences relating to property under Crimes Act 1900 or common law
3   Larceny and certain other property offences
Any of the following offences where the value of the property or the damage, or the amount of money or reward, in respect of which the offence is charged does not exceed $5,000:
(a)  larceny,
(b)  an offence of stealing any chattel, money or valuable security from another person (eg section 94 of the Crimes Act 1900),
(c)  an offence under section 3B, 125, 126, 131, 132, 133, 139, 140, 148, 150, 151, 152, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 178A, 178B, 178BA, 178BB, 178C, 179, 184, 185, 185A, 186, 188, 189, 189A, 190, 192, 195, 249B, 249D or 249E of the Crimes Act 1900,
(d)  an offence under section 249F of the Crimes Act 1900 of aiding, abetting, counselling, procuring, soliciting or inciting an offence under section 249B, 249D or 249E of that Act,
or an attempt to commit any such offence.
3A   Possession of implement of housebreaking
An offence under section 114 (1) (b) of the Crimes Act 1900.
4   Taking conveyance without consent of owner
An offence under section 154A of the Crimes Act 1900 or an attempt to commit any such offence.
Part 3   Offences relating to drugs
5   Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985
An offence to which section 30 (1) of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 applies where the number or amount of the prohibited plant or prohibited drug concerned is not more than the applicable small quantity.
Part 4   Offences relating to firearms and dangerous weapons
6   Crimes Act 1900
An offence under section 93G or 93H of the Crimes Act 1900 or an attempt to commit any such offence.
7   Firearms Act 1989
An offence under section 5, 6, 8, 14, 15, 16, 18, 40 or 44 of the Firearms Act 1989.
8   Prohibited Weapons Act 1989
An offence under section 6 or 10 of the Prohibited Weapons Act 1989.
Part 10 Supreme or District Court may deal with summary offences related to indictable offences
pt 10 (ss 34–37): Ins 1990 No 74, Sch 1 (2).
34   Definitions and application
(1)  In this Part:
court means the Supreme Court or District Court.
related summary offence, in relation to an indictable offence, means a summary offence capable of being dealt with by a Local Court that arises from substantially the same circumstances as those from which the indictable offence has arisen.
(2)  This Part extends to proceedings commenced, but not concluded, before the commencement of this Part.
pt 10 (ss 34–37): Ins 1990 No 74, Sch 1 (2).
35   Supreme or District Court may deal with certain summary offences related to indictable offences
(1)  A court may, at the conclusion of the trial of an accused person for an indictable offence, deal with any related summary offence with which the accused person has been charged.
(2)  A court may deal with a related summary offence on its own motion, or on the application of the accused person or the prosecutor, but may not do so unless both the accused person and the prosecutor have consented to the offence being dealt with under this Part.
(3)  Nothing in this section requires a court to deal with a related summary offence under this Part.
(4)  A court may deal with a related summary offence with which an accused person has been charged even though it is not doing so in relation to a related summary offence with which another accused person in the same proceedings is charged.
pt 10 (ss 34–37): Ins 1990 No 74, Sch 1 (2).
36   Procedures for dealing with related summary offences
(1)  The court is to deal with a related summary offence under this Part without a jury and on the basis only of evidence given during the trial of the accused person for any indictable offence in the same proceedings and additional evidence given under this section.
(2)  The prosecutor or accused person may, with the leave of the court, call additional evidence in relation to the related summary offence.
(3)  In sentencing or otherwise dealing with a person for a related summary offence, the court has the same functions, and is subject to the same restrictions and procedures, as a Local Court constituted by a Magistrate.
(4)  Rules of court may be made with respect to related summary offences dealt with under this Part.
pt 10 (ss 34–37): Ins 1990 No 74, Sch 1 (2).
37   Remission of related summary offences to Local Courts
A court which is dealing with a related summary offence under this Part may, at any time, remit the matter to a Local Court.
pt 10 (ss 34–37): Ins 1990 No 74, Sch 1 (2).
Part 11 Police custody of property
pt 11 (previously Part 13): Ins 1991 No 44, sec 3. Renumbered 1992 No 57, Sch 2.
Division 1 General
38   Application of this Part
(1)  This Part applies to property that is in police custody in connection with an offence whether punishable on indictment or summarily.
(2)  This Part does not apply to livestock to which section 19 of the Stock Diseases Act 1923 (Power to seize stock) applies.
s 38: Ins 1991 No 44, sec 3. Renumbered 1992 No 57, Sch 2.
39   Disposal of property on application
A court may, on the application of any person, make an order that any property to which this Part applies be delivered to the person who appears to it to be lawfully entitled to the property.
ss 39 (previously ss 61, 62): Ins 1991 No 44, sec 3. Renumbered 1992 No 57, Sch 2.
40   Disposal of property after determination of proceedings
(1)  Property to which this Part applies that has not been delivered to the person lawfully entitled to it (by virtue of an order under section 39 or otherwise) within 1 month after determination of proceedings against a person for an offence concerning the property:
(a)  in the case of money, is to be paid to the Treasurer for payment into the Consolidated Fund, or
(b)  in any other case, may be sold at public auction.
(2)  Expenses incurred in keeping the property in police custody may be deducted from the proceeds of sale of the property and paid to the Commissioner of Police.
(3)  The proceeds of sale of the property (after making any deductions under subsection (2)) are to be forwarded to the Treasurer for payment into the Consolidated Fund.
s 40 (previously s 63): Ins 1991 No 44, sec 3. Renumbered 1992 No 57, Sch 2. Am 1992 No 57, Sch 2.
41   Application to Treasurer for recovery of money or proceeds of sale
A person who is lawfully entitled to any property that has been dealt with in accordance with section 40 may recover from the Treasurer the money or proceeds of sale held by the Treasurer. This Act authorises the Treasurer to pay the amount out of the Consolidated Fund (which is appropriated to the necessary extent).
s 41 (previously s 64): Ins 1991 No 44, sec 3. Renumbered 1992 No 57, Sch 2. Am 1992 No 57, Sch 2.
42   Which is the appropriate court for the purposes of this Part?
The court to which an application under this Part may be made is:
(a)  a Local Court, constituted by a Magistrate sitting alone, for the district in which the property is held, if the estimated value of the property (or the amount of the money) does not exceed $25,000, or
(b)  the District Court, if the estimated value of the property (or the amount of the money) exceeds $25,000 but does not exceed $250,000, or
(c)  the Supreme Court, if the estimated value of the property (or the amount of the money) exceeds $250,000.
ss 42–48 (previously ss 65–71): Ins 1991 No 44, sec 3. Renumbered 1992 No 57, Sch 2.
43   No restriction on other orders of a court
Except as provided by this Part, nothing in this Part prevents a court (on an application under this Part or in any other proceedings) from making a finding or order as to the ownership and delivery of property or as to the liability for and payment of expenses incurred in keeping property in police custody.
ss 42–48 (previously ss 65–71): Ins 1991 No 44, sec 3. Renumbered 1992 No 57, Sch 2.
Division 2 Livestock
44   Definitions
In this Division:
livestock means animals (including birds and fish).
ownership includes any form of lawful entitlement.
ss 42–48 (previously ss 65–71): Ins 1991 No 44, sec 3. Renumbered 1992 No 57, Sch 2.
45   What procedure applies if there is no dispute as to the ownership of the livestock and the owner is known?
(1)  A police officer may deliver livestock at any time before the determination of proceedings against a person for an offence concerning the livestock to a person who the officer believes on reasonable grounds is the owner of the livestock if there does not appear to the officer to be any dispute as to ownership of the livestock.
(2)  Livestock must not be delivered until a suitable record of the livestock has been made for evidentiary purposes. The record is to include a valuation of the livestock made by a competent valuer.
(3)  Expenses incurred in keeping the livestock in police custody, in making the record and in obtaining the valuation under subsection (2) are to be borne by the Commissioner of Police.
ss 42–48 (previously ss 65–71): Ins 1991 No 44, sec 3. Renumbered 1992 No 57, Sch 2.
46   What procedure applies if there is no dispute as to the ownership of the livestock but the owner is not known?
(1)  A police officer may apply to a court at any time before the determination of proceedings against a person for an offence concerning livestock for an order to sell the livestock at public auction if, after making reasonable inquiries, there does not appear to the officer to be any dispute as to the ownership of the livestock but the officer does not know who or where the owner is.
(2)  The court may make an order for the sale of the livestock at public auction but must not make such an order unless it is satisfied that 28 days’ notice of the intention to make the application for the order has been given:
(a)  to any person who, in the court’s opinion, may be an owner of the livestock, and
(b)  in a newspaper circulating throughout the State.
(3)  In making an order for the sale of the livestock, the court must specify the amount which is to be deducted from the proceeds of sale and paid to the Commissioner of Police in reimbursement of the expenses incurred by the Commissioner in keeping the livestock in police custody. Expenses incurred in keeping the livestock in police custody for the first 28 days are to be borne by the Commissioner of Police.
(4)  Livestock must not be sold following an order of the court until a suitable record of the livestock has been made for evidentiary purposes. The record need not include a valuation of the livestock.
(5)  The proceeds of sale of the livestock (after deducting, to the extent of the funds available, and paying to the Commissioner of Police any amount specified by the court under subsection (3)) together with a copy of the record made under subsection (4) are to be forwarded to the Treasurer and the proceeds are to be paid into the Consolidated Fund.
ss 42–48 (previously ss 65–71): Ins 1991 No 44, sec 3. Renumbered 1992 No 57, Sch 2.
47   What procedure applies if there is a dispute as to the ownership of the livestock?
(1)  A police officer may apply to a court at any time before the determination of proceedings against a person for an offence concerning livestock for an order to sell the livestock at public auction if there is a dispute as to the ownership of the livestock and:
(a)  no party to the dispute undertakes to pay the expenses of keeping the livestock in police custody, or
(b)  a party who has given such an undertaking fails to comply with the undertaking.
(2)  The court may make an order for the sale of the livestock at public auction or it may make an order that one or more of the parties disputing ownership pay the expenses of keeping the livestock in police custody in such proportions as it determines.
(3)  The court must not make an order for the sale of the livestock at public auction unless it is satisfied that 28 days’ notice of the intention to make the application for the order has been given:
(a)  to any person who, in the court’s opinion, may be an owner of the livestock, and
(b)  in a newspaper circulating throughout the State.
(4)  In making an order for the sale of the livestock, a court must specify the amount which is to be deducted from the proceeds of sale and paid to the Commissioner of Police in reimbursement of the expenses incurred by the Commissioner in keeping the livestock in police custody.
(5)  Livestock must not be sold following an order of the court until a suitable record of the livestock has been made for evidentiary purposes. The record need not include a valuation of the livestock.
(6)  The owner of the livestock is (except in so far as a court otherwise determines) entitled to recover, jointly or severally, from the other parties to the dispute the expenses incurred by the owner in keeping the livestock in police custody.
(7)  The proceeds of sale of the livestock (after deducting, to the extent of the funds available, and paying to the Commissioner of Police any amount specified by the court under subsection (4)) together with a copy of the record made under subsection (5) are to be forwarded to the Treasurer and the proceeds are to be paid into the Consolidated Fund.
ss 42–48 (previously ss 65–71): Ins 1991 No 44, sec 3. Renumbered 1992 No 57, Sch 2.
48   Disposition of benefit derived from livestock
Any income or benefit derived from livestock while in police custody (such as offspring born during custody or, in the case of poultry, eggs) is to be held or applied on behalf of the owner of the livestock.
ss 42–48 (previously ss 65–71): Ins 1991 No 44, sec 3. Renumbered 1992 No 57, Sch 2.
49   Notification of right to recover proceeds of sale
If, at the time at which livestock are sold in accordance with this Part:
(a)  the parties disputing ownership of the livestock have not resolved their dispute, and
(b)  a court has not determined who the owner of the livestock is,
a police officer is required to notify each such party of the rights of the owner under section 50.
s 49 (previously s 72): Ins 1991 No 44, sec 3. Renumbered 1992 No 57, Sch 2. Am 1992 No 57, Sch 2.
50   Application to Treasurer for recovery of proceeds of sale
A person who was the owner of livestock immediately before they were sold under this Division may recover from the Treasurer the amount held by the Treasurer in respect of the proceeds of sale. This Act authorises the Treasurer to pay the amount out of the Consolidated Fund (which is appropriated to the necessary extent).
s 50: Ins 1991 No 44, sec 3. Renumbered 1992 No 57, Sch 2.
51   Relationship with Division 1
The provisions of this Division are in addition to the provisions of Division 1.
ss 51 (previously ss 73, 74): Ins 1991 No 44, sec 3. Renumbered 1992 No 57, Sch 2.
Part 12 Sentence indication hearings pilot scheme
pt 12: Ins 1992 No 98, sec 3.
52   Application
(1)  The Chief Judge of the District Court may, by publication of a practice note or practice notes, give notice of the conduct by the District Court of a sentence indication hearings pilot scheme between 1 February 1993 and 31 January 1996 (both dates inclusive) and may determine the place or places at which and the conditions (if any) subject to which the pilot scheme is to be conducted.
(2)  This Part applies only to a sentence indication hearing pilot scheme so notified.
(3)  This Part applies to an offence whether committed before or after the commencement of this Part.
s 52: Ins 1992 No 98, sec 3. Am 1994 No 80, Sch 1.
53   Sentence indication hearings
(1)  A judge of the District Court may, on or before the arraignment of an accused person and on that person’s application, indicate at a sentence indication hearing what sentence the judge might give the person if, on arraignment, the person were to plead guilty to the offence with which the person has been charged or to another, or a lesser, offence arising out of the same circumstances.
(2)  For the purpose of conducting a sentence indication hearing, a judge is entitled to consider such material as would be available to the judge if the accused person had pleaded guilty and the judge were passing sentence on that person.
ss 53–56: Ins 1992 No 98, sec 3.
54   Suppression orders
(1)  The judge who conducts a sentence indication hearing may make one or more of the following orders:
(a)  an order directing that no matter that might identify an accused person making an application for a sentence indication hearing be published,
(b)  an order prohibiting publication of any other matter disclosed to the judge during a sentence indication hearing that might, in the judge’s opinion, prejudice the right of the accused person to a fair trial, including prejudice of a potential jury,
(c)  an order limiting the time during which an order made under this section operates until such time as the accused person has pleaded guilty to the offence concerned or a jury has returned its verdict in the matter.
(2)  Such an order may be made at or following a sentence indication hearing.
ss 53–56: Ins 1992 No 98, sec 3.
55   Breach of suppression orders
A breach of a suppression order may be dealt with by the District Court in accordance with the District Court Act 1973 as if it were a contempt of the Court committed in the face, or in the hearing, of the Court.
ss 53–56: Ins 1992 No 98, sec 3.
56   Existing powers of District Court not limited
Nothing in this Part is taken to limit the powers that the District Court or a judge of the District Court has apart from this Part.
ss 53–56: Ins 1992 No 98, sec 3.