An Act to provide for the concurrent administration of law and equity in the Supreme Court; to amend and consolidate the law with respect to the administration of justice and the procedure and practice of the Supreme Court; to repeal the Common Law Procedure Act 1899, the Equity Act 1901 and certain other Acts; to amend the Partnership Act 1892 and certain other Acts; and for purposes connected therewith.
Part 1 Preliminary
Division 1 General
1 Name of Act
This Act may be cited as the Supreme Court Act 1970.
2 Commencement
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), this Act shall commence on a day to be appointed by the Governor and notified by proclamation published in the Gazette.(2) Part 9 shall commence on the date upon which the assent of Her Majesty to this Act is signified.
3 The Crown
(1) Subject to this and any other Act, the Crown is bound by, and has the benefit of, this Act and the rules.(2) In subsection (1), Crown includes not only the Crown in right of New South Wales but also the Crown in all its other capacities.
4 (Repealed)
s 4: Am 1972 No 41, sec 3 (a); 1973 No 19, sec 4 (a). Rep 1985 No 28, Sch 1 (1).
5 Repeals
Each Act mentioned in the First Schedule to this Act is, to the extent therein expressed, hereby repealed.
6 Inconsistency with rules
Any Act in force immediately before the commencement of this Act which is inconsistent with the rules shall be superseded to the extent of such inconsistency and while such inconsistency continues to exist.
7 (Repealed)
s 7: Rep 1999 No 85, Sch 4.
8 Construction of references
(1) In any Act, rule of court or regulation in force immediately before the commencement of this Act:(a) a reference to the Court in Banco or to the Full Court or to the Court as a court consisting of two or more Judges shall be construed as a reference to the Court of Appeal,(b) a reference to the Court or to a Judge in any of the jurisdictions specified in the First Column of the Table below or to the practice or procedure of the Court in any of those jurisdictions shall be construed as a reference to the Division specified opposite that jurisdiction in the Second Column of that Table or, as the case may be, to the practice or procedure in that Division:
9 Non-revivor
A repeal made by section 5 or an amendment made by section 7 shall not revive anything not in force or existing immediately before the commencement of this Act.
Division 2 Abolition of certain matters
10 Arrest on mesne process
Notwithstanding section 69, no person shall be arrested under the jurisdiction of the Court formerly exercised by writ or capias ad respondendum or by writ of ne exeat, or otherwise on mesne process.
11 Distinction between court and chambers
(1) The distinction between court and chambers is abolished.(2) The business of the Court, whether conducted in court or otherwise, shall be taken to be conducted in court.
12 Quo warranto
Informations in the nature of quo warranto are abolished.
Division 3 Transition
13 Judges
(1) A person who immediately before the commencement of this Act held any office specified in the Table below shall subject to this Act continue to hold that office under this Act.TableChief JusticePresident of the Court of AppealJudge of AppealChief Judge in EquityJudge exercising the matrimonial causes jurisdiction of the CourtProbate JudgeJudge(2) The person who immediately before the commencement of this Act held the office of Judge exercising the matrimonial causes jurisdiction of the Court shall, on the commencement of this Act, be Chief Judge in Divorce.s 13: Am 1972 No 41, sec 3 (c).
14 Masters
(1) Notwithstanding section 111 and section 116, the holder immediately before the commencement of this Act of the office of Master in Equity is hereby:(a) appointed to be a master under this Act, and(b) assigned to the Equity Division and to the Protective Division.(2) Notwithstanding section 116:(a) the assignment by paragraph (b) of subsection (1) shall not be revoked without the consent of the master concerned, and(b) the master assigned to the Equity Division and to the Protective Division by that paragraph shall not be assigned to any other Division without the master’s consent.(3) (Repealed)s 14: Am 1972 No 69, sec 4 (a); 1974 No 106, sec 3; 1994 No 32, Sch 3.
15 Registrars and other officers
Notwithstanding section 120, the holder immediately before the commencement of this Act of each office named in the First Column in the Table in paragraph (f) of subsection (1) of section 8 is hereby appointed to the office under this Act named in the Second Column in that Table opposite to the name of the firstmentioned office, to hold office subject to the provisions of the Public Service Act 1902.
16 Pending proceedings
(1) Subject to the rules, and unless the Court otherwise orders, this Act does not apply to, and the repeals and amendments made by this Act do not affect, any proceedings commenced in the Court before the commencement of this Act.(2) In particular, but without limiting the generality of subsection (1), subject to the rules, and unless the Court otherwise orders, in the case of any proceedings commenced in the Court before the commencement of this Act, this Act does not apply to, and the repeals and amendments made by this Act do not affect:(a) the completion after the commencement of this Act of any step in the proceedings taken before the commencement of this Act, or(b) the taking and completion after the commencement of this Act of any step in the proceedings.(3) Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2):(a) sections 10 and 98 apply to proceedings commenced in the Court before the commencement of this Act,(b) any person held in custody on the date of commencement of this Act under any attachment or committal (otherwise than for contempt of court) or under any writ of capias ad respondendum or writ of ne exeat or otherwise on mesne process or under any writ of capias ad satisfaciendum shall, unless there is other lawful warrant for holding the person in custody, be discharged from custody on the date of commencement of this Act, and(c) no writ of foreign attachment under Part 20 of the Common Law Procedure Act 1899 shall be issued after the commencement of this Act.(4) For the purposes of this section:(a) the expression proceedings includes:(i) any cause, suit, application or matter in or before the Court or for decision or determination by the Court or any Judge of the Court, and(ii) any appeal from, or other means of review (whether by way of stated case, statutory prohibition or otherwise) of, any decision or determination of any court, tribunal or person,(b) the expression judgment includes any rule, decree or order, andwhether before or after final judgment.(c) the expression step includes:(i) the entry or other perfecting of any judgment,(ii) an appeal to the Court of Appeal,(iii) an application for a new trial or for judgment notwithstanding a verdict,(iv) a motion in arrest of judgment,(v) a new trial,(vi) the punishment of contempt in connection with the proceedings,(vii) any thing done or to be done by way of execution or enforcement of a judgment in the proceedings,(viii) interpleader by any person having the execution of a judgment in the proceedings,(ix) an application for a stay of proceedings,(x) any thing done or to be done in consequence of an appeal to Her Majesty in Council or to the High Court of Australia,(5) The Court may make orders under this section on application by a party or of its own motion.s 16: Am 1972 No 41, sec 3 (d); 1994 No 32, Sch 3.
Division 4 Savings
17 Criminal proceedings
(1) Except as provided in this section this Act and the rules do not apply to any of the proceedings in the Court which are specified in the Third Schedule, and no claim for relief lies to the Court against an interlocutory judgment or order given or made in proceedings referred to in paragraph (a1) or (a2) of that Schedule.(2) Rules may be made under this Act:(a) for regulating and prescribing the practice and procedure of the Court, andin relation to any of the proceedings in the Court which are specified in the Third Schedule.(b) without limiting the generality of paragraph (a), for:(i) providing for the regulation of the sittings and order of business of the Court and the regulation of the vacations and holidays to be observed by the Court and in the offices of the Court, and(ii) prescribing the duties and functions of the Prothonotary and other officers of the Court and the records to be kept by them,(2A) The provisions of this Act, including Part 9 (subsections (1) and (4) of section 124 excepted), apply in relation to rules made pursuant to subsection (2) as they apply in relation to other rules.(3) Subsection (1) does not affect the operation of sections 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 41, 53, 54, 55, 72, 101 (5) and 130.(4) (Repealed)s 17: Am 1972 No 41, sec 3 (e); 1979 No 88, Sch 1 (1); 1979 No 96, sec 7 (a); 1986 No 212, Sch 1; 1988 No 20, Sch 18 (1); 1996 No 111, Sch 1.8 [1]; 1999 No 85, Sch 2.65.
18 Appeal to Privy Council
(1) Subject to subsection (2), nothing in this Act or in the rules affects the law formerly existing concerning appeals to Her Majesty in Council.(2) The provisions of this Act and the rules apply to proceedings in the Court for leave to appeal to Her Majesty in Council and to proceedings in the Court relating to such an appeal.(3) Subsection (2) has effect subject to Orders in Council from time to time in force under the Australian Courts Act 1828.
Division 5 Interpretation
19 Definitions generally
(1) In this Act and in the rules, except in so far as the context or subject-matter otherwise indicates or requires:claim for relief includes:(a) a claim for the recovery of damages or other money, or for possession of land, or for delivery of goods,(b) a claim for a declaration of right,(c) a claim for the determination of any question or matter which may be determined by the Court, and(d) any other claim (whether legal, equitable or otherwise) justiciable in the Court.commencement, in relation to this Act, means the date appointed under subsection (1) of section 2.common law claim means a claim for damages or other money, or for possession of land, or for detention of goods, in proceedings in the Common Law Division.costs includes fees, charges, disbursements, expenses and remuneration.Court means the Supreme Court of New South Wales.defendant includes any person served with a statement of claim or summons, or served with notice of or entitled to attend any proceedings.Division means a Division of the Court specified in paragraph (b) of section 38.formerly means immediately before the commencement of this Act.Judge means a Judge of the Court.land includes messuages, tenements and hereditaments, corporeal and incorporeal, of any tenure or description, and whatever may be the estate or interest therein, whether vested or contingent, whether freehold or leasehold, and whether at law or in equity.minor means a person under the age of eighteen years.party includes any defendant and any person against whom a claim for relief is made under section 78.plaintiff includes any person making any claim for relief (except a claim for relief under section 78).prescribed means prescribed by the rules.registrar means a person who, under section 120 (a), is for the time being appointed to and holding an office mentioned in section 119 and includes:(a) a person who, under section 120 (b), is for the time being appointed to act temporarily in any such office, and(b) a person who, under section 120 (c), is for the time being appointed as a deputy or an assistant to the holder of any such office, but only when the person is exercising a power conferred by or under this Act on that holder with the authority of that holder or a person for the time being appointed to act temporarily in the office of that holder.rules means rules of the Court from time to time in force and includes:(a) rules made by the Rule Committee, and(b) rules that have effect, by virtue of section 122, as rules made by the Rule Committee, and(c) any Schedule to rules of the Court.stated case means a case stated by the Court in a Division under the rules or under any Act or a case stated under any Act by any other court or by any judge of any other court or by any justice or other person for the opinion, decision, direction or determination of the Court, and includes:(a) an award in the form of a case stated under section 9 of the Arbitration Act 1902, and(b) a matter referred under section 85 of the Superannuation Act 1916.(2) For the purposes of this Act and the rules, proceedings in the Court under an Act:(a) are an appeal if described in that Act or in any regulation made under that Act as an appeal, and(b) subject to the rules, are not an appeal if not so described.(3) Notes included in this Act do not form part of this Act.s 19: Am 1972 No 41, sec 3 (f); 1977 No 120, sec 3 (a); 1989 No 226, Sch 1; 1994 No 32, Sch 3; 2000 No 93, Sch 2.53 [1] [2].
20 (Repealed)
s 20: Rep 1987 No 48, Sch 32.
21 Order on terms
Where under this Act or the rules the Court may make any order or give any direction or leave or do any other thing on terms, the Court may make the order or give the direction or leave or do the thing on such terms and conditions (if any) as the Court thinks fit.
21A Construction of references to Divorce Division
In any Act (including this Act), rule of court or regulation in force immediately before the commencement of section 4 of the Administration of Justice Act 1973, a reference to, or a reference to be construed as a reference to:(a) the Divorce Division shall be construed as a reference to the Family Law Division,(b) the Chief Judge in Divorce shall be construed as a reference to the Chief Judge of the Family Law Division, and(c) the Registrar in Divorce shall be construed as a reference to the Registrar of the Family Law Division.s 21A: Ins 1973 No 19, sec 4 (b).
Part 2 The Court
Division 1 Continuance and jurisdiction
22 Continuance
The Supreme Court of New South Wales as formerly established as the superior court of record in New South Wales is hereby continued.
23 Jurisdiction generally
The Court shall have all jurisdiction which may be necessary for the administration of justice in New South Wales.
24 Court to have powers of Judges etc
(1) In this section special office means the office of Chief Judge in Equity, Chief Judge in Divorce, Probate Judge, and any other special judicial office in the Court.(2) Where, under the law in force immediately before the commencement of this Act, any power is vested in the Judges collectively, or in any two or more Judges, or in any Judge in special office, or in any Judge:(a) that power shall be exercised by the Court in all respects as those Judges or that Judge might have exercised the power immediately before the commencement of this Act, but in accordance with this Act and the rules,(b) the Court shall have power co-ordinate with the power of those Judges or that Judge, and(c) subject to paragraphs (a) and (b), that power shall not be exercised by those Judges or that Judge.(3) Where, under the law in force immediately before the commencement of this Act, any power is vested in the Court, whether generally or in any jurisdiction of the Court, that power shall be exercised by the Court in all respects as the Court might have exercised the power immediately before the commencement of this Act, but in accordance with this Act and the rules.(4) This section has effect even though:(a) in the case of a power vested in a Judge in special office, the special office has been abolished, whether before or after the commencement of this Act, or the special office is vacant,(b) the power in question is vested in the Court as a designated Court, in the Judges collectively or any two or more Judges as designated persons, or in any Judge in special office or any Judge as a designated person, or(c) exercise of the power is expressed under the law in force immediately before the commencement of this Act to be final or without appeal.(5) This section applies to a power which, immediately before the commencement of this Act, is exercisable by rule nisi or rule absolute in any proceedings or by other rule in the nature of an order or direction in any proceedings, but otherwise does not apply to a power to make rules.(6) This section does not apply to a power:(a) vested in the Chief Justice as Chief Justice,(b) vested in the Chief Judge in Equity in relation to the making of general orders under Division 1 of Part 24 of the Conveyancing Act 1919,(c) (Repealed)(d) vested in a Judge as chairman, or additional temporary chairman, of the Crown Employees Appeal Board,(e) vested in a Judge in special office or other Judge as member (whether chairman or otherwise) of a board, committee or other body of persons not composed wholly of Judges.(7) The Governor may direct by proclamation that this section shall not apply to any power specified in the proclamation, being a power arising under any Act or Imperial Act in force immediately before the commencement of this Act, and the proclamation shall have effect accordingly, but subject to section 41 of the Interpretation Act 1987.(8) Sections 39, 40 and 41 of the Interpretation Act 1987 apply to a proclamation under subsection (7) in the same way as they apply to a statutory rule within the meaning of that Act.(9), (10) (Repealed)s 24: Subst 1972 No 41, sec 4 (a). Am 1979 No 205, Sch 2, Part 1; 1987 No 48, Sch 32.
Division 2 The Judges generally
25 Composition of Court
The Court shall be composed of a Chief Justice, a President of the Court of Appeal and such other Judges of Appeal and Judges as the Governor may from time to time appoint.
26 Appointment and qualifications: Chief Justice and other Judges
(1) The Governor may, by commission under the public seal of the State, appoint any qualified person to be Chief Justice or a Judge.(2) A person is qualified for appointment as Chief Justice if the person:(a) is a Judge, or(b) is a judicial member of the Industrial Relations Commission, or(c) is a legal practitioner of at least 7 years’ standing.(3) A person is qualified for appointment as a Judge if the person:(a) is a judicial member of the Industrial Relations Commission, or(b) is a legal practitioner of at least 7 years’ standing.s 26: Am 1972 No 41, sec 4 (b); 1984 No 153, Sch 16; 1991 No 34, Sch 3; 1993 No 87, Sch 5; 1996 No 17, Sch 5.16 [1].
27 Chief Judges
(1) The Governor may, by commission under the public seal of the State, appoint any Judge to be:(a) Chief Judge of the Common Law Division (whose title is Chief Judge at Common Law), or(b) Chief Judge of the Equity Division (whose title is Chief Judge in Equity).(2) A Judge may be appointed a Chief Judge either at the time of his or her appointment as a Judge or at any time afterwards.(3) A Chief Judge holds that office so long as he or she holds office as a Judge.(4) A Chief Judge may, with the approval of the Governor, resign that office without resigning his or her office as a Judge.s 27: Rep 1986 No 100, Sch 4. Ins 1998 No 172, Sch 10 [1].
28 List Judges
(1) The Chief Justice may, by instrument in writing, designate a Judge to be a List Judge within a Division.(2) A List Judge within a Division has (subject to any direction from the Chief Justice or the Chief Judge of the Division) the function of managing such class or classes of proceedings in the Division as may be specified in the instrument designating the Judge to be a List Judge or by the rules.(3) A Judge may be designated to be a List Judge within a Division under this section even though the Judge is not appointed or nominated to the Division. Any such Judge is taken to be appointed to the Division for the purposes of exercising his or her functions as a List Judge.(4) An instrument designating a Judge to be a List Judge may specify a title for the Judge to use while exercising the functions of a List Judge.(5) The Chief Justice may at any time, by instrument in writing, revoke a Judge’s designation as a List Judge.(6) The designation of a Judge to be a List Judge under this section does not affect the rank, title, status and precedence as a Judge that he or she had immediately before any such designation.s 28: Subst 1972 No 41, sec 4 (c). Am 1973 No 19, secs 4 (c), 6 (1) (a); 1979 No 88, Sch 1 (2); 1987 No 209, Sch 35 (1); 1994 No 32, Sch 3. Subst 1998 No 172, Sch 10 [1].
28A Special provisions as to Chief Judges who are not Judges of Appeal
(1) This section applies to the Chief Judges, but does not apply to a Chief Judge who is a Judge of Appeal by virtue of having been appointed as such.(2) A Chief Judge to whom this section applies:(a) shall, while holding that office, be deemed by virtue of this section to be an additional Judge of Appeal, andand the provisions of section 36 (4) and (5) apply to and in respect of that Chief Judge in the Chief Judge’s capacity as an additional Judge of Appeal under this section in the same way as they apply to and in respect of a Judge in the Judge’s capacity as an additional Judge of Appeal appointed or nominated under section 36.(b) shall, while acting as an additional Judge of Appeal, have all the powers, authorities, privileges and immunities of a Judge of Appeal,(3) The Chief Judges to whom this section applies shall have seniority, rank and precedence over all the Judges (including any Judge who is for the time being an additional Judge of Appeal otherwise than by virtue of this section) except the Chief Justice, the President of the Court of Appeal and the Judges of Appeal and over all persons who, in accordance with the provisions of any Act, have the same rank, title, status and precedence as a Judge of the Supreme Court.(4) The Chief Judges to whom this section applies shall have seniority, rank and precedence between themselves according to the dates of their relevant commissions.(5) If the relevant commissions of more than one of the Chief Judges to whom this section applies bear the same date they shall have seniority, rank and precedence according to the seniority, rank and precedence assigned to them by their relevant commissions, or failing any such assignment according to the order of their being sworn:(a) in the case of a Judge referred to in subsection (7) (a)—as a Judge, or(b) in the case of a Judge referred to in subsection (7) (b)—as Chief Judge.(6) If a Chief Judge to whom this section applies resigns his or her office as a Chief Judge without resigning his or her office as a Judge, he or she shall then have the seniority, rank, status and precedence he or she would have had if he or she had not been a Chief Judge.(7) In this section, a reference to the relevant commission is:(a) in relation to a Judge holding office as Chief Judge immediately before the commencement of section 6 of the Administration of Justice Act 1973—a reference to the Judge’s commission as a Judge, or(b) in relation to a Judge the date of whose commission as Chief Judge is later than the date of that commencement—a reference to the Judge’s commission as Chief Judge.s 28A: Ins 1973 No 19, sec 6 (1) (b). Am 1994 No 32, Sch 3.
29 Remuneration
(1) The Judges are entitled to be paid remuneration in accordance with the Statutory and Other Offices Remuneration Act 1975.(2) The remuneration referred to in subsection (1) and payable to each Judge shall be paid to the Judge so long as the Judge’s commission continues in force.s 29: Am 1972 No 41, sec 4 (d). Subst 1976 No 4, Sch 5. Am 1994 No 32, Sch 3.
30 Interest in rate or tax
(1) The Chief Justice, a Judge of Appeal or a Judge shall not be incapable of acting in his or her judicial office in any proceedings, nor shall any master or registrar or other officer of the Court be incapable of acting in his or her office in any proceedings, by reason of his or her being as one of several ratepayers or as one of any other class of persons liable, in common with others, to contribute to or to be benefited by any rate or tax which may be increased, diminished or in any way affected by those proceedings.(2) In this section rate or tax means any rate, tax, duty or assessment whether public, general or local, and also any fund formed from the proceeds of any such rate, tax, duty or assessment, or applicable to the same or like purposes to which any such rate, tax, duty or assessment might be applied.ss 30–33: Am 1994 No 32, Sch 3.
Division 3 Judges of Appeal
31 Appointment
(1) The Governor may, by commission under the public seal of the State, appoint any Judge to be a Judge of Appeal.(2) A Judge may be appointed to be a Judge of Appeal either at the time of his or her appointment as a Judge or at any time afterwards.(3) A Judge of Appeal shall continue to be a Judge and may from time to time sit as or exercise any of the powers of a Judge.(4) A Judge who, at the time of his or her appointment as Judge of Appeal, holds the office of Chief Judge in Equity shall continue to hold that office and may sit as or exercise any of the powers and functions of the Chief Judge in Equity.(5) A Judge of Appeal shall hold office as a Judge of Appeal so long as he or she holds office as a Judge.(6) With the approval of the Governor, a Judge of Appeal may resign his or her office as Judge of Appeal without resigning his or her office as a Judge.ss 30–33: Am 1994 No 32, Sch 3.
32 Appointment of President
(1) The Governor may, by commission under the public seal of the State, appoint a Judge of Appeal to be President of the Court of Appeal.(2) A Judge of Appeal may be appointed to be President of the Court of Appeal at the time of his or her appointment as a Judge of Appeal or at any time afterwards.ss 30–33: Am 1994 No 32, Sch 3.
33 Seniority
(1) The Judge of Appeal shall have seniority, rank and precedence over all the Judges (including any Judge who is for the time being an additional Judge of Appeal) except the Chief Justice and over all persons who, in accordance with the provisions of any Act, have the same rank, title, status and precedence as a Judge of the Supreme Court.(2) The President of the Court of Appeal shall have seniority, rank and precedence over the Judges of Appeal referred to in paragraph (c) of section 42, and those Judges of Appeal shall have seniority, rank and precedence between themselves according to the dates (whether before or after the commencement of this Act) of their commissions as Judges of Appeal.(3) If the commissions of two or more Judges of Appeal bear the same date they shall have seniority, rank and precedence according to the seniority, rank and precedence assigned to them by their commissions, or failing such assignment according to the order of their being sworn.(4) If a Judge of Appeal resigns his or her office as a Judge of Appeal without resigning his or her office as a Judge, he or she shall then have, as a Judge, the seniority, rank, status and precedence he or she would have had if he or she had not been appointed a Judge of Appeal.ss 30–33: Am 1994 No 32, Sch 3.
34 Vacancies
(1) Where there is a vacancy in the office of President of the Court of Appeal, or the President is absent from duty, the senior of the other Judges of Appeal (except the Chief Justice) willing to act as President shall act as President, shall execute the duties of that office, and may exercise all the powers which may lawfully be exercised by the President.(2) The jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal shall not be affected by any vacancy in the office of Chief Justice or of President.s 34: Am 1972 No 41, sec 4 (e); 1994 No 32, Sch 3.
Division 4 Acting and additional appointments
35 Acting Chief Justice
(1) The Governor may, by commission under the public seal of the State, appoint the President of the Court of Appeal, any Judge of Appeal or any Judge to be Acting Chief Justice during such period as the Chief Justice may be absent from duty.(2) While holding office, the Acting Chief Justice shall have the powers, authorities, privileges, immunities and precedence, and shall fulfil the duties of the Chief Justice and is entitled to be paid remuneration at the rate provided for the Chief Justice.s 35: Am 1976 No 4, Sch 5; 1994 No 32, Sch 3.
36 Additional Judges of Appeal
(1) The Governor may, by commission under the public seal of the State, appoint any Judge to act as an additional Judge of Appeal during such period not exceeding six months as may be specified in the commission.(2) Whenever the Chief Justice certifies that in any proceeding before the Court of Appeal it is expedient that a Judge nominated in the certificate should act as an additional Judge of Appeal, the Judge so nominated may act as an additional Judge of Appeal for the purposes of that proceeding.(3) Every additional Judge of Appeal appointed or nominated pursuant to this section shall, while so acting, have all the powers, authorities, privileges and immunities and shall fulfil all the duties of a Judge of Appeal.(4) The fact that any Judge sits and acts as an additional Judge of Appeal shall be sufficient evidence of the Judge’s authority to do so, and no judgment or order of the Court of Appeal while the Judge so acts shall be questioned on the ground that the occasion for the Judge’s so acting had not arisen or had ceased to exist.(5) Every Judge who, pursuant to this section, has acted as an additional Judge of Appeal may attend the sittings of the Court of Appeal for the purpose of giving judgment in, or otherwise completing, any proceedings which have been heard by that Court while the Judge so acted, notwithstanding that the Judge is no longer an additional Judge of Appeal.s 36: Am 1972 No 41, sec 4 (f); 1994 No 32, Sch 3; 1996 No 111, Sch 1.8 [2].
37 Acting Judges
(1) The Governor may, by commission under the public seal of the State, appoint any qualified person to act as a Judge, or as a Judge and a Judge of Appeal, for a time not exceeding 12 months to be specified in such commission.(2) In subsection (1) qualified person means any of the following persons:(a) a person qualified for appointment as a Judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales,(b) a person who is or has been a judge of the Federal Court of Australia,(c) a person who is or has been a judge of the Supreme Court of another State or Territory.(3) A person appointed under this section shall, for the time and subject to the conditions or limitations specified in the person’s commission, have all the powers, authorities, privileges and immunities and fulfil all the duties of a Judge and (if appointed to act as such) a Judge of Appeal.(3A) The person so appointed may, despite the expiration of the period of the person’s appointment, complete or otherwise continue to deal with any matters relating to proceedings that have been heard, or partly heard, by the person before the expiration of that period.(3B) The person so appointed is entitled to be paid remuneration in accordance with the Statutory and Other Offices Remuneration Act 1975. The remuneration payable to an acting Judge is to be paid to the acting Judge so long as his or her commission continues in force.(4) A retired Judge of the Court or of another court in New South Wales (including a retired judicial member of the Industrial Commission or of the Industrial Relations Commission) may be so appointed even though the retired Judge has reached the age of 72 years (or will have reached that age before the appointment expires), but may not be so appointed for any period that extends beyond the day on which he or she reaches the age of 75 years.(4A) A person who is or has been a judge of the Federal Court of Australia or of the Supreme Court of another State or Territory may be so appointed even though that person has reached the age of 72 years (or will have reached that age before the appointment expires) but may not be so appointed for any period that extends beyond the day on which he or she reaches the age of 75 years.(5) The conditions or limitations specified in a commission under this section may exclude the whole or any part of the period of appointment from being regarded as prior judicial service (within the meaning of section 8 of the Judges’ Pensions Act 1953) by the person.(6) The provisions of section 36 (4) and (5) apply to an acting Judge who acts as a Judge of Appeal in the same way as they apply to a Judge who acts as an additional Judge of Appeal.s 37: Am 1988 No 10, Sch 1 (1); 1989 No 89, Sch 1; 1989 No 169, Sch 8; 1990 No 56, Sch 1, Part 2; 1990 No 108, Sch 1; 1991 No 94, Sch 1; 1992 No 111, Sch 1; 1994 No 32, Sch 3; 1996 No 30, Sch 1.35 [1]; 1996 No 121, Sch 4.55.
Division 5 Organisation
38 Divisions of Court
For the more convenient despatch of business, the Court shall be divided into:(a) the Court of Appeal, and(b) the following Divisions:(i) the Common Law Division,(ii) the Equity Division.(iii)–(ix) (Repealed)s 38: Am 1973 No 19, secs 4 (d), 7 (1) (a); 1979 No 88, Sch 1 (3); 1985 No 28, Sch 1 (2); 1998 No 172, Sch 10 [2].
39 Intra-curial arrangements
(1) Intra-curial arrangements for the transaction by the Judges of Appeal of the business of the Court of Appeal shall be made by the President of the Court of Appeal with the concurrence of the Chief Justice.(2) Intra-curial arrangements for the transaction of the business of any Division, by the Judges appointed or nominated to that Division:(a) may be made by all the Divisional Judges or by a majority of those of them present at a meeting summoned for that purpose and attended by at least ten of them,(b) subject to any arrangement made as provided by paragraph (a), shall be made by the Chief Justice, and(c) in the case of a Division of which there is a Chief Judge, but subject to any arrangement made as provided by paragraph (a) or paragraph (b), shall, subject to subsection (2A), be made by the Chief Judge.(2A) Subject to any arrangement made as provided by subsection (2) (a), a Chief Judge shall be responsible to the Chief Justice for, and be subject to the direction of the Chief Justice in respect of, the transaction of the business and the administration of the Chief Judge’s Division.(3) For the purposes of subsection (2) Divisional Judges means the Chief Justice and all the Judges except any Judge not appointed or nominated to a Division.(4) This section has effect notwithstanding section 124.s 39: Am 1972 No 41, sec 4 (g); 1979 No 88, Sch 1 (4); 1994 No 32, Sch 3.
40 Single Judge to constitute the Court
(1) All proceedings in any Division and all business arising out of proceedings in a Division shall be heard and disposed of before a Judge, who shall constitute the Court.(2) Subsection (1) does not affect the provisions of this Act and the rules concerning the hearing and disposal of proceedings and business before a master or before a registrar or other officer of the Court.s 40: Am 1972 No 41, sec 4 (h).
41 Judges in the Divisions
(1) Subject to subsection (2), the jurisdiction of the Court shall be exercised in the Divisions as follows:(a) in the Common Law Division by the Chief Judge at Common Law and such other Judges as may be nominated by the Chief Justice to act in that Division,(b) in the Equity Division by the Chief Judge in Equity and such other Judge or Judges as may be nominated by the Chief Justice to act in that Division.(c)–(h) (Repealed)(2) Any Judge may exercise the jurisdiction of the Court in any Division with all the power and authority of a Judge appointed or nominated under this or any other Act to act in that Division.(3) A Judge so appointed or nominated may be appointed or nominated to act concurrently in any other Division.(4) (Repealed)s 41: Am 1972 No 41, sec 4 (i); 1973 No 19, secs 4 (e), 7 (1) (b), 10 (1); 1979 No 88, Sch 1 (5); 1985 No 28, Sch 1 (3); 1987 No 209, Sch 35 (2); 1998 No 172, Sch 10 [3].
Division 6 The Court of Appeal
42 Composition
Subject to this Part, the Court of Appeal shall consist of:(a) the Chief Justice who shall, by virtue of his or her office, be a Judge of Appeal and the senior member of the Court of Appeal,(b) the President of the Court of Appeal, and(c) such other Judges as are appointed to be Judges of Appeal.s 42: Am 1994 No 32, Sch 3; 1999 No 91, Sch 2.
43 Sittings
(1) Any 3 or more Judges of Appeal constitute the Court of Appeal.(2) At a sitting of the Court of Appeal at which the Chief Justice is present the Chief Justice shall preside.(3) In the absence of the Chief Justice, the President of the Court of Appeal shall preside.(4) In the absence of both the Chief Justice and the President, the senior Judge of Appeal present shall preside.(5), (6) (Repealed)s 43: Am 1972 No 41, sec 4 (j); 1994 No 14, Sch 1 (1); 1994 No 32, Sch 3; 1995 No 88, Sch 1.8 [1].
43A Multiple sittings
More than one sitting of the Court of Appeal (constituted by 2 or more Judges of Appeal) may be held at the same time.s 43A: Ins 1995 No 88, Sch 1.8 [2].
44 Jurisdiction
The Court of Appeal may, in proceedings before it, exercise every power, jurisdiction or authority of the Court, whether at law or in equity or under any Act, Imperial Act or Commonwealth Act.
45 Appeals
(1) The decision of the Court of Appeal shall be in accordance with the opinion of the majority of the Judges of Appeal present.(2) If the Judges of Appeal present are equally divided in opinion the decision of the Court of Appeal shall be in accordance with the opinion of the Chief Justice or other Judge of Appeal presiding.(3) (Repealed)(4) If, in dismissing an appeal, the Court of Appeal is of the unanimous opinion that the appeal does not raise any question of general principle, it may, in accordance with the rules, give reasons for its decision in short form.s 45: Am 1989 No 226, Sch 1; 1996 No 111, Sch 1.8 [3]; 1999 No 39, Sch 7 [1].
45AA Continuation of appeal if one or more Judges unable to continue
(1) If an appeal is commenced before 3 or more Judges of Appeal and, before the appeal is determined, one or more of the Judges dies, resigns from office or otherwise becomes unable to continue as a member of the Court of Appeal for the purposes of the appeal, the hearing and determination of the appeal may be completed by the remaining Judges of Appeal so long as at least 2 Judges remain and the parties consent.(2) If the appeal concerned is to be heard and determined by only 2 Judges of Appeal and those Judges are divided in opinion:(a) as to the decision determining the appeal—the appeal is to be reheard and determined by the Court of Appeal constituted by such 3 or more Judges of Appeal as the President of the Court of Appeal directs (including, if practicable, the 2 Judges of Appeal who completed the hearing of the appeal), or(b) as to any other decision—the decision of the Court is to be in accordance with the opinion of the senior Judge present.(3) This section has effect despite any other provision of this Division.s 45AA: Ins 1999 No 39, Sch 7 [2].
45A Judgment of Court of Appeal may be delivered by single Judge of Appeal
(1) When judgment in a proceeding in the Court of Appeal is delivered it is not necessary for any of the Judges of Appeal before whom it was heard to be present in court to state their opinions.(2) The opinion of any of the Judges of Appeal may be reduced to writing and made public by any Judge of Appeal when judgment in the proceeding is delivered.(3) The judgment of the Court of Appeal has the same effect as if each Judge of Appeal whose opinion is so made public had been present in court and declared his or her opinion in person.(4) For the purpose of delivering judgment the Court of Appeal may be constituted by one or more Judges of Appeal.s 45A: Ins 1994 No 14, Sch 1 (2).
46 Powers of Judge of Appeal
(1) A Judge of Appeal may exercise the powers of the Court of Appeal:(a) to give any judgment by consent or make any order by consent,(b) to dismiss an appeal or other proceedings for want of prosecution or for other cause specified in the rules,(c) to dismiss an appeal or other proceedings on the application of the appellant or plaintiff, or(d) to deal with costs and other matters incidental to the matters mentioned in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c).(2) A Judge of Appeal may exercise the powers of the Court of Appeal:(a) to make an order or give any direction concerning the institution of an appeal or other proceedings in the Court of Appeal, or(b) to make any order or give any direction in any appeal or other proceedings, but not an order or direction involving the determination or decision of the appeal or other proceedings.(3) Subsection (2) does not authorise a Judge of Appeal to grant or refuse leave to appeal to the Court of Appeal.(4) The Court of Appeal may discharge or vary a judgment given by a Judge of Appeal, or an order made or direction given by a Judge of Appeal.(5) Subject to subsection (4), a judgment, order or direction given or made by a Judge of Appeal is to have effect as a judgment, order or direction of the Court of Appeal, whether or not the judgment, order or direction is within the powers of the Judge of Appeal under this section.s 46: Subst 1972 No 41, sec 4 (k). Am 1989 No 226, Sch 1.
46A Certain appeals may be heard by 2 Judges of Appeal
(1) This section applies to an appeal to the Court of Appeal:(a) from any court, where the appeal relates solely to the amount of damages awarded in respect of the death of, or bodily injury to, a person, or(b) from the Compensation Court, where the appeal relates solely to the amount of compensation awarded by that Court, or(c) from the Dust Diseases Tribunal, where the appeal relates solely to the amount of compensation awarded by that Tribunal, or(d) from a court or tribunal (other than the Supreme Court), where:(i) the leave of the Court of Appeal is required in respect of the appeal, and(ii) the appeal is not against a final judgment, order, award or decision of the court or tribunal (other than an order for the payment of costs).(2) The Chief Justice may direct that such an appeal be heard and determined by such 2 Judges of Appeal as the President of the Court of Appeal directs.(3) Such a direction may only be given if the Chief Justice is of the opinion that the appeal is not likely to require the resolution of a disputed issue of general principle.(4) For the purpose of an appeal the subject of a direction under this section, the Court of Appeal is constituted by the 2 Judges directed by the President of the Court of Appeal.(5) The decision of the Court of Appeal when constituted by 2 Judges is to be in accordance with the opinion of those Judges.(6) If the Judges are divided in opinion:(a) as to the decision determining the proceedings, the appeal is to be reheard and determined by the Court of Appeal constituted by such 3 Judges of Appeal as the President of the Court of Appeal directs (including, if practicable, the 2 Judges who first heard the appeal), or(b) as to any other decision, the decision of the Court is to be in accordance with the opinion of the senior Judge present.(7) Proceedings heard by the Court of Appeal constituted by 2 Judges under this section are rendered abortive for the purposes of section 6A (1) (a1) of the Suitors’ Fund Act 1951 if they are required to be reheard because the judges were divided in opinion as to the decision determining the proceedings. The rehearing of the proceedings is considered to be a new trial for the purposes of that Act.s 46A: Ins 1994 No 14, Sch 1 (3). Am 1997 No 47, Sch 5 [1]; 1997 No 141, Sch 1.11 [1]; 1998 No 49, Sch 23; 2000 No 31, Sch 13 [1].
46B Certain other matters may be heard by 2 Judges
(1) This section applies to the following applications:(a) applications for leave to appeal,(b) applications involving a question of practice and procedure in an appeal or other matter in the Court of Appeal (being applications that are not capable of being dealt with by a single Judge of Appeal).(2) The Chief Justice may direct that such an application be heard and determined by such 2 Judges of Appeal as the President of the Court of Appeal directs.(3) For the purpose of hearing and determining an application the subject of a direction under this section, the Court of Appeal is constituted by the 2 Judges directed by the President of the Court of Appeal.(4) The decision of the Court of Appeal when constituted by 2 Judges of Appeal is to be in accordance with the opinion of those Judges.(5) If the judges are divided in opinion, the application is to be reheard and determined by the Court of Appeal constituted by 3 Judges of Appeal.s 46B: Ins 1995 No 88, Sch 1.8 [3].
Part 3 Distribution of business
Division 1 Distribution between Court of Appeal and Divisions
47 (Repealed)
s 47: Rep 1972 No 41, sec 5 (a).
48 Assignment to the Court of Appeal
(1)(a) In this section:specified tribunal means:(i) the Land and Environment Court or a Judge of that Court,(ia) (Repealed)(ii) the Industrial Relations Commission or a member of that Commission,(iia) the Dust Diseases Tribunal of New South Wales,(iii) the Government and Related Employees Appeal Tribunal or a member of the Tribunal who is the Senior Chairman, the Acting Senior Chairman or a Chairman of the Tribunal,(iv) the District Court or a Judge of the District Court,(v) the Compensation Court of New South Wales,(vi) a judge or member functioning or purporting to function under any Act giving power to a judge or member, whether as judge or member or as a designated person,(vii) a body of persons having amongst its number a judge or member, being a body functioning or purporting to function under any Act giving power to a body having amongst its number a judge or member, whether as judge or member or as a designated person, or(viii) the Legal Services Tribunal constituted under Part 10 of the Legal Profession Act 1987.(b) In subparagraphs (vi) and (vii) of paragraph (a) judge or member means a judge or member mentioned in any of subparagraphs (i) to (v) inclusive of that paragraph.(2) There are assigned to the Court of Appeal proceedings in the Court:(a) (Repealed)(b) for commanding or otherwise requiring a specified tribunal to perform a public duty,(c) for prohibiting or otherwise restraining a specified tribunal from proceeding in any matter before the tribunal,(d) for commanding or otherwise requiring the removal into the Court of any matter before a specified tribunal, whether for the purpose of quashing or otherwise, but this paragraph has effect subject to subsection (3),(e) for determining, by declaration or otherwise, any matter concerning the powers of a specified tribunal,(f) on an appeal from a specified tribunal,(g) for otherwise reviewing a decision of a specified tribunal,(h) on a case stated by a specified tribunal,(i) for the punishment of contempt of the Court, but only if the contempt consists of:(i) contempt in the face of, or in the hearing of, the Court of Appeal, or(ii) disobedience of a judgment or order of the Court of Appeal, orincluding proceedings in which the Court of Appeal is constituted by a master,(iii) breach of an undertaking given to the Court of Appeal,(j) for such matters as are necessary or convenient for the discharge of the functions of the Court of Appeal, and(k) for such matters as are prescribed by the rules.(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (d) of subsection (2), the rules may provide for the assignment to the Divisions of the Court of proceedings in the Court for commanding or otherwise requiring the removal into the Court of any matter before a specified tribunal in cases not involving a review of a decision of a specified tribunal.(4) (Repealed)s 48: Subst 1972 No 41, sec 5 (b). Am 1973 No 19, sec 9 (1); 1975 No 1, sec 4 (a); 1979 No 96, sec 7 (b); 1979 No 205, Sch 2, Part 1; 1980 No 46, sec 3; 1984 No 93, Sch 1, Part 1; 1984 No 153, Sch 16; 1987 No 111, Sch 1; 1989 No 63, sec 36; 1991 No 34, Sch 3; 1996 No 17, Sch 5.16 [2]; 1996 No 30, Sch 1.35 [2]; 1996 No 111, Sch 1.8 [4] [5].
49 Assignment to the Divisions
Subject to Part 7, proceedings in the Court which are not assigned to the Court of Appeal are assigned to the Divisions of the Court.s 49: Subst 1972 No 41, sec 5 (c).
50 (Repealed)
s 50: Rep 1972 No 41, sec 5 (d).
51 Removal and remission
(1) Where proceedings are commenced in a Division but are, under this or any other Act or under the rules, assigned to the Court of Appeal:(a) the proceedings shall be for all purposes well commenced on the date of commencement in the Division, notwithstanding that the proceedings are assigned to the Court of Appeal,(b) the Court of Appeal or the Court in the Division in which the proceedings are pending may, in either case on application by a party or of its own motion, order that the proceedings be removed into the Court of Appeal,(c) upon an order for removal being made under paragraph (b), the proceedings may be continued and disposed of in the Court of Appeal, and(d) subject to any order under paragraph (b) the proceedings may be continued and disposed of in a Division.(2) Where proceedings are commenced in the Court of Appeal but are, under this or any other Act or under the rules, assigned to a Division:(a) the proceedings shall be for all purposes well commenced on the date of commencement in the Court of Appeal, notwithstanding that the proceedings are assigned to a Division,(b) the Court of Appeal may, on application by a party or of its own motion, order that the proceedings be remitted to a Division,(c) upon an order for remission being made under paragraph (b), the proceedings may be continued and disposed of in a Division, and(d) subject to any order under paragraph (b), the proceedings may be continued and disposed of in the Court of Appeal.(3) (Repealed)(4) Where any proceedings are pending before the Court of Appeal, the Court of Appeal may, on application by a party or of its own motion, order that the whole or any part of the proceedings be remitted to a Division for the determination by trial or otherwise of the proceedings or any question arising in the proceedings.(5) Where proceedings by way of appeal or otherwise under any Act other than this Act or proceedings on a stated case, other than a case stated by the Court in a Division, are commenced in a Division:(a) the Court in the Division in which the proceedings are pending, if satisfied that special circumstances exist which render it desirable so to do, may, on application by a party or of its own motion, order that the proceedings be removed into the Court of Appeal, and(b) upon an order being made under paragraph (a), the proceedings may be continued and disposed of in the Court of Appeal.(6) Proceedings may be removed into the Court of Appeal under this section notwithstanding that any decision or determination in the proceedings is expressed by any Act to be final or without appeal.(7) None of the foregoing subsections limits the operation of any of the others.(8) This section does not limit the provision which may be made by the rules for removal or remission of proceedings.s 51: Am 1972 No 41, sec 5 (e) (am 1984 No 153, Sch 16).
Division 2 Distribution amongst Divisions
52 Arrangements for despatch of business
The business of the Court, other than the Court of Appeal, shall, for convenient despatch, be assigned in accordance with this Division.
53 Assignment of business
(1) Subject to the rules, there are assigned to the Common Law Division all proceedings:(a) that, immediately before the commencement of this section, were assigned to the Division by or under any Act, or(b) that are required by or under any Act from time to time in force to be commenced, heard or determined in that Division, or(c) that are assigned to the Division by operation of Part 8 of the Fourth Schedule, or(d) that are not assigned to the Equity Division by or under this Act.(2) Subject to the rules, there are assigned to the Equity Division all proceedings:(a) that, immediately before the commencement of this section, were assigned to the Division by or under any Act, or(b) that are required by or under any Act from time to time in force to be commenced, heard or determined in that Division, or(c) that are assigned to the Division by operation of Part 8 of the Fourth Schedule.(3) Subject to the rules, there are assigned to each Division proceedings for the punishment of contempt of the Court, but only if the contempt consists of:(a) contempt in the face of, or in the hearing of, the Court in that Division, or(b) disobedience of a judgment or order of the Court in that Division, orincluding proceedings in which the Court is constituted by a master.(c) breach of an undertaking given to the Court in that Division,(4) Without limiting subsection (1) (d), the proceedings assigned to the Common Law Division include proceedings for contempt of the Court or of any other court (other than proceedings referred to in subsection (3) or section 48 (2) (i)).s 53: Am 1973 No 19, secs 4 (f), 7 (1) (c); 1979 No 88, Sch 1 (6); 1985 No 28, Sch 1 (4); 1996 No 111, Sch 1.8 [6] [7]. Subst 1998 No 172, Sch 10 [4].
54 Transfer and retention
(1) The Court in a Division, on application by a party or of its own motion, may, on terms, order that the whole or any part of any proceedings in that Division be transferred to another Division.(2) Proceedings may be retained in a Division whether or not the proceedings are assigned to that Division by this Act or by the rules.
55 Validity of proceedings in any Division
Any step taken, order made, judgment given or other thing done in any proceedings in any Division shall be as valid in every way as if taken, made, given or done in the Division to which the proceedings are assigned by this Act or by the rules.
Division 3
56 (Repealed)
pt 3, div 3: Rep 1985 No 28, Sch 1 (5).
s 56: Am 1973 No 19, sec 8 (1); 1977 No 120, sec 3 (b). Rep 1985 No 28, Sch 1 (5).
Part 4 Law and equity
57 Concurrent administration
The Court shall administer concurrently all rules of law, including rules of equity.
58 Equities of plaintiff
Where a plaintiff claims to be entitled to any equitable estate or right or to relief upon any equitable ground against any deed, instrument or contract, or against any right, title or claim whatsoever asserted by any defendant in the proceedings, or to any relief founded upon a legal right which formerly could only have been given by a court of equity, the Court shall give to the plaintiff the same relief as ought formerly to have been given by a court of equity in proceedings for the like purpose.
59 Equitable defences
Where a defendant claims to be entitled to any equitable estate or right, or to relief upon any equitable ground against any deed, instrument or contract or against any right, title or claim asserted by any plaintiff in the proceedings, or alleges any ground of equitable defence to any claim of the plaintiff, the Court shall give to every equitable estate, right or ground of relief so claimed, and every equitable defence so alleged, the same effect by way of defence against the claim of the plaintiff as a court of equity ought formerly to have given if the like matters had been relied on by way of defence in any proceedings instituted for the like purpose.
60 Incidental equities
The Court shall recognise and take notice of all equitable estates, titles and rights, and all equitable duties and liabilities appearing incidentally in the course of any proceedings, in the manner in which a court of equity would have recognised and taken notice of those matters in any proceedings instituted therein.
61 Defence or stay instead of injunction
(1) The Court shall not restrain by injunction any proceedings pending in the Court.(2) Every matter of equity on which an injunction against the prosecution of proceedings in the Court might formerly have been obtained, whether on terms or conditions or not, may be relied on by way of defence in the proceedings.(3) Where any person, whether a party to proceedings in the Court or not:(a) would formerly have been entitled to apply to the Court to restrain the prosecution of the proceedings, orthe Court may, on application by the person, stay the proceedings either generally or to such extent as the Court thinks fit.(b) is entitled to enforce by attachment or otherwise any judgment or order in contravention of which the proceedings are taken,(4) This section does not affect the powers of the Court to stay proceedings otherwise than pursuant to this section.s 61: Am 1972 No 41, sec 6; 1994 No 32, Sch 3.
62 Common law and statutory rights and duties
Subject to the provisions of this Act for giving effect to equitable rights and other matters of equity, and subject to section 5 of the Law Reform (Law and Equity) Act 1972, the Court shall give effect to all legal claims and demands and all estates, titles, rights, duties, obligations and liabilities existing by the common law or by any custom, or created by any statute.s 62: Am 1972 No 28, sec 3 (3).
63 Final determination
The Court shall grant, either absolutely or on terms, all such remedies as any party may appear to be entitled to in respect of any legal or equitable claim brought forward in the proceedings so that, as far as possible, all matters in controversy between the parties may be completely and finally determined, and all multiplicity of legal proceedings concerning any of those matters avoided.
64 (Repealed)
s 64: Rep 1972 No 28, sec 3 (2).
Part 5 Powers
pt 5, hdg: Subst 1991 No 12, Sch 1 (1).
Division 1 Powers generally
pt 5, div 1, hdg: Ins 1991 No 12, Sch 1 (1).
65 Order to fulfil duty
(1) The Court may order any person to fulfil any duty in the fulfilment of which the person seeking the order is personally interested.(2) The Court may, on terms, make an interlocutory order under subsection (1) in any case where it appears to the Court just or convenient so to do.(3) The powers of the Court under this section are in addition to any other powers of the Court.
66 Injunction
(1) The Court may, at any stage of proceedings, by interlocutory or other injunction, restrain any threatened or apprehended breach of contract or other injury.(2) Subsection (1) applies as well in a case where an injury is not actionable unless it causes damage as in other cases.(3) The Court may restrain any threatened or apprehended waste or trespass pursuant to this section:(a) whether the person against whom the injunction is sought is or is not in possession under any claim of title or otherwise, or (if out of possession) does or does not claim a right to do the act sought to be restrained under any colour of title, and(b) whether the estate claimed by any party is legal or equitable.(4) The Court may, at any stage of proceedings, on terms, grant an interlocutory injunction in any case in which it appears to the Court to be just or convenient so to do.s 66: Am 1972 No 41, sec 7 (a).
67 Receiver
The Court may, at any stage of proceedings, on terms, appoint a receiver by interlocutory order in any case in which it appears to the Court to be just or convenient so to do.
68 Damages in case for equitable relief
Where the Court has power:(a) to grant an injunction against the breach of any covenant, contract or agreement, or against the commission or continuance of any wrongful act, orthe Court may award damages to the party injured either in addition to or in substitution for the injunction or specific performance.(b) to order the specific performance of any covenant, contract or agreement,
69 Proceedings in lieu of writs
(1) Where formerly:(a) the Court had jurisdiction to grant any relief or remedy or do any other thing by way of writ, whether of prohibition, mandamus, certiorari or of any other description, orthen, after the commencement of this Act:(b) in any proceedings in the Court for any relief or remedy any writ might have issued out of the Court for the purpose of the commencement or conduct of the proceedings, or otherwise in relation to the proceedings, whether the writ might have issued pursuant to any rule or order of the Court or of course,(c) the Court shall continue to have jurisdiction to grant that relief or remedy or to do that thing; but(d) shall not issue any such writ, and(e) shall grant that relief or remedy or do that thing by way of judgment or order under this Act and the rules, and(f) proceedings for that relief or remedy or for the doing of that thing shall be in accordance with this Act and the rules.(2) Subject to the rules, this section does not apply to:(a) the writ of habeas corpus ad subjiciendum,(b) any writ of execution for the enforcement of a judgment or order of the Court, or(c) any writ in aid of any such writ of execution.(3) It is declared that the jurisdiction of the Court to grant any relief or remedy in the nature of a writ of certiorari includes jurisdiction to quash the ultimate determination of a court or tribunal in any proceedings if that determination has been made on the basis of an error of law that appears on the face of the record of the proceedings.(4) For the purposes of subsection (3), the face of the record includes the reasons expressed by the court or tribunal for its ultimate determination.(5) Subsections (3) and (4) do not affect the operation of any legislative provision to the extent to which the provision is, according to common law principles and disregarding those subsections, effective to prevent the Court from exercising its powers to quash or otherwise review a decision.s 69: Am 1996 No 111, Sch 1.8 [8].
69A Releases on bail and custody of claimants seeking judicial review of conviction or sentence
(1) This section and section 69B apply to proceedings in the Court by a convicted person (the claimant) seeking judicial review in relation to a conviction or sentence for an offence.(2) A claimant who is not released on bail must, pending the determination of the proceedings, be treated in such manner as may be directed by regulations made under the Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999 (which is referred to in this section as special treatment).(3) The time during which a claimant is at liberty on bail (pending the determination of the proceedings for review) does not count as part of any term of imprisonment under the claimant’s sentence.(4) The time during which an appellant receives special treatment counts as part of any term of imprisonment under the claimant’s sentence. However, if the Court is satisfied that the claim was unarguable or frivolous, the Court may order that the time in custody with special treatment does not count.(5) In determining proceedings for judicial review, the Court may order that the imprisonment under the original sentence of imprisonment is to commence or recommence on a day specified by the Court.(6) Provision is to be made in regulations made under the Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999 for:(a) the manner in which a claimant, when in custody, is to be brought to any place where the claimant is entitled to be present, or ordered to be taken, for the purposes of this Act, and(b) the manner in which the appellant is to be kept in custody whilst absent from prison for the purpose.(7) A claimant while in custody in accordance with those regulations is taken to be in legal custody.s 69A: Ins 1996 No 6, Sch 1.8. Am 1999 No 94, Sch 4.56 [1], 4.161.
69B Other powers in relation to claimants for judicial review of convictions and sentences
(1) In determining proceedings for judicial review in relation to a conviction or sentence for an offence, the Court may make an order quashing either the conviction of, or the sentence imposed on, the claimant, or quash both the conviction and the sentence.(2) This section applies to judicial review of orders made by a Local Court or the District Court despite anything contained in the Justices Act 1902.s 69B: Ins 1996 No 6, Sch 1.8.
69C Stay of execution of conviction, order or sentence pending review
(1) This section and section 69D apply to proceedings in the Court for judicial review of a determination made by the District Court in appeal proceedings relating to a conviction or order made by a Local Court (or part of such a conviction or order) or sentence imposed by a Local Court.(2) The execution of a sentence imposed as a consequence of a conviction, or of any other order, is stayed when proceedings seeking judicial review are commenced.(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to a person (the claimant) who is in custody when proceedings seeking judicial review are commenced unless and until the claimant enters into a bail undertaking in accordance with the Bail Act 1978, or bail is dispensed with.(4) The stay of execution continues until the proceedings for judicial review are finally determined, subject to any order or direction of the Court.(5) Despite subsection (2), any period during which the stay is in force is not to be taken into account when calculating the length of a period of disqualification from holding a driver licence resulting from a conviction under the road transport legislation within the meaning of the Road Transport (General) Act 1999.s 69C: Ins 1998 No 137, Sch 2.24 [1]. Am 1999 No 19, Sch 2.44 [1]; 2000 No 53, Sch 3.26 [1]–[5]; 2000 No 93, Sch 2.53 [3].
69D Court may confirm conviction or order with effect from an earlier day
(1) The Supreme Court may order that a conviction, order or sentence that is the subject of proceedings, or any part of it:(a) is to take effect on and from a day specified in the order, orbeing the day the order is made or an earlier day.(b) in the case of a sentence that has been served in part, is to recommence on and from a day specified in the order,(2) The order has effect even though a stay of execution may have been in force in respect of the sentence that is the subject of the proceedings.s 69D: Ins 1998 No 137, Sch 2.24 [1].
70 Ouster of office
Where any person acts in an office in which the person is not entitled to act and an information in the nature of quo warranto would, but for section 12, lie against the person, the Court may grant an injunction restraining the person from so acting and may (if the case so requires) declare the office to be vacant.s 70: Am 1994 No 32, Sch 3.
71 Habeas corpus
(1) The Court may, on an application for a writ of habeas corpus, give such judgment or make such order disposing of the proceedings as the nature of the case requires.(2) Where an application for a writ of habeas corpus has been made in respect of any person, no application for a writ of habeas corpus shall again be made in respect of that person on the same grounds, whether to the same Judge or to any other Judge or to the Court of Appeal, unless fresh evidence is adduced in support of the application.(3) Subsection (2) applies notwithstanding anything in any Act or rule of law.(3A) Subject to the rules, a writ of habeas corpus may be enforced in the ways in which a judgment or order of the Court may be enforced.(3B) Subsection (3A) does not affect the power of the Court to punish for contempt.(4) In this section, writ of habeas corpus means a writ of habeas corpus ad subjiciendum.s 71: Am 1972 No 41, sec 7 (b); 1989 No 226, Sch 1.
71A Powers of Court in relation to warrants in respect of convictions or orders of Local Court
(1) In this section, warrant means a warrant of commitment issued in relation to a conviction or order of a Local Court.(2) This section has effect despite section 71.(3) In proceedings for a writ of habeas corpus or for the setting aside of a conviction or order of a Local Court, the Supreme Court is not to make an order for the discharge from custody of a person in custody under a warrant on the ground of any defect or error in the warrant unless the requirements of subsection (4) have been complied with.(4) The requirements are that the Magistrate, prosecutor or party interested in supporting the warrant:(a) has had notice of intention to apply for the order, and(b) has been required to transmit, or has had the opportunity to transmit, to the Supreme Court the following documents, or certified copies of them:(i) the conviction or order, and(ii) the information (if any) and transcript of evidence intended to be relied on in support of the conviction or order.(5) Subject to the rules, the notice of intention to apply for the order may be given at any stage of proceedings in the Supreme Court.(6) The Supreme Court may dispense with the notice if copies of the conviction or order and of the transcript of evidence are produced to the Court.(7) The Supreme Court is to allow the warrant and the conviction or order if necessary to be amended if:(a) the conviction or order and transcript of evidence have been transmitted to the Supreme Court in accordance with this section, and(b) the offence or matter charged or intended to have been charged appears to have been established, and(c) the judgment of the Local Court appears to have been warranted in substance.(8) After any such amendment:(a) the person committed is to be remanded to the person’s former custody or the conviction or order may be enforced in the proper manner, and(b) the conviction or order is to be treated as if it had originally stood so amended.(9) This section does not apply to an order of the Supreme Court under Part 5 of the Justices Act 1902.s 71A: Ins 1998 No 137, Sch 2.24 [2].
71B Person to be remanded to former custody
The Supreme Court may remand a person who has been committed to prison by virtue of any summary conviction or order of a Local Court and has been brought up by a writ of habeas corpus to the person’s former custody to serve the rest of the term for which the person was committed if the judgment of the Supreme Court is against the person.s 71B: Ins 1998 No 137, Sch 2.24 [2].
72 Production of person confined
(1) In this section means any court, judge, justice or other judicature, or any referee, arbitrator or umpire, or any person authorised to take the examination of any witness or to conduct any inquiry, whether so authorised for the purpose of proceedings in the Court or for any other purpose.(2) Where any prisoner or person is confined in any prison or place, under any sentence or under commitment for trial or otherwise, the Court may make orders for bringing the prisoner or person before any tribunal or authority, for the purpose of answering any charge or otherwise taking part in any proceedings or matter before the tribunal or authority, or for the purpose of being examined as a witness, and for returning the prisoner or person to confinement.s 72: Subst 1972 No 41, sec 7 (c). Am 1994 No 32, Sch 3.
73 Relief against forfeiture
In proceedings for a forfeiture for non-payment of rent, the Court may, on terms, give relief and, if the lessee is so relieved, he or she shall hold the demised premises according to the terms of the lease, and without the necessity of any new lease.s 73: Am 1994 No 32, Sch 3.
74 Discharge of lien or security
Where, in any proceedings:(a) a party claims the recovery of specific property other than land, andthe Court may order:(b) the party from whom recovery is sought claims to be entitled to retain the property by virtue of a lien or otherwise as security for money but does not otherwise dispute the title of the party claiming the recovery,(c) that the party claiming the recovery be at liberty to pay into Court, to abide the event of the proceedings, the amount of money in respect of which the lien or other security is claimed and such further sum, if any, for interest and costs as the Court may direct, and(d) that, upon payment into Court, such judgment be given for recovery of the property as the nature of the case may require.s 74: Am 1989 No 226, Sch 1.
75 Declaratory relief
No proceedings shall be open to objection on the ground that a merely declaratory judgment or order is sought thereby and the Court may make binding declarations of right whether any consequential relief is or could be claimed or not.
75A Appeal
(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), this section applies to an appeal to the Court and to an appeal in proceedings in the Court.(2) This section does not apply to so much of an appeal as relates to a claim in the appeal:(a) for a new trial on a cause of action for debt, damages or other money or for possession of land, or for detention of goods, orbeing an appeal arising out of:(b) for the setting aside of a verdict, finding, assessment or judgment on a cause of action of any of those kinds,(c) a trial with a jury in the Court, or(d) a trial:(i) with or without a jury in an action commenced before the commencement of section 4 of the District Court (Amendment) Act 1975, orin the District Court.(ii) with a jury in an action commenced after the commencement of that section,(3) This section does not apply to an appeal to the Court under the Justices Act 1902 or to proceedings in the Court on a stated case.(4) This section has effect subject to any Act.(5) Where the decision or other matter under appeal has been given after a hearing, the appeal shall be by way of rehearing.(6) The Court shall have the powers and duties of the court, body or other person from whom the appeal is brought, including powers and duties concerning:(a) amendment,(b) the drawing of inferences and the making of findings of fact, and(c) the assessment of damages and other money sums.(7) The Court may receive further evidence.(8) Notwithstanding subsection (7), where the appeal is from a judgment after a trial or hearing on the merits, the Court shall not receive further evidence except on special grounds.(9) Subsection (8) does not apply to evidence concerning matters occurring after the trial or hearing.(10) The Court may make any finding or assessment, give any judgment, make any order or give any direction which ought to have been given or made or which the nature of the case requires.s 75A: Ins 1972 No 41, sec 7 (d). Am 1975 No 1, sec 4 (b); 1989 No 226, Sch 1; 1998 No 137, Sch 2.24 [3].
76 Costs
(1) Subject to this Act and the rules and subject to any other Act:(a) costs shall be in the discretion of the Court,(b) the Court shall have full power to determine by whom and to what extent costs are to be paid, and(c) the Court may order costs to be assessed on the basis set out in Division 6 of Part 11 of the Legal Profession Act 1987 or on an indemnity basis.(2) In subsection (1) the expression costs includes:(a) costs of or incidental to proceedings in the Court, including the administration of estates and trusts,(b) in the case of an appeal to the Court, the costs of or incidental to the proceedings giving rise to the appeal, as well as the costs of or incidental to the appeal, and(c) in the case of proceedings transferred to or removed into the Court, the costs of or incidental to the whole proceedings, both before and after the transfer or removal.(3) The powers of the Court under this section apply in relation to a married woman, whether as party, next friend, guardian ad litem, relator or otherwise, and this section has effect notwithstanding anything in the Married Persons (Equality of Status) Act 1996.s 76: Am 1984 No 153, Sch 16; 1993 No 87, Sch 6; 1996 No 96, Sch 2.
76A Directions for the speedy determination of real questions
The Court may, from time to time, give such directions as the Court thinks fit (whether or not inconsistent with the rules) for the speedy determination of the real questions between the parties to civil proceedings.s 76A: Ins 1985 No 28, Sch 1 (6). Am 1989 No 169, Sch 8.
76B Arbitration under Arbitration (Civil Actions) Act 1983
(1) The Court may, whether of its own motion or on application, order that, in accordance with the rules, proceedings before it:(a) on a claim for the recovery of damages or other money, orbe referred for determination pursuant to the Arbitration (Civil Actions) Act 1983 by an arbitrator or arbitrators holding office under section 5 (1) of that Act.(b) in which any equitable relief or remedy is claimed ancillary to a claim for the recovery of damages or other money,(2) Before making an order under subsection (1) in relation to proceedings, the Court:(a) is to consider the preparations for hearing of the proceedings, and(b) is, as far as possible, to deal with all matters that may be dealt with by the Court on application to the Court before hearing of the proceedings, and(c) is to give such directions for the conduct of the proceedings before the arbitrator as appear best adapted for the just, quick and cheap disposal of the proceedings.(3) The Court may not make an order under subsection (1) if:(a) no issue in the proceedings is contested or judgment in the proceedings has been given or entered and has not been set aside, or(b) the proceedings involve complex questions of law or fact, or(c) the hearing of the proceedings is expected to be lengthy, or(d) the proceedings are proceedings within a class of proceedings prescribed by the rules as a class of proceedings that may not be so referred, or(e) cause is otherwise shown why the proceedings should not be so referred.(4) The Court may, at any time before the making of an award under the Arbitration (Civil Actions) Act 1983 in relation to proceedings the subject of an order under subsection (1), revoke the order and give directions for the subsequent conduct of the proceedings and as to any costs incurred before the revocation of the order.(5) Except in the case of proceedings in respect of which an order for rehearing has been made under section 18 of the Arbitration (Civil Actions) Act 1983, the award of an arbitrator in relation to proceedings referred to the arbitrator under subsection (1) is, after the expiration of the time prescribed by the rules for the purposes of this subsection, to be taken to be a judgment or order of the Court.(6) This section does not affect any other power of the Court to refer a matter to arbitration.(7) This section applies to proceedings even if they arose or were commenced before the commencement of this section.s 76B: Ins 1989 No 169, Sch 8. Am 2000 No 36, Sch 1 [1] [2].
76C Costs—liability of solicitor
(1) The Court may, at any stage of any proceedings, make one or more of the following orders in respect of a solicitor whose serious neglect, serious incompetence or serious misconduct delays, or contributes to delaying, those proceedings:(a) disallow the whole or any part of the costs between the solicitor and his or her client,(b) direct the solicitor to repay to his or her client the whole or any part of the costs which the client has been ordered to pay to any other party,(c) direct the solicitor to indemnify any party other than his or her client against the whole or any part of the costs payable by the party indemnified.(2) The Court may refer the matter to a costs assessor under the Legal Profession Act 1987 for inquiry and report before making such an order.(3) The Court may order that notice of such an order against a solicitor is to be given to the solicitor’s client in a specified manner.(4) A solicitor is not entitled to demand, recover or accept from his or her client any part of the amount for which the solicitor is directed by the Court to indemnify a party pursuant to such an order.(5) Nothing in this section limits the generality of section 76 or any other provision of this Act.s 76C: Ins 1991 No 12, Sch 1 (2). Am 1993 No 87, Sch 6.
Division 2 Interim payments
pt 5, div 2: Ins 1991 No 12, Sch 1 (3).
76D Definitions
In this Division:interim payment, in relation to proceedings for the recovery of damages, means a payment of any of those damages by a defendant before the completion of the proceedings:(a) in accordance with an order of the Court under section 76E, or(b) voluntarily.means a public or local authority constituted by or under an Act, a Government Department or a statutory body representing the Crown, and includes a person exercising functions on behalf of that authority, Department or body.ss 76D–76G: Ins 1991 No 12, Sch 1 (3).
76E Court may order interim payments
(1) In any proceedings for the recovery of damages, the Court may, in accordance with this section, order a defendant in the proceedings to make one or more payments to the plaintiff of part of the damages sought to be recovered in the proceedings.(2) The Court may make such an order against a defendant on the application of the plaintiff at any stage of the proceedings.(3) The Court may make such an order if:(a) the defendant has admitted liability, or(b) the plaintiff has obtained judgment against the defendant for damages to be assessed, or(c) the Court is satisfied that, if the action proceeded to trial, the plaintiff would obtain judgment for substantial damages against the defendant.(4) The Court may not make such an order if the defendant satisfies the Court that:(a) the defendant is not insured in respect of the risk giving rise to the plaintiff’s claim for the recovery of damages, and(b) the defendant is not a public authority, and(c) the defendant would, having regard to the defendant’s means and resources, suffer undue hardship if such a payment were to be made.(5) The Court may order a defendant to make one or more payments of such amounts as it thinks just but not exceeding a reasonable proportion of the damages which in the opinion of the Court are likely to be recovered by the plaintiff.(6) In estimating those damages, the Court is to take into account any relevant contributory negligence or any cross-claims on which the defendant may be entitled to rely.ss 76D–76G: Ins 1991 No 12, Sch 1 (3).
76F Interim payment not admission of liability
(1) The fact that a defendant makes one or more interim payments is not of itself an admission of liability by the defendant.(2) The making of, or refusal to make, an order under section 76E is not a finding as to liability in respect of the proceedings.ss 76D–76G: Ins 1991 No 12, Sch 1 (3).
76G Adjustments on final judgment etc
(1) This section applies to proceedings in which a defendant makes one or more interim payments.(2) The Court may make such orders with respect to the interim payments as may be just, and in particular may order one or more of the following:(a) the repayment by the plaintiff of all or part of any interim payment, with or without interest,(b) the variation or discontinuance of any such payments,(c) the payment by another party to the proceedings of all or part of any interim payment that the defendant is entitled to recover from that party.(3) The Court may make an order under this section:(a) in making a final judgment or order, or(b) in granting the plaintiff leave to discontinue the action or to withdraw the claim, or(c) on the application of any party, at any other stage in the proceedings.ss 76D–76G: Ins 1991 No 12, Sch 1 (3).
76H Exclusion of damages relating to motor accidents
This Division does not apply to an award of damages to which Part 6 of the Motor Accidents Act 1988 or Chapter 5 of the Motor Accidents Compensation Act 1999 applies.s 76H: Ins 1991 No 12, Sch 1 (3). Am 1999 No 41, Sch 4.13.
Part 6 Procedure
Division 1 General
77 Procedures under other Acts superseded
Where, by or under any Act in force immediately before the commencement of this Act by which power is vested in the Court or in any Judge of Appeal or in any Judge or in any master or in any registrar or other officer of the Court, provision is made concerning procedure, then, notwithstanding that provision, that power shall be exercised in accordance with this Act and the rules.s 77: Am 1972 No 41, sec 8 (a).
78 Claim by defendant
(1) Subject to subsection (3), the Court may grant to the defendant in any proceedings (in this section called the first proceedings) all such relief against any person as the Court might grant against that person if the person were a defendant in separate proceedings commenced by the defendant for that purpose.(2) The relief which the Court may grant under this section shall include relief in respect of any equitable estate or right, or other matter of equity, or in respect of any legal estate, right or title claimed or asserted by the defendant.(3) The Court may not, under this section, grant against a person not a plaintiff in the first proceedings relief not relating to or connected with the subject of the first proceedings.(4) Subject to the rules, a person against whom relief is claimed under this section:(a) shall, if not a party to the first proceedings, become a party to the first proceedings, and(b) shall have the same rights in respect of the person’s defence against the claim as if the person were a defendant in separate proceedings commenced by the defendant for the purpose of that claim.s 78: Am 1994 No 32, Sch 3.
79 Possession of land
Where, if this Act had not been passed, any person might have brought an action of ejectment, the person may commence proceedings and claim judgment for possession of land and, subject to the rules, claim such other relief as the nature of the case requires.s 79: Am 1994 No 32, Sch 3.
80 Business in the absence of the public
Subject to any Act, the business of the Court may be conducted in the absence of the public:(a) on the hearing of an interlocutory application, except while a witness is giving oral evidence,(b) where the presence of the public will defeat the ends of justice,(c) where the business concerns the guardianship, custody or maintenance of an infant,(d) where the proceedings are not before a jury and are formal or non-contentious,(e) where the business does not involve the appearance before the Court of any person,(f) in proceedings in the Equity, Probate or Protective Division, where the Court thinks fit,(f1) in proceedings on an application under section 25 or 26 of the Summary Offences Act 1988, or(g) where the rules so provide.s 80: Am 1979 No 65, sec 3; 1988 No 25, sec 37.
81 Irregularity
(1) Where, in beginning or purporting to begin any proceedings or at any stage in the course of or in connection with any proceedings, there is, by reason of anything done or left undone, a failure to comply with the requirements of this Act or of the rules whether in respect of time, place, manner, form or content or in any other respect:(a) the failure shall be treated as an irregularity and shall not nullify the proceedings, or any step taken in the proceedings, or any document, judgment or order in the proceedings, and(b) subject to subsections (2) and (3), the Court may, on terms, set aside wholly or in part the proceedings or any step taken in the proceedings or any document, judgment or order in the proceedings or exercise its powers under this Act and the rules to allow amendments and to make orders dealing with the proceedings generally.(2) The Court shall not wholly set aside any proceedings or the originating process by which the proceedings were commenced on the ground that the proceedings were required by the rules to be commenced by an originating process other than the one employed.(3) The Court shall not set aside any proceedings or any step taken in any proceedings or any document, judgment or order in any proceedings on the ground of a failure to which subsection (1) applies on the application of any party unless the application is made within a reasonable time and before the applicant has taken any fresh step after becoming aware of the irregularity.
82 Informal proof; admissions
(1) The Court may at any stage of the proceedings:(a) dispense with the rules of evidence for proving any matter which is not bona fide in dispute, also with such rules as might cause expense and delay arising from any commission to take evidence or arising otherwise; and, without limiting the generality of this power, dispense with the proof of handwriting, documents, the identity of parties or parcels, or of authority, and(b) require any party to the proceedings, not being a minor or person of unsound mind, to make admissions with respect to any document or to any question of fact; and in case of refusal or neglect to make the admissions may, unless the Court is of opinion that the refusal or neglect is reasonable, order that the costs of proof occasioned by the refusal or neglect shall be paid by that party.(2) An admission made under paragraph (b) of subsection (1):(a) shall be for the purpose of the proceedings in which it is made and for no other purpose,(b) shall be subject to all just exceptions, and(c) may, with the leave of the Court, be amended or withdrawn.(3) The Court may give leave for the purposes of paragraph (c) of subsection (2) on terms.s 82: Am 1972 No 41, sec 8 (b).
83 Examination on oath
Where a person is authorised by this Act or by the rules or by order of the Court to take the examination of any person:(a) the examination shall be taken on oath, and(b) the oath shall be administered by the person taking the examination or by a Judge.s 83: Subst 1972 No 41, sec 8 (c).
84 Vexatious litigant
(1) Where any person (in this subsection called the vexatious litigant) habitually and persistently and without any reasonable ground institutes vexatious legal proceedings, whether in the Court or in any inferior court, and whether against the same person or against different persons, the Court may, on application by the Attorney General, order that the vexatious litigant shall not, without leave of the Court, institute any legal proceedings in any court and that any legal proceedings instituted by the vexatious litigant in any court before the making of the order shall not be continued by the vexatious litigant without leave of the Court.(2) Where any person (in this subsection called the vexatious litigant) habitually and persistently and without any reasonable ground institutes vexatious legal proceedings against any person (in this subsection called the person aggrieved), whether in the Court or in any inferior court, the Court may, on application by the person aggrieved, order that the vexatious litigant shall not, without leave of the Court, institute any legal proceedings against the person aggrieved in any court and that any legal proceedings instituted by the vexatious litigant against the person aggrieved in any court before the making of the order shall not be continued by the vexatious litigant without leave of the Court.(3) The Court may from time to time rescind or vary any order made by it under subsection (1) or subsection (2).(4) Where the Court has made an order under subsection (1) or subsection (2) against any person, the Court shall not give that person leave to institute or continue any proceedings unless the Court is satisfied that the proceedings are not an abuse of process and that there is prima facie ground for the proceedings.s 84: Subst 1972 No 41, sec 8 (d). Am 1994 No 32, Sch 3.
Division 2 Trial
85 Generally
(1) Subject to sections 86, 87 and 88, proceedings in any Division shall be tried without a jury, unless the Court otherwise orders.(2) The Court may order that any questions of fact in any proceedings be tried before any other questions of fact in the proceedings.(3) Where the Court makes an order under subsection (1) or section 87 (1), or where proceedings under section 88 are set down for trial, the plaintiff shall pay the fee prescribed for the purpose of section 86 (1) and shall not be entitled to take any further step in the proceedings until the fee is paid.(4) The fee paid under this section or section 86 (1) shall be treated as costs in the proceedings, unless the Court otherwise orders.s 85: Am 1977 No 18, Sch 7 (1).
86 Common law claim—general
(1) In proceedings on a common law claim, except proceedings to which either of sections 87 and 88 applies, issues of fact shall, if any party files a requisition for trial with a jury and pays the fee prescribed by the regulations made under section 130, be tried with a jury.(2) The rules may prescribe the time within which a requisition must be filed for the purposes of subsection (1).s 86: Am 1977 No 18, Sch 7 (2).
87 Common law claim—running down cases
(1) In any proceedings to which this section applies, the Court may, on the application of any party, and shall, on the application of all parties, order that the proceedings be tried with a jury.(2) Subject to subsection (4), this section applies to proceedings on a common law claim in which:(a) damages are claimed in respect of:(i) the death of or bodily injury to any person and the claim is based upon any act, neglect or default involving the use of a motor vehicle where that death or bodily injury, or an injury leading to that death, or that act, neglect or default, occurred on a road or road related area,(ii) damage to property caused by or arising out of the use of a motor vehicle, or(iii) any other matter in which the liability incurred is caused by or arises out of the use of a motor vehicle, or(b) contribution is claimed under Part 3 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1946 in respect of damages of the nature referred to in paragraph (a).(3) In subsection (2):motor vehicle means a motor vehicle or trailer within the meaning of the Road Transport (General) Act 1999, but does not include a vehicle used on a tramway.road means a road within the meaning of the Road Transport (General) Act 1999 (other than a road that is the subject of a declaration made under section 9 (1) (b) of that Act relating to all of the provisions of that Act).means a road related area within the meaning of the Road Transport (General) Act 1999 (other than a road related area that is the subject of a declaration made under section 9 (1) (b) of that Act relating to all of the provisions of that Act).(4) This section does not apply to proceedings for damages in respect of the death of or bodily injury to any person where the proceedings are based upon an act, neglect or default of the defendant for which, if proved, the defendant would, as the employer of that person and not otherwise, incur liability to the plaintiff.s 87: Am 1994 No 32, Sch 3; 1997 No 115, Sch 4.23 [1] [2]; 1999 No 19, Sch 2.44 [1].
88 Common law claim—fraud, defamation etc
Proceedings on a common law claim in which there are issues of fact:(a) on a charge of fraud against a party, orshall be tried with a jury.(b) on a claim in respect of defamation, malicious prosecution, false imprisonment, seduction or breach of promise of marriage,
89 Common law claims—special provisions
(1) In any proceedings on a common law claim (except proceedings to which section 88 applies), the Court may order, despite sections 85, 86 and 87, that all or any issues of fact be tried without a jury.(2) In any proceedings to which section 88 applies, the Court may order, despite that section, that all or any issues of fact be tried without a jury where:(a) any prolonged examination of documents or scientific or local investigation is required and cannot conveniently be made with a jury, or(b) all parties consent to the order.(3) In any proceedings on a common law claim, issues of fact on a defence arising under:(a) section 63 (5) or section 64 (1) (c) of the Workers’ Compensation Act 1926, orshall, despite sections 85, 86, 87 and 88, be tried without a jury.(b) section 151Z (1) (e) of the Workers Compensation Act 1987,s 89: Am 1987 No 79, Sch 1. Subst 1987 No 163, sec 3. Am 1997 No 55, Sch 2.20.
90 Special verdict
It shall be the duty of a jury to answer any question of fact that may be left to the jury by the presiding Judge at the trial.
Division 3 Judgments and orders
91 Judgment
(1) The Court is, at or after trial or otherwise as the nature of the case requires, to give such judgment or make such order as the nature of the case requires.(2) Where there is a claim by a plaintiff and a claim under section 78 by a defendant, the Court may:(a) give judgment for the balance only of the sums of money awarded on the respective claims, orand the Court may give judgment similarly where several claims arise between plaintiffs, defendants and any other parties.(b) give judgment in respect of each claim,s 91: Subst 1989 No 226, Sch 1.
92 Possession of land
Judgment for possession of land shall take the place of the judgment for the claimant in ejectment given under the practice of the Court existing immediately before the commencement of this Act.
93 Detention of goods
(1) In proceedings for the detention of goods judgment may be given for delivery of the goods, without giving the defendant the option of retaining the goods upon paying the value assessed, if any.(2) In proceedings for the detention of goods, where judgment has been given for delivery of goods or payment of the value assessed, the Court may make an order for delivery of the goods, without giving the defendant the option of retaining the goods upon paying the value assessed.(3) Subsections (1) and (2) apply whether or not the value of the goods has been assessed.
94 Interest up to judgment
(1) In any proceedings for the recovery of any money (including any debt or damages or the value of any goods), the Court may order that there shall be included, in the sum for which judgment is given, interest at such rate as it thinks fit on the whole or any part of the money for the whole or any part of the period between the date when the cause of action arose and the date when the judgment takes effect.(1A) Where:(a) proceedings have been commenced for the recovery of a debt or liquidated damages, andthe Court may order that interest be paid at such rate as it thinks fit on the whole or any part of the money paid for the whole or any part of the period between the date when the cause of action arose and the date of the payment.(b) payment of the whole or a part of the debt or damages is made during the currency of the proceedings and prior to or without judgment being given in respect of the debt or damages,(2) This section does not:(a) authorise the giving of interest upon interest,(b) authorise the giving of interest on any debt in respect of any period for which interest is payable as of right, whether by virtue of an agreement or otherwise, or(c) affect the damages recoverable for the dishonour of a bill of exchange.(3) In any proceedings for damages, the Court may not order the payment of interest under subsection (1) in respect of the period after the date on which an appropriate settlement sum (or the first appropriate settlement sum) has been offered unless the special circumstances of the case warrant the making of such an order.(4) For the purposes of subsection (3), appropriate settlement sum is a sum offered by a defendant on or after the commencement of subsection (3) (as inserted by the Courts Legislation Amendment Act 1995) in settlement of proceedings where the sum for which judgment is given (including interest accrued up to and including the date of the offer) does not exceed the sum offered by more than 10 per cent. This subsection extends to such a settlement offer whether the proceedings commenced before, on or after the commencement of this subsection.(5) Subsection (3) does not prevent an award of interest for the period before the settlement offer is made.s 94: Am 1983 No 201, sec 3; 1991 No 12, Sch 1 (5); 1995 No 21, Sch 1.2; 1996 No 111, Sch 1.8 [9].
95 Interest on debt under judgment or order
(1) Where judgment is given or an order is made for the payment of money, interest shall, unless the Court otherwise orders, be payable at the prescribed rate from the date when the judgment or order takes effect on so much of the money as is from time to time unpaid.(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), where, in proceedings on a common law claim the Court gives judgment for damages and the damages are paid within 21 days after the date when the judgment takes effect, interest on the judgment debt is not to be payable under subsection (1) unless the Court otherwise orders.(3) Notwithstanding subsection (1), where, in proceedings for damages on a common law claim, the Court makes an order for the payment of costs and the costs are paid within twenty-one days after ascertainment of the amount of the costs by assessment under Division 6 of Part 11 of the Legal Profession Act 1987 or otherwise, interest on the costs shall not be payable under subsection (1) unless the Court otherwise orders.(4) If an order is made for the payment of costs, the Court may order that interest is to be paid on the amount so ordered, at the prescribed rate referred to in subsection (1), from the date or dates when the amount in respect of costs was duly paid.s 95: Am 1989 No 226, Sch 1; 1993 No 87, Sch 6; 1995 No 88, Sch 1.8 [4]; 1996 No 30, Sch 1.35 [3].
96 Effect of judgment or order
(1) Any judgment or order of the Court for the payment of money shall have the effect of a judgment at law.(2) Subject to sections 98 and 99 and subject to the rules, a person to whom money is payable under a judgment or order of the Court:(a) may have execution on the judgment or order, and(b) shall be entitled to the remedies given to a judgment creditor by the Judgment Creditors’ Remedies Act 1901.(3) Subject to the rules, the effect of a judgment for possession of land shall be the same as the effect of a judgment for the claimant in ejectment immediately before the commencement of this Act.s 96: Am 1972 No 41, sec 8 (e).
97 Joint liability
(1) In this section, liability includes a liability in contract, a liability in tort and a liability under a statute.(2) Where two or more persons have a joint liability and, in proceedings in the Court, judgment on the liability is given against one or more but not all of them:(a) the liability of the other or others of them shall not be discharged by the judgment or by any step taken for the enforcement of the judgment,(b) after the judgment takes effect, those of them against whom the judgment is given and the other or others of them shall, as between those of them against whom the judgment is given on the one hand and the other or the others of them on the other hand, be liable severally but not jointly,(c) if there are two or more such persons against whom the judgment is not given, they shall, after the judgment takes effect, remain jointly liable amongst themselves, and(d) if the judgment is satisfied wholly or in part by payment or by recovery under execution, the liability of the persons against whom the judgment is not given shall be satisfied in the amount of the payment or recovery.(3) This section does not affect any right of any person to contribution or indemnity in respect of the satisfaction by the person wholly or in part of a liability which the person has jointly or severally or jointly and severally with one or more other persons.(4) This section does not apply to a judgment to which paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section 5 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1946 applies.s 97: Am 1994 No 32, Sch 3.
Division 4 Enforcement of judgments and orders
98 Arrest in execution
(1) A judgment or order of the Court for the payment of money shall not be enforceable:(a) by process of the Court for attachment of the person or for committal, or(b) by the issue of a writ of capias ad satisfaciendum.(2) This section does not affect the power of the Court to punish for contempt.s 98: Subst 1972 No 41, sec 8 (f).
98A Sale or mortgage by judgment debtor of land affected by writ
(1) In this section:notice of consent means the notice referred to in subsection (2) (a).(2) Where land is affected by a writ of execution particulars of which have been recorded in accordance with section 105 of the Real Property Act 1900, or which has been registered in the register of causes, writs, and orders affecting land in accordance with section 186 of the Conveyancing Act 1919, and:(a) the judgment creditor consents, by notice in writing, to the sale or mortgage of the land by the judgment debtor, and(b) the judgment creditor stipulates, in the notice of consent, the minimum amount that should be paid to the Sheriff out of the proceeds of the sale or the money advanced in respect of the mortgage, and(c) the notice of consent is filed with the Sheriff, andthe endorsement of the notice with that certificate operates to prohibit the sale of the land under the writ during the prescribed period.(d) the Sheriff, after due inquiry, endorses the notice of consent with a certificate to the effect that the land has not been sold under the writ,(3) Where during that prescribed period:(a) the judgment debtor sells or mortgages the land, and(b) in the case of a sale—the amount of the deposit (if any) is paid to the Sheriff, to be held by the Sheriff as stakeholder, andany liability of the purchaser or mortgagee for payment to the judgment debtor of those proceeds or that money is extinguished to the extent of the amount so paid to the Sheriff, and the Sheriff shall, upon production to the Sheriff of the instrument evidencing the sale or mortgage, and if satisfied as to the matters referred to in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c), endorse the instrument with his or her consent to the sale or mortgage.(c) an amount (including any deposit paid to the Sheriff as referred to in paragraph (b)) that is not less than:(i) the minimum amount referred to in subsection (2) (b), oris paid to the Sheriff out of the proceeds of the sale or money advanced in respect of the mortgage,(ii) if the judgment creditor notifies the Sheriff in writing that he or she consents to payment of a specified amount that is less than that minimum amount—that specified amount,(4) The interest of the purchaser or mortgagee evidenced by the instrument endorsed with the Sheriff’s consent shall not, in relation to the land, be affected by anything done or purporting to have been done, whether before or after the endorsement of the consent, under the writ of execution.(5) The amount paid to the Sheriff, as referred to in subsection (3) (c), shall, subject to and in accordance with the rules:(a) be paid to or at the direction of the judgment creditor, and(b) be in reduction of the judgment debt.s 98A: Ins 1988 No 20, Sch 18 (2).
99 Attachment of wage or salary
The wage or salary of a person payable for any period must not be attached or made liable in the enforcement against the person of a judgment or order except to the extent of the amount (if any) remaining after deducting from the wage or salary an amount calculated for the same period at a weekly rate that is equivalent to 80 per cent of the maximum single weekly payment of compensation for the time being referred to in section 37 (1) (a) (i) of the Workers Compensation Act 1987 as adjusted under that Act.s 99: Subst 1992 No 57, Sch 1.
99A Removal of goods under writ of possession
For the purposes of executing a writ of possession the Sheriff need not remove any goods found on the land.s 99A: Ins 1988 No 20, Sch 18 (3).
100 Appointment to execute instrument
Where any person does not comply with a judgment or order directing the person to execute any conveyance, contract or other document, or to indorse any negotiable instrument, the Court may, on terms, order that the conveyance, contract or other document shall be executed or that the negotiable instrument shall be indorsed by such person as the Court may nominate for that purpose, and a conveyance, contract, document or instrument so executed or indorsed shall operate and be for all purposes available as if it had been executed or indorsed by the person originally directed to execute or indorse it.s 100: Am 1994 No 32, Sch 3.
Part 7 Appeal to the Court of Appeal
101 Appeal in proceedings before the Court
(1) Subject to this and any other Act and subject to the rules, an appeal shall lie to the Court of Appeal from:(a) any judgment or order of the Court in a Division, and(b) without limiting the generality of paragraph (a):(i) any opinion, decision, direction or determination of the Court in a Division on a stated case,(ii) any exercise of a power to which section 24 applies, and(iii) any determination of the Court in a Division in proceedings remitted under subsection (4) of section 51.(2) An appeal shall not lie to the Court of Appeal, except by leave of the Court of Appeal, from:(a) an order in proceedings in the Court directing an amendment of a judgment or order correcting a clerical mistake in the judgment or order or an error arising from an accidental slip or omission,(b) (Repealed)(c) a judgment given or order made in proceedings in the Court with the consent of the parties or as to costs only which are in the discretion of the Court,(d) (Repealed)(e) an interlocutory judgment or order in proceedings in the Court,(f) a judgment or order in proceedings in the Court on an interpleader issue decided in a summary way pursuant to the rules,(g) an order refusing leave for the institution or continuance of legal proceedings by a person who is the subject of an order for the time being in force under section 84,(h) an order of the Court in a Division on an appeal under Part 5 of the Justices Act 1902,(i) a judgment, order or determination in proceedings in the Court under the Commercial Arbitration Act 1984,(j), (k) (Repealed)(l) a judgment or order of the Court in a Division on an application for summary judgment under the rules,(m) a judgment or order of the Court on an application under section 74K, 74MA or 74O of the Real Property Act 1900,(n) a judgment or order of the Court in a Division for the winding up of a corporation,(o) a judgment or order of the Court in a Division restraining or refusing to restrain the presentation or advertisement of an application for the winding up of a corporation,(p) a judgment or order of the court on an application under section 459G of the Corporations Law,(q) a judgment or order in proceedings of the Court with respect to the taxation or assessment of costs, or(r) a final judgment or order in proceedings of the Court, other than an appeal:(i) that involves a matter at issue amounting to or of the value of $100,000 or more, or(ii) that involves (directly or indirectly) any claim, demand or question to or respecting any property or civil right amounting to or of the value of $100,000 or more.(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to a judgment given or order made on an application for a writ of habeas corpus ad subjiciendum or to an order for the committal or arrest of any person.(4) Where the Court in a Division exercises any power to which section 24 applies and exercise of the power is expressed by any provision of an Act or Imperial Act in force immediately before the commencement of this Act to be final or without appeal, an appeal shall lie to the Court of Appeal notwithstanding that provision, but only by leave of the Court of Appeal.(5) An appeal lies to the Court of Appeal from any judgment or order of the Court in a Division in any proceedings that relate to contempt (whether civil or criminal) of the Court or of any other court.(6) Subsection (5) does not confer on any person a right to appeal from a judgment or order of the Court in a Division in any proceedings that relate to criminal contempt, being a judgment or order by which the person charged with contempt is found not to have committed contempt.s 101: Subst 1972 No 41, sec 9 (a). Am 1984 No 153, Sch 16; 1984 No 166, Sch 1 (1) (am 1987 No 48, Sch 31); 1987 No 209, Sch 35 (3); 1987 No 250, Sch 1 (1); 1992 No 111, Sch 1; 1993 No 87, Sch 6; 1995 No 88, Sch 1.8 [5]–[7]; 1996 No 111, Sch 1.8 [10]; 1997 No 47, Sch 5 [2]; 1997 No 141, Sch 1.11 [2]; 1998 No 137, Sch 2.24 [4].
101A Question of law concerning criminal contempt may be submitted to Court of Appeal
(1) At any time after the conclusion of contempt proceedings in which the alleged contemnor is found not to have committed contempt, the Attorney General may submit to the Court of Appeal any question of law arising from or in connection with the proceedings.(2) The Attorney General must submit with the question to be determined a statement of the circumstances out of which the question arose, and thereafter must furnish such further statement as the Court of Appeal may require.(3) The Court of Appeal has jurisdiction to hear and determine any question submitted to it under this section.(4) The determination of the Court of Appeal of the question submitted does not in any way affect or invalidate any finding or decision given in the contempt proceedings.(5) The alleged contemnor is entitled to be heard on the question submitted and, if it appears that the alleged contemnor does not propose to be represented, the Attorney General is to instruct counsel to argue the question before the Court of Appeal on behalf of the person.(6) The reasonable costs of legal representation of the alleged contemnor in proceedings under this section are to be paid by the Crown.(7) Unless the Court orders otherwise (whether on the application of a party to the proceedings or of its own accord), proceedings under this section are to be held in camera, except that a legal practitioner may be present at the proceedings for the purpose of reporting the case for any lawful purpose of the Council of Law Reporting for New South Wales.(8) A person:(a) must not publish any report of any submission made under subsection (1), and(b) must not publish any report of proceedings under this section so as to disclose the name or identity of the alleged contemnor unless the contemnor has, during the proceedings, consented to his or her name or identity being disclosed.(9) Any publication in contravention of subsection (8) is punishable as contempt of the Court.(10) In this section:alleged contemnor means the person charged with contempt in contempt proceedings.contempt means contempt of the Court or of any other court.contempt proceedings means proceedings before the Court in a Division for the punishment of contempt.(11) This section applies to criminal contempt only, and does not apply to civil contempt.s 101A: Ins 1996 No 111, Sch 1.8 [11]. Am 2000 No 31, Sch 13 [2] [3].
102 Appeal after jury trial
Where, in any proceedings in the Court, there is a trial of the proceedings or of any issue in the proceedings with a jury, an application for:(a) the setting aside of a verdict or judgment,(b) a new trial, orshall be by appeal to the Court of Appeal.(c) the alteration of a verdict by increasing or reducing any amount of debt, damages or other money,
103 Appeal from separate decision
An appeal shall, by leave of the Court of Appeal, lie to the Court of Appeal from a decision in proceedings in the Court of any question or issue ordered to be decided separately from any other question or issue.
104 Exclusion of appeal from master etc
Subject to the rules, an appeal shall not lie to the Court of Appeal from any decision, judgment, order, opinion, direction or determination of the Court in a Division constituted by a master, registrar or other officer.
105 Application of secs 106, 107
Sections 106 and 107 apply to an appeal to the Court of Appeal where the appellant seeks a new trial or the setting aside of a verdict, finding, assessment or judgment:(a) after a trial with a jury in proceedings in the Court, or(b) after a trial:(i) with or without a jury in an action commenced before the commencement of section 4 of the District Court (Amendment) Act 1975, orin the District Court.(ii) with a jury in an action commenced after the commencement of that section,s 105: Am 1975 No 1, sec 4 (c).
106 New trial because of subsequent matters
(1) Where, in an appeal to which this section applies, it appears to the Court of Appeal that, because of matters which have occurred since the trial, the amount of damages awarded at the trial is manifestly too high or too low, the Court of Appeal may set aside the verdict, finding, assessment or judgment and may order a new trial on the issue of damages.(2) The Court of Appeal may, if satisfied that special circumstances exist which render it desirable so to do, receive evidence as to matters which have occurred since the trial and which are relevant to the exercise by the Court of Appeal of its powers under subsection (1) and may make findings of fact as to what has occurred since the trial.(3) The findings of fact made under subsection (2) shall not be binding on the parties except for the purposes of orders under this section or under section 107 and for the purposes of any judgment given under section 107.(4) The powers of the Court of Appeal under this section are in addition to its other powers to set aside a verdict, finding, assessment or judgment or to order a new trial on an issue of damages or otherwise.ss 106–108: Am 1989 No 226, Sch 1.
107 Substituted verdict
Where, in an appeal to which this section applies:(a) the Court of Appeal would, but for this section set aside the verdict, finding, assessment or judgment and order a new trial on an issue of the amount of debt or damages or of the value of goods,(b) the Court of Appeal is satisfied that:(i) without seeing or hearing the plaintiff or defendant or other witnesses, orit is fully able to assess the amount of debt or damages or the value of the goods on perusal of the evidence contained in the documents before it and on the facts (if any) admitted and on the facts (if any) found by it under section 106, and(ii) without seeing or hearing the plaintiff or defendant or other witnesses further than it has seen or heard them for the purpose of receiving evidence under section 106,the Court of Appeal may draw inferences and make findings of fact, assess the amount of debt or damages or the value of goods in such sum as in the opinion of the Court of Appeal the debt or damages or value ought to be assessed if a new trial were had forthwith and substitute that sum for the sum awarded in the Court below and give such judgment and make such order as the nature of the case requires.(c)(i) the parties consent to the exercise of the powers given by this section,(ii) it appears to the Court of Appeal to be desirable to exercise the powers for the purpose of avoiding a multiplicity of trials, or(iii) it appears to the Court of Appeal that, as a result of an error of law on the part of the trial judge or (where there has been a trial with a jury) a manifest error on the part of the jury, some item of debt or damages or valuation has been wrongly included in or excluded from the assessment,ss 106–108: Am 1989 No 226, Sch 1.
108 Nonsuit or verdict after jury trial
(1) This section applies to an appeal to the Court of Appeal in proceedings in the Court in which there has been a trial with a jury.(2) Where it appears to the Court of Appeal that on the evidence given at the trial a verdict for the plaintiff could not be supported and that, pursuant to any provision of the rules, an order ought to have been made for the dismissal of the proceedings either wholly or so far as concerns any cause of action in the proceedings, the Court of Appeal may make an order of dismissal accordingly.(3) Where it appears to the Court of Appeal that upon the evidence the plaintiff or the defendant is, as a matter of law, entitled to a verdict in the proceedings or on any cause of action, issue or claim for relief in the proceedings, the Court of Appeal may direct a verdict and give judgment accordingly.ss 106–108: Am 1989 No 226, Sch 1.
109 Effect of minor variations to judgments, orders or injunctions appealed against
If:(a) a Judge of Appeal or the Court of Appeal dismisses an appeal against a judgment, order or injunction, and(b) at that time, the Judge or Court makes a judgment or order that involves the variation of the judgment, order or injunction the subject of the appeal, andthe varied judgment, order or injunction is, for all purposes, taken to be a judgment, order or injunction of the court, tribunal or Division that made the original judgment, order or injunction the subject of the appeal.(c) the Judge or Court declares the variation to be a minor variation,s 109: Rep 1972 No 41, sec 9 (b). Ins 2000 No 31, Sch 13 [4].
110 Disqualification of Judge of Appeal
(1) A Judge of Appeal, or a Judge appointed or nominated under section 36 to act as an additional Judge of Appeal, shall not sit on the hearing of an appeal from a judgment given or an order made by himself or herself.(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a judgment given or order made pro forma by consent of the parties.s 110: Am 1994 No 32, Sch 3.
Part 7A Use of video link facilities
pt 7A: Ins 1992 No 69, sec 3.
110A Proceedings to which video link facilities apply
(1) Proceedings before the Court concerning bail are to be conducted by means of video link facilities unless the Court, in the interests of justice, otherwise orders.(1A) Subsection (1) does not apply unless the person in respect of whom the bail proceedings are being conducted (referred to in this Part as the person on remand) is in custody, at the time of the hearing, at a place at which video link facilities are provided for use for the purposes of this Part.(2) The Court may at any time vary or revoke an order made under this Part, either of its own motion or on application by a party to the proceedings.s 110A: Ins 1992 No 69, sec 3. Am 1993 No 46, Sch 1; 1994 No 32, Sch 1; 1997 No 141, Sch 1.11 [3].
110AA Use of video link facilities
Video link facilities may be used in bail proceedings to facilitate communication between:(a) any person who is present at the place where the Court is sitting, and(b) any person (including the person on remand, that person’s representative in the proceedings and any witness called to appear at the proceedings) who is present at the place where the facilities are being operated.s 110AA: Ins 1997 No 141, Sch 1.11 [4].
110B Manner of operation of video link facilities
(1) Video link facilities used for the purposes of this Part are to be operated in a manner which ensures two-way audio and visual communication between the place at which the Court is sitting and the other place at which the facilities are being operated.(2) The rules may make provision for or with respect to the technical and performance specifications for video link facilities.ss 110B: Ins 1992 No 69, sec 3. Am 1999 No 39, Sch 7 [3] [4].
110C Facilities for private communication
Facilities are to be available for private communication between a person using the video link facilities and the person’s representative in the proceedings if the person’s representative is at the place where the Court is sitting.s 110C: Ins 1992 No 69, sec 3.
110D Premises to be considered part of Court premises
(1) Any place at which video link facilities are being used in proceedings in accordance with this Part are taken to be part of the Court premises for the purpose of conducting those proceedings.(2) A person present at a place at which video link facilities are being used in proceedings in accordance with this Part is taken to be in the presence of the Court.(3) If video link facilities fail in relation to proceedings, the Court may adjourn the proceedings or make such other order as is appropriate in the circumstances as if a person present at the place at which the video link facilities are located were in the presence of the Court.s 110D: Ins 1992 No 69, sec 3.
110E Entitlement to be present during proceedings
Any entitlement of a person under any law to be present in proceedings before the Court concerning bail is taken to be satisfied by the use in relation to that person of video link facilities in accordance with this Part.s 110E: Ins 1992 No 69, sec 3. Am 1993 No 46, Sch 1.
110F Regulations for the purposes of this Part
The Governor may make regulations for the purposes of this Part.s 110F: Ins 1992 No 69, sec 3.
110G Review of the operation of this Part
(1) After 18 months from the commencement of this Part, the Minister is to conduct a review of the operation of video link facilities in accordance with this Part and to prepare a report on the result of the review.(2) The Minister is to table or cause to be tabled in each House of Parliament a copy of the report, within 14 sitting days of the House after the report has been prepared.s 110G: Ins 1992 No 69, sec 3.
Part 7B Mediation and neutral evaluation
pt 7B: Ins 1994 No 57, Sch 1.
110H Purpose of Part
(1) The purpose of this Part is to enable the Court to refer matters for mediation or neutral evaluation.(2) This Part does not prevent:(a) the parties to proceedings from agreeing to and arranging for mediation or neutral evaluation of any matter otherwise than as referred to in this Part, or(b) a matter arising in proceedings from being dealt with under the provisions of the Community Justice Centres Act 1983.s 110H: Ins 1994 No 57, Sch 1. Am 2000 No 36, Sch 1 [3].
110I Meaning of “mediation” and “neutral evaluation”
(1) For the purposes of this Part, mediation means a structured negotiation process in which the mediator, as a neutral and independent party, assists the parties to a dispute to achieve their own resolution of the dispute.(2) For the purposes of this Part, neutral evaluation means a process of evaluation of a dispute in which the evaluator seeks to identify and reduce the issues of fact and law that are in dispute. The evaluator’s role includes assessing the relative strengths and weaknesses of each party’s case and offering an opinion as to the likely outcome of the proceedings, including any likely findings of liability or the award of damages.s 110I: Ins 1994 No 57, Sch 1.
110J Other definitions
In this Part:evaluator means a person to whom the Court has referred a matter for neutral evaluation under this Part.mediation session means a meeting arranged for the mediation of a matter under this Part.mediator means a person to whom the Court has referred a matter for mediation under this Part.neutral evaluation session means a meeting arranged for the neutral evaluation of a matter under this Part.s 110J: Ins 1994 No 57, Sch 1.
110K Referral by Court
(1) If it considers the circumstances appropriate, the Court may, by order, refer any proceedings, or part of any proceedings, before it (other than any or part of any criminal proceedings) for mediation or neutral evaluation, and may do so either with or without the consent of the parties to the proceedings concerned.(2) The mediation or neutral evaluation is to be undertaken by a mediator or evaluator agreed to by the parties or, if the parties cannot agree, by a mediator or evaluator appointed by the Court, who (in either case) may, but need not, be a person whose name is on a list compiled under this Part.ss 110K–110M: Ins 1994 No 57, Sch 1. Subst 2000 No 36, Sch 1 [4].
110L Duty of parties to participate
It is the duty of each party to the proceedings the subject of a referral under section 110K to participate, in good faith, in the mediation or neutral evaluation.ss 110K–110M: Ins 1994 No 57, Sch 1. Subst 2000 No 36, Sch 1 [4].
110M Costs of mediation and neutral evaluation
The costs of mediation or neutral evaluation, including the costs payable to the mediator or evaluator, are payable:(a) by the parties to the proceedings, in such proportions as they may agree among themselves, or(b) if the Court makes an order as to the payment of those costs—by one or more of the parties, in such manner as the order may specify.ss 110K–110M: Ins 1994 No 57, Sch 1. Subst 2000 No 36, Sch 1 [4].
110N Agreements and arrangements arising from mediation sessions
(1) The Court may make orders to give effect to any agreement or arrangement arising out of a mediation session.(2) This Part does not affect the enforceability of any other agreement or arrangement that may be made, whether or not arising out of a mediation session, in relation to the matters the subject of a mediation session.ss 110N–110S: Ins 1994 No 57, Sch 1.
110O Mediators and evaluators
(1) The Chief Justice may compile a list or lists of persons considered by the Chief Justice to be suitable to be mediators for the purposes of this Part.(2) The Chief Justice may compile a list or lists of persons considered by the Chief Justice to be suitable to be evaluators for the purposes of this Part.(3) Different lists may be compiled for different types of matters or to take account of any other factors.(4) A person may be included in a list under this section only if:(a) the person consents to being included in the list, and(b) the person agrees to comply with the provisions of this Part and of any regulations or rules made for the purposes of this Part.(5) The Chief Justice may amend or revoke any list compiled under this section for any reason that the Chief Justice considers appropriate.(6) The Chief Justice is to review at least annually any list compiled under this section.ss 110N–110S: Ins 1994 No 57, Sch 1.
110P Privilege
(1) In this section, mediation session or neutral evaluation session includes any steps taken in the course of making arrangements for the session or in the course of the follow-up of a session.(2) Subject to subsection (3), the same privilege with respect to defamation as exists with respect to judicial proceedings and a document produced in judicial proceedings exists with respect to:(a) a mediation session or neutral evaluation session, or(b) a document or other material sent to or produced to a mediator or evaluator, or sent to or produced at the Court or the registry of the Court, for the purpose of enabling a mediation session or neutral evaluation session to be arranged.(3) The privilege conferred by subsection (2) only extends to a publication made:(a) at a mediation session or neutral evaluation session, or(b) as provided by subsection (2) (b), or(c) as provided in section 110Q.(4) Evidence of anything said or of any admission made in a mediation session or neutral evaluation session is not admissible in any proceedings before any court, tribunal or body.(5) A document prepared for the purposes of, or in the course of, or as a result of, a mediation session or neutral evaluation session, or any copy of such a document, is not admissible in evidence in any proceedings before any court, tribunal or body.(6) Subsections (4) and (5) do not apply with respect to any evidence or document:(a) if the persons in attendance at, or identified during, the mediation session or neutral evaluation session and, in the case of a document, all persons identified in the document, consent to the admission of the evidence or document, or(b) in proceedings instituted with respect to any act or omission in connection with which a disclosure has been made under section 110Q (c).ss 110N–110S: Ins 1994 No 57, Sch 1.
110Q Secrecy
A mediator or evaluator may disclose information obtained in connection with the administration or execution of this Part only in any one or more of the following circumstances:(a) with the consent of the person from whom the information was obtained,(b) in connection with the administration or execution of this Part,(c) if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the disclosure is necessary to prevent or minimise the danger of injury to any person or damage to any property,(d) if the disclosure is reasonably required for the purpose of referring any party or parties to a mediation session or neutral evaluation session to any person, agency, organisation or other body and the disclosure is made with the consent of the parties to the mediation session or neutral evaluation session for the purpose of aiding in the resolution of a dispute between those parties or assisting the parties in any other manner,(e) in accordance with a requirement imposed by or under a law of the State (other than a requirement imposed by a subpoena or other compulsory process) or the Commonwealth.ss 110N–110S: Ins 1994 No 57, Sch 1.
110R Exoneration from liability for listed mediators and evaluators
No matter or thing done or omitted to be done by a mediator or evaluator subjects the mediator or evaluator to any action, liability, claim or demand if:(a) the matter or thing was done in good faith for the purposes of a mediation session or neutral evaluation session under this Part, and(b) when the subject-matter of the mediation or neutral evaluation was referred for mediation or neutral evaluation, the mediator’s or evaluator’s name was included in a list compiled under this Part.ss 110N–110S: Ins 1994 No 57, Sch 1.
110S Regulations for the purposes of this Part
The Governor may make regulations for the purposes of this Part.ss 110N–110S: Ins 1994 No 57, Sch 1.
Part 8 Officers
Division 1 Masters
111 Appointment of masters and acting masters
(1) The Governor may appoint one or more masters.(2) The Governor may appoint one or more acting masters.(3) Each person so appointed shall be a barrister or solicitor of five years’ standing.(4) (Repealed)(5) A registrar may, if qualified in accordance with subsections (3) and (4), be appointed an acting master and, if so appointed, may retain his or her office as registrar.(6) A retired master may be appointed under subsection (2) as an acting master even though the retired master has reached the age of 72 years (or will have reached that age before the appointment expires), but may not be so appointed for any period that extends beyond the day on which he or she reaches the age of 75 years.s 111: Am 1988 No 10, Sch 1 (2); 1989 No 169, Sch 8; 1990 No 56, Sch 1, Part 2; 1993 No 87, Sch 5; 1994 No 32, Sch 3.
112 Terms of appointment
(1) The appointment of a person to the office of master or acting master shall, subject to this Division, be on such terms and conditions (except as to remuneration or pension) as may be specified in the instrument of the person’s appointment or as may be agreed by the Governor and the officer.(2) A master or acting master is entitled to be paid:(a) remuneration in accordance with the Statutory and Other Offices Remuneration Act 1975, and(b) such travelling and subsistence allowances as the Minister may from time to time determine in respect of the master or acting master.s 112: Am 1972 No 69, sec 4 (b); 1976 No 4, Sch 5; 1994 No 32, Sch 3.
(1) Subject to subsection (2), the Public Service Act 1902 shall not apply to a master.(2) Where the Public Service Act 1902 applies to a person immediately before the person’s appointment as master, the person shall be entitled to receive any deferred or extended leave and any privileges as if the person had remained an officer within the meaning of that Act.(3) The Public Service Act 1902 shall not apply to an acting master unless that Act applies to the acting master immediately before the acting master’s appointment as acting master.s 113: Am 1994 No 32, Sch 3.
(1) The Superannuation Act 1916 shall not apply to a master.(2) Where a master is at the time of the master’s appointment as master a contributor or pensioner under the Superannuation Act 1916:(a) there shall be paid to the master out of the State Superannuation Fund a sum equal to the contributions paid by the master to the fund after deducting the sum of any payments to the master of pension under that Act, but without interest, and(b) the master shall not, nor shall any spouse or child of the master’s, be entitled to receive any other payment or pension under that Act.(3) The Superannuation Act 1916 shall not apply to an acting master unless that Act applies to the acting master immediately before the acting master’s appointment as acting master.s 114: Am 1994 No 32, Sch 3.
115 Resignation and tenure of masters and acting masters
(1) A master or an acting master may:(a) resign from office by instrument in writing, or(b) (Repealed)(2) (Repealed)(3) An acting master shall, subject to subsection (1), hold office for such term as the Governor may specify in the instrument of the acting master’s appointment.(4) Except as provided by section 111 (6), the term for which an acting master holds office shall not extend beyond the day on which the master reaches the age of 72 years.s 115: Am 1986 No 100, Sch 4; 1988 No 10, Sch 1 (3); 1990 No 56, Sch 1, Part 2; 1994 No 32, Sch 3.
116 Assignment
The Governor may:(a) assign a master or an acting master:(i) to the Court of Appeal,(ii) to the Court of Appeal and any one or more Divisions, or(iii) to any one or more Divisions, and(b) revoke an assignment of a master or acting master to the Court of Appeal or to any Division.s 116: Subst 1972 No 41, sec 10 (a).
117 Seniority
Where two or more masters are assigned to the Court of Appeal or to any Division, they shall, subject to the terms of any instrument of assignment, have seniority amongst themselves in accordance with the order of their assignments to the Court of Appeal or to that Division, as the case may be.s 117: Am 1972 No 41, sec 10 (b).
117A Powers: master in the Court of Appeal
(1) In this section master in the Court of Appeal means a master or acting master assigned to the Court of Appeal or a master or acting master directed by the Chief Justice to act in the Court of Appeal.(2) A master in the Court of Appeal may exercise such powers of the Court of Appeal as are exercisable by a Judge of Appeal under section 46 and are, by or under this or any other Act, conferred upon a master assigned to the Court of Appeal.(3) A judgment given or an order made by a master in the Court of Appeal may be discharged or varied by the Court of Appeal.(4) Subject to subsection (3), a judgment given or an order made or direction given by a master in the Court of Appeal shall have effect as a judgment or order or direction of the Court of Appeal, whether or not the judgment, order or direction is within the powers mentioned in this section of a master in the Court of Appeal.(5) A master in the Court of Appeal shall constitute the Court of Appeal for the purpose of the exercise of the powers mentioned in subsection (2).s 117A: Ins 1972 No 41, sec 10 (c). Am 1989 No 226, Sch 1.
118 Powers: divisional master
(1) In this section, divisional master means, in relation to any Division, a master or acting master assigned to the Division or a master or acting master directed by the Chief Justice to act in the Division.(2) A divisional master may exercise such powers of the Court in the Division as are, by or under this or any other Act, conferred upon a master assigned to the Division.(3) A judgment given or an order made by a divisional master in any Division may be set aside or varied by the Court.(4) Subject to subsection (3), a judgment given or an order made or direction given by a divisional master in any Division shall have effect as a judgment or order or direction of the Court in the Division, whether or not the judgment, order or direction is within the powers mentioned in this section of the divisional master.(5) A divisional master in any Division shall constitute the Court in that Division for the purpose of the exercise of the powers mentioned in subsection (2).s 118: Subst 1972 No 41, sec 10 (d). Am 1989 No 226, Sch 1.
Division 2 Registrars and other officers
119 Offices of registrars
(1) There are such registrars as may be appointed from time to time, including a Principal Registrar of the Court, a Registrar of the Court of Appeal, and a Registrar of each Division.(2) The registrar of the Common Law Division shall be called the Prothonotary.(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other Act, a registrar may exercise the powers of any other registrar if and so far as he or she is authorised to do so by the rules, and, when so doing, he or she shall be deemed to be that other registrar.s 119: Am 1977 No 120, sec 3 (c); 1994 No 32, Sch 3; 1999 No 39, Sch 7 [5].
120 Appointment
The Governor may, under and subject to the Public Service Act 1902:(a) appoint persons to fill the offices mentioned in section 119,(b) appoint persons to act temporarily in any of those offices,(c) appoint persons to be deputies or assistants to any of those officers, and(d) appoint such other officers as may be necessary for the carrying out of the provisions of this Act and the rules and of any other Act, regulations or rules relating to the Court.
121 Powers
(1) In this section officer means a registrar, taxing officer, or other officer of the Court.(2) An officer may exercise such powers of the Court as are, by or under this or any other Act, conferred upon the officer.(3) A judgment given or an order made by an officer may be set aside or varied by the Court.(4) Subject to subsection (3), a judgment given or an order made or direction given by an officer shall have effect as a judgment or order or direction of the Court, whether or not the judgment, order or direction is within the powers mentioned in this section of the officer.(5) An officer shall constitute the Court for the purpose of the exercise of the powers mentioned in subsection (2).s 121: Subst 1972 No 41, sec 10 (e). Am 1989 No 226, Sch 1; 1994 No 32, Sch 3.
Part 9 Rules of Court
122 Rules taken to have effect as rules made by the Rule Committee
(1) The rules in the Fourth Schedule shall come into operation on the commencement of this Act, but subject to and together with rules made by the Rule Committee.(2) Upon the expiry of six months after the commencement of this Act, or on such earlier date as may be appointed by the Governor and notified by proclamation published in the Gazette, the Fourth Schedule to this Act shall, by force of this subsection, be repealed.(3) On and after the repeal to be effected by subsection (2) the rules in the Fourth Schedule shall have effect as rules made by the Rule Committee, but subject to and together with rules made by the Rule Committee.Note—A proclamation was not published under subsection (2). Therefore, the Fourth Schedule was repealed on 1 January 1973 (six months after the commencement of this Act).s 122, note: Ins 2000 No 93, Sch 2.53 [4].
123 Rule Committee
(1) Rules may be made under this Act by a Rule Committee consisting of:(a) the Chief Justice,(b) the President of the Court of Appeal or a Judge of Appeal appointed on the nomination of the President of the Court of Appeal,(c) one other appointed Judge of Appeal,(d) four other appointed judges, and(e) an appointed barrister and an appointed solicitor.(2) In this section, appointed means appointed to the Rule Committee by the Chief Justice by instrument in writing.(2A) In this section and in section 123A:barrister means a legal practitioner who holds a current practising certificate as a barrister.solicitor means a legal practitioner who holds a current practising certificate as a solicitor.(3) A person appointed shall hold office for the time specified in the appointment but may resign by instrument in writing addressed to the Chief Justice.(4) At a meeting of the Rule Committee the chairman shall be:(a) the Chief Justice, if the Chief Justice is present,(b) if the Chief Justice is not present but the President of the Court of Appeal is a member of the Rule Committee and is present, the President of the Court of Appeal, or(c) in the absence of the Chief Justice and the President of the Court of Appeal, one of the members present, chosen by the meeting.(5) In case of equality of voting, the chairman shall have a casting as well as a deliberative vote.(6) Any four members of the Rule Committee shall constitute a quorum.(7) There shall be a secretary of the Rule Committee who shall be a person approved by the Chief Justice.(8) Subject to this section, the Rule Committee may regulate its own procedure.(9) The Rule Committee may, if it thinks fit, transact any of its business by the circulation of papers among all the members of the Rule Committee for the time being, and a resolution in writing approved in writing by a majority of those members is to be taken to be a decision of the Rule Committee.s 123: Am 1972 No 41, sec 11 (1) (a); 1990 No 108, Sch 1; 1994 No 32, Schs 1, 3.
123A Deputies for barrister and solicitor members
(1) The Chief Justice may, from time to time, appoint to the Rule Committee:(a) a barrister to be the deputy of the barrister member appointed under section 123 (1) (e), andand the Chief Justice may revoke any such appointment.(b) a solicitor to be the deputy of the solicitor member appointed under section 123 (1) (e),(2) In the absence of a member appointed under section 123 (1) (e), the member’s deputy:(a) may, if available, act in the place of the member, and(b) while so acting, has the functions of the member and is taken to be the member.s 123A: Ins 1994 No 32, Sch 1.
124 Rule-making power
(1) Any rules may be altered or added to or rescinded, and any further or additional rules may be made, by the Rule Committee for the purpose of carrying this Act into effect and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, for the following purposes:(a) for regulating and prescribing the procedure (including the method of pleading) and the practice to be followed in the Court in all proceedings in, or with respect to which, the Court has for the time being jurisdiction (including the procedure and practice to be followed in the offices of the Court), and any matters incidental to, or relating to, any such procedure or practice, including the manner and time of making any applications which under this or any other Act, or under any Imperial Act or Commonwealth Act, are to be made to the Court,(b) for regulating and prescribing the form and contents of any case stated to the Court by or from any court or person and the time within which and the manner in which proceedings thereon are to be instituted in the Court and the practice and procedure thereafter to be followed in the Court and the notification of the decision of the Court,(c) for regulating and prescribing the practice and procedure to be followed in connection with the institution of any appeal from any inferior court or from any person to the Court, including the time within which, and the manner in which, the appeal is to be instituted, and the practice and procedure thereafter to be followed in the Court,(d) for regulating and prescribing the practice and procedure to be followed in connection with the transfer of any proceedings from any inferior court to the Court or from the Court to any inferior court, and for the co-ordination or expedition of any such transfers, and, where proceedings are transferred to the Court, the practice and procedure thereafter to be followed in the Court,(e) for regulating and prescribing any matter which, under any Act or Imperial Act, may be regulated or prescribed by rules of the Court or by rules made by the Judges or any Judges or the Chief Judge in Equity or any other Judge identified by description of his or her office or the Judges of Appeal or any Judges of Appeal,(f) for altering, adding to or rescinding any rules in force immediately before the commencement of this Act, which regulate or prescribe any matter which, under any Act or Imperial Act, might, immediately before the commencement of this Act, be regulated or prescribed by rules of the Court or by rules made by the Judges or any Judges or the Chief Judge in Equity or any other Judge identified by description of his or her office or the Judges of Appeal or any Judges of Appeal,(g) for providing for the regulation of the sittings and order of business of the Court and the regulation of the vacations and holidays to be observed by the Court and in the offices of the Court,(h) for prescribing what powers of the Court may be exercised by any of the masters, acting masters, registrars and other officers of the Court,(i) for regulating and prescribing the practice and procedure to be followed in the mediation or neutral evaluation of any matter under Part 7B,(j) for regulating any matters relating to the costs of proceedings in the Court and, in particular, prescribing, limiting or otherwise affecting the costs recoverable in any action or proceedings that the Court considers might properly have been dealt with in an inferior court,(k), (ka) (Repealed)(l) for prescribing means for, and the practice and procedure to be followed in, the enforcement and execution of judgments and orders,(m) for regulating the means by which particular facts may be proved, and the mode in which evidence may be given (including the administration of oaths to and the taking of the evidence of witnesses in or out of New South Wales), in any proceedings, or on any application in connection with, or at any stage of, any proceedings,(ma) for prescribing matters relating to expert evidence, including the disclosure, by the furnishing of copies of reports or otherwise, of the nature of expert evidence to be given, and including the exclusion of expert evidence in case of non-compliance with the rules relating to expert evidence or with any order for disclosure of the nature of expert evidence,(n) for prescribing the cases in which security may be required, and the form of such security, and the manner in which, and the person to whom, it is to be given,(o) for regulating and prescribing any matter concerning or in relation to which provision was made by the rules set out in the Fourth Schedule to this Act when it commenced,(p) for regulating or making other provision concerning interim payments referred to in Division 2 of Part 5,(q) (Repealed)(r) for regulating the payment or transfer into or out of Court and, subject to the consent of the Treasurer, the custody, management and investment of moneys, securities and effects, and(s) for prescribing and regulating the duties of the masters, acting masters, registrars and other officers of the Court in relation to or for the purpose of any proceedings.(t) (Repealed)(2) The rules may make provision for or with respect to:(a) the cases in which the whole of any proceedings or any question or issue arising in any proceedings may be referred by the Court to an arbitrator or referee for determination or for inquiry and report,(b) the appointment of a Judge, master, registrar or other officer of the Court or other person as an arbitrator or referee,(c) the fees to be paid to such an arbitrator or referee,(d) the persons by whom the whole or any part of any such fees are payable,(e) the consequences of a determination or report by an arbitrator or referee,(f) the manner in which such a determination or report may be called in question,(g) whether or not, or to what extent, a determination or report may be called in question on a matter of fact or law,(h) the provision of the services of officers of the Court and the provision of court rooms and other facilities for the purpose of a reference of any proceedings or any question or issue arising in any proceedings to an arbitrator or referee, and(i) any other matters associated with such a reference.(3) The rules may make provision for or with respect to the assignment of proceedings to the Court of Appeal or a Division. The assignment by the rules of any proceedings to the Court of Appeal or any Division has effect despite any contrary provision of this or any other Act or law.(4) The rules may authorise a master to punish contempt in the face of the Court or in the hearing of the Court where the Court is constituted by that master and to punish the breach of an undertaking given to the Court constituted by that master, but otherwise the rules shall not authorise a master, registrar or other officer to make an order for the committal, attachment or arrest of any person.(5) Where the rules rescind a rule by which a previous rule was rescinded, then, unless the contrary intention appears, the previous rule shall not be revived.(6) Where the rules rescind or amend a previous rule, then, unless the contrary intention appears, the rescission or amendment shall not revive anything not in force or existing immediately before the rescission or amendment takes effect.(7) After the commencement of this Act no power by any Act or Imperial Act conferred upon the Judges or any Judge or the Chief Judge in Equity or any other Judge identified by description of his or her office or the Judges of Appeal or any Judges of Appeal to make rules as to any matter shall be exercised otherwise than by the Rule Committee making in respect of that matter rules under and in accordance with this Act.(8) Rules made by the Rule Committee under this Act shall, so far as inconsistent with rules made (whether before or after the commencement of this Act) under any other Act or under any Imperial Act, prevail over the latter rules while the inconsistency exists.(9) This section does not give power to make rules with respect to any matter with respect to which rules may be made under section 7 or 14 of the Legal Profession Act 1987.(10) This section does not give power to make rules with respect to any matter relating to costs that is regulated by Part 11 of the Legal Profession Act 1987.(11) A practice note (including any other document, however described, which regulates the practice or procedure of the Court, any Division of the Court or of any class of proceedings in the Court, but excluding a decision of the Court) issued by or on behalf of the Court is taken to be a statutory rule for the purposes of Part 6 of the Interpretation Act 1987. This subsection does not apply to a practice note issued before the commencement of this subsection, but extends to a practice note so issued if it commences on or after 19 November 1993 (whether or not published in the Gazette).s 124: Am 1972 No 41, sec 11 (1) (b); 1979 No 205, Sch 2, Part 1; 1984 No 54, sec 3; 1984 No 166, Sch 1 (2); 1986 No 218, Sch 47; 1987 No 111, Sch 1; 1988 No 92, Sch 26; 1989 No 138, Sch 7; 1991 No 12, Sch 1 (4); 1993 No 87, Sch 6; 1994 No 32, Sch 3; 1994 No 57, Sch 1; 1997 No 58, Sch 2.3 [1] [2]; 1998 No 172, Sch 10 [5]; 2000 No 93, Sch 2.53 [5]–[8].
125–128 (Repealed)
s 125: Rep 1987 No 48, Sch 32.
s 126: Rep 1972 No 41, sec 11 (1) (c).
s 127: Ins 1972 No 41, sec 11 (1) (d). Rep 1987 No 48, Sch 32.
s 128: Ins 1972 No 41, sec 11 (1) (d). Rep 1987 No 48, Sch 32.
Part 10 Supplemental
pt 10: Ins 1972 No 41, sec 12.
129 Savings and transitional provisions
The Fourth Schedule has effect.s 129: Ins 1972 No 41, sec 12. Rep 1972 No 48, Sch. Ins 1994 No 14, Sch 1 (4).
130 Fees and percentages
The Governor may make regulations fixing or otherwise relating to fees and percentages to be taken in respect of the business of the Court.s 130: Ins 1972 No 41, sec 12.
First Schedule Repeal of Acts
(Section 5)
Reference to Act | Subject | Extent of repeal |
No 21, 1899 | Common Law Procedure | The unrepealed portion |
No 35, 1900 | Supreme Court and Circuit Courts | The unrepealed portion |
No 49, 1900 | Supreme Court Procedure | The unrepealed portion |
No 7, 1901 | Interpleader | The whole |
No 24, 1901 | Equity | The unrepealed portion |
No 42, 1901 | Negotiable Instruments Procedure | The whole |
No 44, 1901 | Prohibition and Mandamus | The whole |
No 24, 1902 | Arrest on Mesne Process | The unrepealed portion |
No 34, 1902 | General Legal Procedure | The unrepealed portion |
No 19, 1903 | Commercial Causes | The whole |
No 6, 1904 | Legal Process Facilitation | The whole |
No 14, 1906 | Administration Amending | Section 2 |
No 27, 1906 | Judges’ Pensions Amendment | The unrepealed portion |
No 9, 1912 | Supreme Court and Circuit Courts (Amendment) | The unrepealed portion |
No 19, 1913 | Public Trustee | Paragraph (b) of section 60 |
No 3, 1921 | Real Property (Amendment) | Subsections (1) and (2) of section 10 |
No 15, 1925 | Administration of Justice | Subsection (2) of section 2 |
No 9, 1927 | Supreme Court and Circuit Courts (Amendment) | The whole |
No 7, 1928 | Supreme Court and District Courts (Judges) | Sections 2 and 3 |
No 49, 1930 | Landlord and Tenant Amendment (Distress Abolition) | Paragraph (c) of section 3 |
No 49, 1932 | Wills, Probate and Administration (Amendment) | Sections 3 and 4 |
No 14, 1935 | Supreme Court and Circuit Courts (Prothonotary) Amendment | Sections 2 and 3 |
No 35, 1937 | Statute Law Revision | So much of Second Schedule as amends Acts No 21, 1899, No 7, 1901 and No 24, 1901 |
No 30, 1938 | Conveyancing, Trustee and Probate (Amendment) | Paragraphs (i) and (k) of section 6 |
No 44, 1940 | Attachment of Wages Limitation | Subsection (1) of section 2 |
No 37, 1941 | Supreme Court and Circuit Courts (Amendment) | Subsection (2) of section 1 and section 2 |
No 22, 1948 | Supreme Court and Circuit Courts (Prothonotary) Amendment | Subsection (1) of section 2 and section 3 |
No 18, 1954 | Supreme Court, Industrial Arbitration and Workers’ Compensation (Amendment) | Subsection (2) of section 1 and section 2 |
No 40, 1954 | Administration of Estates | Paragraphs (b), (c), (d), (f) and (l) of section 3 |
No 13, 1957 | Supreme Court Procedure | Sections 3, 4, 5, paragraphs (d), (e) and (h) of section 6, sections 7 and 9, subsection (1) of section 14 and so much of First Schedule as amends Acts No 21, 1899, No 35, 1900, No 49, 1900, No 24, 1902 and No 29, 1902 |
No 10, 1958 | Common Law Procedure and Landlord and Tenant (Amendment) | Subsection (2) of section 1 and section 2 |
No 55, 1960 | Landlord and Tenant (Amendment) | Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section 2 |
No 29, 1961 | Industrial Arbitration (Basic Wage) Amendment | So much of First Schedule as amends Act No 21, 1899, and so much of Second Schedule as refers to Act No 21, 1899 |
No 1, 1962 | Common Law Procedure (Amendment) | The whole |
No 37, 1964 | Industrial Arbitration (Amendment) | So much of First Schedule as amends Act No 21, 1899, and so much of Second Schedule as refers to Act No 21, 1899 |
No 52, 1964 | Judges’ Pensions and Equity (Amendment) | Subsection (3) of section 1 and section 3 |
No 12, 1965 | Supreme Court and Circuit Courts (Amendment) | Sections 2, 3, 4, paragraphs (a), (c), (d) and (g) of subsection (1) of section 5, subsection (2) of section 5, sections 6, 7, 12 and 15 and so much of Schedule as refers to Acts No 35, 1900, No 49, 1900, No 24, 1901, No 19, 1903 and No 42, 1924 |
No 11, 1967 | Common Law Procedure and Supreme Court and Circuit Courts (Amendment) | The whole |
No 29, 1967 | Legal Practitioners (Amendment) | Paragraph (b) of section 5 and so much of section 9 as amends Act No 22, 1898, by inserting sections 65J and 65R |
No 86, 1967 | Industrial Arbitration (Basic Wage) Amendment | So much of First Schedule as amends the Common Law Procedure Act 1899, and so much of Second Schedule as refers to the Common Law Procedure Act 1899 |
No 58, 1968 | Landlord and Tenant (Amendment) | Section 8 |
No 4, 1969 | Judges’ Pensions and Equity (Amendment) | Subsection (3) of section 1 and section 3 |
No 5, 1969 | Supreme Court and Circuit Courts (Amendment) | The whole |
No 30, 1969 | Imperial Acts Application | Section 42 |
First Sch: Am 1972 No 41, First Sch; 1977 No 18, Sch 4; 1987 No 70, Sch 5.
Second Schedule (Repealed)
Second Sch: Am 1972 No 41, Second and Third Schs; 1973 No 9, Sch 2; 1973 No 87, Sch 1; 1976 No 3, Sch 1; 1976 No 63, Sch 1; 1977 No 18, Sch 4; 1977 No 126, Sch 1; 1979 No 62, Sch 1; 1979 No 78, Sch 1; 1979 No 205, Sch 1; 1979 No 208, Sch 4; 1980 No 103, Sch 7; 1981 No 80, Sch 3; 1981 No 125, Sch 1; 1982 No 130, Sch 2; 1983 No 86, Sch 3; 1984 No 160, Sch 1; 1986 No 85, Sch 1; 1987 No 66, Sch 4; 1987 No 68, Sch 3; 1987 No 70, Sch 5; 1987 No 108, Sch 1; 1987 No 109, Sch 1; 1987 No 143, Sch 1. Rep 1999 No 85, Sch 4.
Third Schedule Criminal proceedings
(Section 17 (1))
Third Sch, hdg: Am 1979 No 88, Sch 1 (7).
(a)
Proceedings in the Court for the prosecution of offenders on indictment (indictment including any information presented or filed as provided by law for the prosecution of offenders) including the sentencing or otherwise dealing with persons convicted,
(a1)
proceedings (including committal proceedings) for the prosecution of offenders on indictment (indictment including any information presented or filed as provided by law for the prosecution of offenders) in the Court or in the District Court,
(a2)
proceedings (whether in the Court or the District Court) under section 51A of the Justices Act 1902,
(b)
gaol delivery,
(c)
proceedings in the Court under the Crimes Act 1900, other than proceedings under section 88 of that Act and applications for leave to institute prosecutions under section 172 of that Act,
(d)
proceedings in the Court under the Criminal Appeal Act of 1912,
(e)
proceedings in the Court under subsection (1) of section 11 of the Inebriates Act 1912, or for the making of an order pursuant to section 16 of that Act,
(f)
proceedings in the Court under Part 2 of the Children (Criminal Proceedings) Act 1987,
(g)
proceedings in the Court under the Habitual Criminals Act 1957,
(h)
proceedings in the Court under section 23 or section 26 of the Mental Health Act 1958,
(i)
proceedings in the Court for the grant of a certificate under the Costs in Criminal Cases Act 1967.
(j), (k) (Repealed)
Third Sch: Am 1979 No 96, sec 7 (c); 1984 No 153, Sch 16; 1987 No 58, Sch 3; 1987 No 238, Sch 1; 1987 No 250, Sch 1 (2); 1988 No 20, Sch 18 (4); 1999 No 94, Sch 4.56 [2].
Fourth Schedule Savings and transitional provisions
(Section 129)
Part 1 General
1 Regulations
(1) The Governor may make regulations for the purposes of this Part.(2) The regulations may contain provisions of a savings or transitional nature consequent on the enactment of the following Acts:Courts Legislation Further Amendment Act 1998, but only in relation to the amendments made to this ActCourts Legislation Amendment Act 2000, but only in relation to the amendments made to this Act(3) Any such provision may, if the regulations so provide, take effect from the date of assent to the Act concerned or a later date.(4) To the extent to which any such provision takes effect from a date that is earlier than the date of its publication in the Gazette, the provision does not operate so as:(a) to affect, in a manner prejudicial to any person (other than the State or an authority of the State), the rights of that person existing before the date of its publication, or(b) to impose liabilities on any person (other than the State or an authority of the State) in respect of anything done or omitted to be done before the date of its publication.
Part 2 Provisions consequent on enactment of Supreme Court (Amendment) Act 1994
(1) The amendment made to this Act by Schedule 1 (2) to the Supreme Court (Amendment) Act 1994 applies to proceedings for judgment in the Court of Appeal whether the proceedings were commenced before, on or after the commencement of the amendment.(2) The amendment made to this Act by Schedule 1 (3) to the Supreme Court (Amendment) Act 1994 applies to any proceeding whether commenced before, on or after the commencement of the amendment, but not to proceedings commenced to be heard by the Court of Appeal before the commencement of the amendment.
Part 3 Provisions consequent on enactment of Courts Legislation Further Amendment Act 1995
The amendments made to section 101 (2) by the Courts Legislation Further Amendment Act 1995 do not operate to require leave to appeal against a judgment or order of the Court if, when the judgment or order was made, an appeal lay as of right.
Part 4 Provisions consequent on enactment of Courts Legislation Amendment Act 1996
(1) Proceedings commenced in the Court before the commencement of items [4], [5], [6], [7] and [10] of Schedule 1.8 to the Courts Legislation Amendment Act 1996 are unaffected by the amendments to this Act that are made by those items.(2) Proceedings commenced in the Court before the commencement of item [8] of Schedule 1.8 to the Courts Legislation Amendment Act 1996 are unaffected by the amendment to this Act that is made by that item.
Part 5 Provisions consequent on enactment of Courts Legislation Amendment Act 1997
(1) Section 46A, as amended by the Courts Legislation Amendment Act 1997, applies to awards of compensation made by the Compensation Court before the commencement of Schedule 5 [1] to that Act in the same way as it applies to awards of compensation made after that commencement.(2) Section 101, as amended by the Courts Legislation Amendment Act 1997, applies to judgments and orders given or made before the commencement of Schedule 5 [2] to that Act in the same way as it applies to judgments and orders given or made after that commencement.
Part 6 Provisions consequent on enactment of Traffic Legislation Amendment Act 1997
(1) The regulations may contain provisions of a savings or transitional nature consequent on the enactment of the Traffic Legislation Amendment Act 1997 (but only in relation to the amendments made to this Act).(2) Any such provision may, if the regulations so provide, take effect from the date of assent to the Act concerned or a later date.(3) To the extent to which any such provision takes effect from a date that is earlier than the date of its publication in the Gazette, the provision does not operate so as:(a) to affect, in a manner prejudicial to any person (other than the State or an authority of the State), the rights of that person existing before the date of its publication, or(b) to impose liabilities on any person (other than the State or an authority of the State) in respect of anything done or omitted to be done before the date of its publication.
Part 7 Provisions consequent on enactment of Courts Legislation Further Amendment Act 1997
(1) Section 46A, as amended by the Courts Legislation Further Amendment Act 1997, applies to awards of compensation made by the Compensation Court before the commencement of Schedule 1.11 [1] to that Act in the same way as it applies to awards of compensation made after that commencement.(2) Section 101, as amended by the Courts Legislation Further Amendment Act 1997, applies to judgments and orders given or made before the commencement of Schedule 1.11 [2] to that Act in the same way as it applies to judgments and orders given or made after that commencement.
Part 8 Provisions consequent on enactment of Courts Legislation Further Amendment Act 1998
7 Definitions
(1) In this Part:abolished Division means a Division of the Court abolished by clause 8.amending Act means the Courts Legislation Further Amendment Act 1998.(2) A reference in this Part to proceedings being assigned to a Division is a reference to the proceedings being assigned to that Division by or under this or any other Act.
8 Abolition of certain Divisions
On the commencement of Schedule 10 [2] to the amending Act, the following Divisions of the Court (within the meaning of this Act as in force immediately before that commencement) are abolished:(a) the Administrative Law Division,(b) the Admiralty Division,(c) the Commercial Division,(d) the Criminal Division,(e) the Family Law Division,(f) the Probate Division,(g) the Protective Division.
9 Assignment of proceedings and Judges in abolished Divisions to Common Law Division
(1) The following proceedings are assigned to the Common Law Division on the commencement of Schedule 10 [2] to the amending Act:(a) any proceedings that were assigned to the Administrative Law Division by or under this or any other Act immediately before that commencement,(b) any proceedings that were assigned to the Criminal Division by or under this or any other Act immediately before that commencement.(2) If proceedings are pending in an abolished Division referred to in subclause (1) immediately before its abolition, the proceedings are taken for all purposes to have been commenced in the Common Law Division.(3) Subject to subclause (4), a Judge who, immediately before the abolition of an abolished Division referred to in subclause (1), was appointed or nominated to the Division under this or any other Act is taken for the purposes of this Act to have been appointed or nominated to the Common Law Division.(4) A Judge who, immediately before the commencement of Schedule 10 [1] to the amending Act, held office under section 28 of this Act (as in force immediately before that commencement) as the Chief Judge at Common Law is taken to hold office as Chief Judge at Common Law under section 27 (as inserted by the amending Act).
10 Assignment of proceedings and Judges in abolished Divisions to Equity Division
(1) The following proceedings are assigned to the Equity Division on the commencement of Schedule 10 [2] to the amending Act:(a) any proceedings that were assigned to the Admiralty Division by or under this or any other Act immediately before that commencement,(b) any proceedings that were assigned to the Commercial Division by or under this or any other Act immediately before that commencement,(c) any proceedings that were assigned to the Family Law Division by or under this or any other Act immediately before that commencement,(d) any proceedings that were assigned to the Probate Division by or under this or any other Act immediately before that commencement,(e) any proceedings that were assigned to the Protective Division by or under this or any other Act immediately before that commencement.(2) If proceedings are pending in an abolished Division referred to in subclause (1) immediately before its abolition, the proceedings are taken for all purposes to have been commenced in the Equity Division.(3) Subject to subclause (4), a Judge who, immediately before the abolition of an abolished Division referred to in subclause (1), was appointed or nominated under this or any other Act to the Division is taken for the purposes of this Act to have been appointed or nominated to the Equity Division.(4) A Judge who, immediately before the commencement of Schedule 10 [1] to the amending Act, held office under section 28 of this Act (as in force immediately before that commencement) as the Chief Judge in Equity is taken to hold office as Chief Judge in Equity under section 27 (as inserted by the amending Act).
11 Existing Probate Judge
A Judge who, immediately before the abolition of the Probate Division, held office as Probate Judge under section 28 of this Act (as in force immediately before that abolition) retains the rank, title, status and precedence he or she had immediately before that abolition.
12 References to abolished Divisions
(1) A reference in another Act (other than the amending Act), in an instrument made under an Act or in any other document to an abolished Division is to be read as a reference to the corresponding Division for the abolished Division.(2) In this clause, corresponding Division for an abolished Division means:(a) in relation to the Administrative Law Division or the Criminal Division—the Common Law Division, or(b) in relation to the Admiralty Division, the Commercial Division, the Family Law Division, the Probate Division or the Protective Division—the Equity Division.
13 Nothing in Part affects certain powers and other matters
Nothing in this Part affects:(a) the operation of section 124 (3) of this Act, or(b) the rank, title, status and precedence of any Judge of the Court who, immediately before the commencement of this clause, had that rank, title, status and precedence.
Part 9 Provisions consequent on enactment of Courts Legislation Amendment Act 1999
14 Application of amendment
Section 45AA (as inserted by the Courts Legislation Amendment Act 1999) applies to appeal proceedings in the Court of Appeal whether the proceedings were commenced before or after the commencement of the amendment.
Part 10 Provisions consequent on enactment of Courts Legislation Amendment Act 2000
15 Definition
In this Part, amending Act means the Courts Legislation Amendment Act 2000.
16 Application of amendment relating to appeals
Section 46A, as amended by the amending Act, extends to an appeal against an order made before the commencement of the amendment to that section.
17 Application of amendment relating to contempt proceedings
Section 101A, as amended by the amending Act, extends to proceedings that were commenced before the commencement of the amendment.
Part 11 Provisions consequent on enactment of Supreme Court Amendment (Referral of Proceedings) Act 2000
18 Application of amendment
(1) Section 76B and Part 7B, as amended by the Supreme Court Amendment (Referral of Proceedings) Act 2000, extend to proceedings instituted before the amendments took effect, except as provided by subclause (2).(2) The amendments made by that Act to Part 7B have no effect in relation to a matter that, at the time the amendments took effect, had already been referred for mediation or neutral evaluation under that Part.
Fourth Sch: Rep 1970 No 52, sec 122 (2). Ins 1994 No 14, Sch 1 (5). Am 1995 No 88, Sch 1.8 [8]; 1996 No 111, Sch 1.8 [12]; 1997 No 47, Sch 5 [3]; 1997 No 115, Sch 4.23 [3]; 1997 No 141, Sch 1.11 [5]; 1998 No 120, Sch 2.37; 1998 No 172, Sch 10 [6]–[12]; 1999 No 39, Sch 7 [6]; 2000 No 31, Sch 13 [5] [6]; 2000 No 36, Sch 1 [5]; 2000 No 93, Sch 2.53 [9].