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This is a Bill, not an Act. For current law, see the Acts databases.
COURT PROCEDURES BILL 2004
2004
THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL
TERRITORY
(As presented)
(Attorney-General)
Court
Procedures Bill 2004
Contents
Page
Part
1.1 General 29
Part 1.2 Civil
proceedings 31
Part 1.3 Criminal
proceedings 37
2004
THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL
TERRITORY
(As presented)
(Attorney-General)
Court Procedures Bill
2004
A Bill for
An Act to provide for certain matters relating to courts and tribunals, and
for other purposes
The Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory enacts as
follows:
This Act is the Court Procedures Act 2004.
This Act commences on a day fixed by the Minister by written
notice.
Note 1 The naming and commencement provisions automatically commence
on the notification day (see Legislation Act, s 75 (1)).
Note 2 A single day or time may be fixed, or different days or times
may be fixed, for the commencement of different provisions (see Legislation Act,
s 77 (1)).
Note 3 If a provision has not commenced within 6 months beginning on
the notification day, it automatically commences on the first day after that
period (see Legislation Act, s 79).
The dictionary at the end of this Act is part of this Act.
Note 1 The dictionary at the end of this Act defines certain terms
used in this Act, and includes references (signpost definitions)
to other terms defined elsewhere.
For example, the signpost definition ‘fee, for part 3
(Court and tribunal fees)—see section 12.’ means that the term
‘fee’ is defined in that section for part 3.
Note 2 A definition in the dictionary (including a signpost
definition) applies to the entire Act unless the definition, or another
provision of the Act, provides otherwise or the contrary intention otherwise
appears (see Legislation Act, s 155 and s 156 (1)).
A note included in this Act is explanatory and is not part of this
Act.
Note See Legislation Act, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the legal
status of notes.
(1) The objects of this Act include—
(a) recognising the importance of court procedures in our system of
justice; and
(b) facilitating cooperation between ACT courts in the common goals
of—
(i) improved access to justice through the development of procedures that
are, as far as practicable, the same for all ACT courts; and
(ii) better court procedures.
(2) In subsection (1):
court includes a tribunal that is a prescribed tribunal under
section 6.
Part
2 Court rules and
forms
6 Definition
for pt 2 and sch 1
In this part and schedule 1:
prescribed tribunal means a tribunal prescribed under the
regulations for this part.
(1) The rule-making committee may make rules in relation to the
following:
(a) the practice and procedure of Territory courts, prescribed tribunals
and their registries;
(b) anything else mentioned in schedule 1 (Subject matter for
rules).
Note 1 The power to make rules for a court or tribunal includes
power to make rules in relation to any matter necessary or convenient to be
prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to the jurisdiction of the court or
tribunal under any Territory or Commonwealth law that authorises or requires
anything to be done in or in relation to the court or tribunal (see Legislation
Act, s 45 (Power to make court rules)).
Note 2 Rules must be notified, and presented to the Legislative
Assembly, under the Legislation Act.
(2) Rules are taken to be made by the rule-making committee if they are
signed by 3 or more committee members, 1 of whom must be the member mentioned in
section 9 (2) (a) and another of whom must be the member mentioned in
section 9 (2) (d) or (e).
(3) This section does not limit any inherent or other power of a court,
judge or magistrate to control proceedings.
(1) The rule-making committee may, in writing, approve
forms—
(a) for this Act; or
(b) for use in or in relation to Territory courts, prescribed tribunals
and their registries.
Note For other provisions about forms, see Legislation Act, s
255.
(2) If the rule-making committee approves a form for a particular purpose,
the approved form must be used for that purpose.
(3) A form is taken to be approved by the rule-making committee if it is
approved by 3 or more committee members, 1 of whom must be the member mentioned
in section 9 (2) (a) and another of whom must be the member mentioned in
section 9 (2) (d) or (e).
(4) An approved form is a notifiable instrument.
Note A notifiable instrument must be notified under the Legislation
Act.
(1) A rule-making committee is established.
(2) The rule-making committee consists of the following members:
(a) the Chief Justice;
Note The Chief Justice may delegate this
function to a resident judge (see s 10).
(b) the President of the Court of Appeal or, if the President and Chief
Justice are the same person, a resident judge appointed by the Chief
Justice;
Note 1 The President may delegate this
function to a resident judge (see s 10).
Note 2 For the making of appointments
(including acting appointments), see Legislation Act,
pt 19.3.
(c) another resident judge appointed by the Chief Justice or, if no
appointment is made, the master;
(d) the Chief Magistrate;
Note The Chief Magistrate may delegate
this function to a magistrate (see s 10).
(e) another magistrate appointed by the Chief Magistrate.
(3) The rule-making committee may conduct its proceedings in the way it
decides, whether by holding meetings or in any other way.
(4) The Chief Justice is the chairperson of the rule-making
committee.
(5) However, if the Chief Justice is not personally present at a meeting
of the rule-making committee, the President is to chair the meeting if
personally present at the meeting.
(6) Also, if the Chief Justice and the President are not personally
present at a meeting of the rule-making committee, the member present chosen by
the committee is to chair the meeting.
(7) The Chief Justice must approve a public servant as secretary of the
rule-making committee.
10 Delegation
by Chief Justice, President and Chief Magistrate
(1) The Chief Justice may delegate a function under this part to a
resident judge.
(2) The President of the Court of Appeal may delegate a function under
this part to a resident judge.
(3) The Chief Magistrate may delegate a function mentioned under this part
to a magistrate.
(4) However, the Chief Justice, the President or the Chief Magistrate may
not delegate the function of being a member of the rule-making committee to a
person who is already a member of the committee because of an appointment under
section 9 (2).
Note For the making of delegations and the exercise of delegated
functions, see Legislation Act, pt 19.4. In particular, the delegation may have
effect only in stated circumstances, eg if the appointer is away from the
ACT.
(1) An advisory committee is established.
(2) The advisory committee consists of the following members:
(a) a resident judge appointed by the Chief Justice;
Note For the making of appointments
(including acting appointments), see Legislation Act,
pt 19.3.
(b) the master;
(c) 2 magistrates appointed by the Chief Magistrate;
(d) the registrar of the Supreme Court;
(e) the registrar of the Magistrates Court;
(f) a person appointed by the Australian Capital Territory Bar Association
to represent the association;
(g) a person appointed by the Law Society of the Australian Capital
Territory to represent the society;
(h) the director of public prosecutions;
(i) the parliamentary counsel;
(j) a public servant appointed by the chief executive;
(k) the secretary of the rule-making committee.
(3) The functions of the advisory committee are to—
(a) initiate, consider, develop, and advise the rule-making committee on,
proposals for making rules and approving forms under this Act; and
(b) make recommendations to the rule-making committee about the making of
rules and approving of forms under this Act.
(4) The advisory committee must consider, and advise the rule-making
committee on, proposals for making rules and approving forms under this Act that
are referred to it by the rule-making committee.
(5) The advisory committee may conduct its proceedings in the way it
decides, whether by holding meetings or in any other way.
(6) The resident judge mentioned in subsection (2) (a) is the chairperson
of the advisory committee.
(7) However, if the resident judge is not present at a meeting of the
advisory committee, the master is to chair the meeting if present at the
meeting.
(8) Also, if the resident judge and the master are not present at a
meeting of the advisory committee, the member present chosen by the committee is
to chair the meeting.
Part
3 Court and tribunal
fees
In this part:
determined fee means a fee determined under this
part.
essential services consumer council—means the Essential
Services Consumer Council established under the Utilities Act 2000,
section 169.
fee includes a charge and a tax.
relevant legislation means any of the following:
(a) the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1989;
(b) the Consumer and Trader Tribunal Act 2003;
(c) the Consumer Credit (Administration) Act 1996;
(d) the Coroners Act 1997;
(e) this Act;
(f) the Discrimination Act 1991;
(g) the Leases (Commercial and Retail) Act 2001;
(h) the Magistrates Court Act 1930;
(i) the Residential Tenancies Act 1997;
(j) the Supreme Court Act 1933;
(k) the Utilities Act 2000, part 11;
(l) any other legislation prescribed under the regulations for this
definition.
Note A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory
instruments made or in force under the Act, including regulations (see
Legislation Act, s 104).
tribunal means any of the following:
(a) the administrative appeals tribunal;
(b) the consumer and trader tribunal;
(c) the credit tribunal;
(d) the discrimination tribunal;
(e) the essential services consumer council;
(f) the residential tenancies tribunal.
(1) The Minister may, in writing, determine fees for any of the following
purposes:
(a) proceedings in a court or tribunal, and matters incidental to the
proceedings, including—
(i) for the Supreme Court—the admission and enrolment of lawyers;
and
(ii) the service and execution of the process of a court or tribunal;
and
(iii) the taxation of costs by the registrar or other officers of a court
or tribunal;
(b) facilities and services provided by the court or tribunal, including
the service and execution of the process of a court of the Commonwealth, a
State, another Territory or a foreign country;
(c) the general purposes of relevant legislation.
Note 1 The Legislation Act contains provisions about the making of
determinations and regulations relating to fees and charges (see
pt 6.3).
Note 2 A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory
instruments made or in force under the Act, including regulations and rules (see
Legislation Act, s 104).
(2) A determination under subsection (1) may provide for any of the
following matters:
(a) exempting people from liability to pay determined fees, completely or
partly, in all or particular circumstances;
(b) remitting, refunding or waiving, by a registrar of a court or
tribunal, determined fees, completely or partly, in particular
circumstances;
(c) deferring, by a registrar of a court or tribunal, liability to pay
determined fees, completely or partly, in particular circumstances.
(3) A determination under subsection (1) is a disallowable
instrument.
Note A disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to
the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.
(1) A determined fee is payable, in advance, in accordance with the
determination that determined the fee, but subject to this section.
(2) A determined fee is payable on notice from the registrar of the court
or tribunal if it is worked out by reference to expenses actually incurred in
exercising the function, or in providing the facility or service, for which the
fee is payable.
15 Remission,
refund, deferral, waiver and exemption of fees
(1) A determined fee may be remitted or refunded, or liability for its
payment deferred, in accordance with the determination that determined the
fee.
(2) A determined fee is not payable—
(a) if the person otherwise liable to pay the fee or charge
is—
(i) exempt from liability to pay the fee under the determination that
determined the fee; or
(ii) exempt from paying the fee under the Legal Aid Act 1977,
section 93 (1) (Exemption from fees and taxes); or
(iii) legally assisted under a scheme or service provided or approved by
the Attorney-General; or
(b) if the registrar of the court or tribunal waives payment by a person
of the fee completely or partly because the registrar considers that payment of
the fee would impose hardship on the person—to the extent of the waiver;
or
(c) for lodging a document, or for the service and execution of process,
in relation to a proceeding in the Supreme Court—
(i) in a criminal matter, including an appeal; or
(ii) under the Coroners Act 1997; or
(iii) under the Legal Practitioners Act 1970, part 8 (Discipline);
or
(iv) under any of the following Acts:
(A) the Adoption Act 1993;
(B) the Children and Young People Act 1999;
(C) the Protection Orders Act 2001;
(D) the Guardianship and Management of Property Act 1991;
(E) the Mental Health (Treatment and Care) Act 1994;
(F) the Testamentary Guardianship Act 1984;
(v) on appeals in relation to the following matters:
(A) a matter under the Children and Young People
Act 1999;
(B) a matter under the Mental Health (Treatment and Care) Act
1994;
(C) a decision of the Guardianship and Management of Property Tribunal;
or
(vi) on a matter that has been remitted to the court by the High Court
under the Judiciary Act 1903 (Cwlth), section 44; or
(vii) in relation to which a convention to which Australia is a party
provides that a fee is not to be payable; or
(viii) on an application to the court for an extension of the time within
which a proceeding may be begun; or
(ix) on an application mentioned in the Juries Act 1967, section 24
(10), section 26A (2) or section 51A (3); or
(d) for the laying of an information in the Magistrates
Court—
(i) by the director of public prosecutions acting in the exercise of an
official function under a Territory law; or
(ii) by a police officer acting in the exercise of an official function
under a Territory law; or
(iii) for an offence against the Magistrates Court Act 1930,
section 290 (Contempt in face of court); or
(e) if it is not payable under another provision of this Act or another
Territory law.
Note The Territory Crown is not liable to pay a determined fee in a
civil proceeding (see s 28 (Court fees and charges)).
(3) If the administrative appeals tribunal is satisfied that a proceeding
ends in a way that is favourable to an applicant for a review by the tribunal of
a decision, it may order another party to the proceeding to pay the amount of
the application fee to the applicant.
(4) This section is subject to section 16 and section 17.
16 Recovery
of fees in civil proceedings if fees otherwise not payable
(1) This section applies in relation to a civil proceeding in the Supreme
Court or the Magistrates Court, or a proceeding in a tribunal, between at least
2 parties (the first party and the second
party), if—
(a) a filing fee, or a fee for the service and execution of process,
otherwise payable by the first party is—
(i) not payable, completely or partly, because of the exemption of the
first party under this part; or
(ii) remitted, refunded or waived, completely or partly, under this part;
and
(b) judgment is given or entered, or an order is made, in favour of the
first party; and
(c) the first party’s costs are payable by the second
party.
(2) If this section applies, the second party must pay to the registrar of
the court or tribunal the amount of the fee exempted, remitted, refunded or
waived.
17 Recovery
of fees in criminal proceedings if fees not otherwise
payable
(1) This section applies in relation to a criminal proceeding in the
Magistrates Court if—
(a) the fee (the information fee) that would otherwise be
payable by the informant for the laying of the information in the proceeding is
not payable, completely or partly, under this part; and
(b) the defendant is convicted of the offence alleged in the information
and ordered to pay a fine.
(2) If this section applies, the defendant must pay to the registrar of
the Magistrates Court, in addition to the fine—
(a) if payment of the fee is waived in part under this part—the
amount of the fee waived; or
(b) in any other case—the information fee.
(1) This section applies to any of the following decisions made under this
part by the registrar of a court or tribunal in relation to a person (the
eligible person):
(a) a decision refusing to remit, completely or partly, a determined fee
payable by the person;
(b) a decision refusing to refund, completely or partly, a determined fee
paid by the person;
(c) a decision refusing to defer, completely or partly, the person’s
liability to pay a determined fee;
(d) a decision refusing to waive, completely or partly, payment of a
determined fee by the person;
(e) a decision refusing to allow the person the benefit of an exemption to
pay a determined fee.
(2) If the registrar makes a decision to which this section applies, the
registrar must give written notice of the decision to the eligible
person.
(3) The notice must tell the eligible person that the person
may—
(a) apply to the registrar for a statement of reasons for the decision;
and
(b) apply for review of the decision under this section.
(4) The eligible person may apply to the registrar for a statement of
reasons for the decision within 28 days after the day when the person is given
notice of the decision by the registrar.
(5) The eligible person may apply to the court or tribunal for review of
the decision within—
(a) 28 days after the day the person is given notice of the decision by
the registrar; or
(b) if the person applies within the 28 days for a statement of reasons
for the decision—28 days after the day when the person is given the
statement of reasons.
(6) For the review, the court or tribunal—
(a) must be constituted by—
(i) for the Supreme Court—a judge or the master; or
(ii) for the Magistrates Court—a magistrate; or
(iii) for a tribunal—a member of the tribunal; and
(b) may make the orders the court or tribunal considers
appropriate.
(7) A fee is not payable for an application under this
section.
Explanatory note
The remaining provisions of this part are relocated from the Crown
Proceedings Act 1992 by amendments in the Court Procedures (Consequential
Amendments) Act 2004.
In this part:
corresponding law means a law of a State or another Territory
that is declared under the regulations to be a law that corresponds to this
part.
Crown includes a Minister, instrumentality or agency of the
Crown and a person prescribed under the regulations.
judgment means any judgment or order of a court.
proceeding means civil proceeding.
the Territory includes a Minister, instrumentality or agency
of the Territory and a person prescribed under the regulations.
the Territory Crown means the Crown in right of the
Territory.
Division
4.2 Proceedings by and against Crown
generally
Division
4.3 Provisions applying only to the
Territory
Division
4.4 Other
provisions
Explanatory note
The provisions of this part are relocated from the Court Security Act
2001 by amendments in the Court Procedures (Consequential Amendments) Act
2004.
In this part:
53 Assignment
of earnings not enforceable
(1) An assignment of earnings is not enforceable.
(2) Subsection (1) has effect regardless of—
(a) the nature of the instrument effecting the assignment; or
(b) the nature of the transaction that gave rise to the
assignment.
(3) In this section:
Explanatory note
A definition of earnings is relocated to this section from
the Earnings (Assignment and Attachment) Act 1966, section 4 by an
amendment in the Court Procedures (Consequential Amendments) Act
2004.
54 Regulation-making
power
The Executive may make regulations for this Act.
Note Regulations must be notified, and presented to the Legislative
Assembly, under the Legislation Act.
Part
7 Temporary
provisions
60 Expiry
of existing rules
(1) The following rules expire on 1 July 2006:
(a) the Supreme Court Rules;
(b) the Supreme Court (Admission of Legal Practitioners)
Rules;
(c) the Magistrates Court Rules 1932;
(d) the Magistrates Court (Civil Jurisdiction) Rules
2004.
(2) However, the regulations may change the expiry date.
(3) This section expires on the day the last of the rules mentioned in
subsection (1) expire (the existing rules expiry day).
61 References
to Magistrates Court (Civil Jurisdiction) Act etc
(1) In an Act, statutory instrument or document, a reference to the
Magistrates Court (Civil Jurisdiction) Act 1982, the Magistrates Court (Civil
Jurisdiction) Regulations 1987 or the Magistrates Court (Civil Jurisdiction)
(Solicitors’ Costs) Regulations 1982 is—
(a) in relation to anything to which the Magistrates Court
Act 1930 applies—a reference to that Act; and
(b) in relation to anything to which the Magistrates Court (Civil
Jurisdiction) Rules 2004 applies—a reference to those rules.
(2) In an Act, statutory instrument or document, a reference to a
provision of the Magistrates Court (Civil Jurisdiction) Act 1982, the
Magistrates Court (Civil Jurisdiction) Regulations 1987 or the Magistrates
Court (Civil Jurisdiction) (Solicitors’ Costs) Regulations 1982
is—
(a) in relation to anything to which the Magistrates Court
Act 1930 applies—a reference to the corresponding provision of
that Act; and
(b) in relation to anything to which the Magistrates Court (Civil
Jurisdiction) Rules 2004 applies—a reference to the corresponding
provision of those rules.
(3) In an Act, statutory instrument or document, a reference to the
Magistrates Court Act 1930 is, in relation to anything to which the
Magistrates Court Rules 1932 applies, a reference to those
rules.
(4) In an Act, statutory instrument or document, a reference to a
provision of the Magistrates Court Act 1930 is—
(a) in relation to anything to which the Magistrates Court
Rules 1932 applies—a reference to the corresponding provision of
those rules; and
(b) in relation to a provision relocated or renumbered as another
provision of that Act by this Act—a reference to the corresponding
provision of that Act.
(5) In an Act, statutory instrument or document, a reference to the
Magistrates Court Act 1930, part 13A or the Supreme Court
Act 1933, section 37, section 37A, section 37B, section 37C or section
37D is, in relation to anything to which this Act, part 3 applies, a reference
to the corresponding provision of part 3.
(6) In an Act, statutory instrument or document, a reference to any of the
following Acts is, in relation to anything to which this Act applies, a
reference to this Act:
• Arrest on Mesne Process Act 1902
• Court Security Act 2001
• Crown Proceedings Act 1992
• Earnings (Assignment and Attachment) Act 1966
• Judgment Creditors Remedies Act 1901
• Judiciary (Stay of Proceedings) Act 1933.
(7) In an Act, statutory instrument or document, a reference to a
provision of an Act mentioned in subsection (6) is, in relation to anything to
which this Act applies, a reference to the corresponding provision of this
Act.
(8) This section expires on the existing rules expiry day.
(9) In this section:
existing rules expiry day—see section 60 (3).
Division
7.2 Arrest on mesne
process
Explanatory note
The remaining provisions of this division are relocated from the Arrest
on Mesne Process Act 1902 by amendments in the Court Procedures
(Consequential Amendments) Act 2004.
62 Meaning
of capias for div 7.2
In this division:
capias means capias ad respondendum.
(1) This division expires on the existing rules expiry day or, if the
rules fix an earlier expiry day for this division, that day.
(2) In this section:
existing rules expiry day—see section 60 (3).
Division
7.3 Attachment of
earnings
Explanatory note
The remaining provisions of this division are relocated from the
Earnings (Assignment and Attachment) Act 1966 by amendments in the Court
Procedures (Consequential Amendments) Act 2004.
76 Definitions
for div 7.3
In this division:
earnings—see section 53 (3).
(1) This division expires on the existing rules expiry day or, if the
rules fix an earlier expiry day for this division, that day.
(2) In this section:
existing rules expiry day—see section 60 (3).
Division
7.4 Stay of
proceedings
Explanatory note
The remaining provisions of this division are relocated from the
Judiciary (Stay of Proceedings) Act 1933 by amendments in the Court
Procedures (Consequential Amendments) Act 2004.
(1) This division expires on the existing rules expiry day or, if the
rules fix an earlier expiry day for this division, that day.
(2) In this section:
existing rules expiry day—see section 60 (3).
Division
7.5 Set-off of
debts
Explanatory note
The remaining provisions of this division are relocated from the Set-off
of Debts Act 1728 2 Geo 2 c 22 and the Set-off of Debts Act 1735 8
Geo 2 c 24 by amendments in the Court Procedures (Consequential Amendments)
Act 2004.
(1) This division expires on the existing rules expiry day or, if the
rules fix an earlier expiry day for this division, that day.
(2) In this section:
existing rules expiry day—see section 60 (3).
Division
7.6 Judgment creditors
remedies
Explanatory note
The remaining provisions of this division are relocated from the
Judgment Creditors Remedies Act 1901 by amendments in the Court
Procedures (Consequential Amendments) Act 2004.
(1) This division expires on the existing rules expiry day or, if the
rules fix an earlier expiry day for this division, that day.
(2) In this section:
existing rules expiry day—see section 60
(3).
100 New
Magistrates Court (Civil Jurisdiction) Rules
(1) The provisions in schedule 2 (as amended by the Court Procedures
(Consequential Amendments) Act 2004) are taken, on the commencement of this
section, to be rules (the interim rules) made under this Act, part
2.
(2) To remove any doubt and without limiting subsection (1), the interim
rules may be amended or repealed as if they had been made as rules by the
rule-making committee under this Act, part 2.
(3) To remove any doubt, the interim rules are taken—
(a) to have been notified under the Legislation Act on the day this Act is
notified; and
(b) to have commenced on the day this section commences; and
(c) not to be required to be presented to the Legislative Assembly under
the Legislation Act, section 64 (1).
(4) Subsections (1) to (3) are laws to which the Legislation Act, section
88 (Repeal does not end effect of transitional laws etc) applies.
(5) This section expires on the day it commences.
101 Rules
and forms in force under Supreme Court Act
(1) The Supreme Court Rules (other than schedule 1), as in force
immediately before the commencement of this section, are taken to have been made
under this Act, part 2.
(2) The Supreme Court (Admission of Legal Practitioners) Rules, as
in force immediately before the commencement of this section, are taken to have
been made under this Act, part 2.
(3) A form in the Supreme Court Rules, schedule 1, as in force
immediately before the commencement of this section, is taken to be a form
approved under this Act, part 2.
(4) A form approved under the Supreme Court Act 1933,
section 75 immediately before the commencement of this section is taken to
be a form approved under this Act, part 2.
(5) This section expires on the day it commences.
102 Rules
and forms in force under Magistrates Court Act
(1) The Magistrates Court Rules 1932, as in force immediately
before the commencement of this section, are taken to have been made under this
Act, part 2.
(2) A form approved under the Magistrates Court Act 1930,
section 256 immediately before the commencement of this section is taken to
be a form approved under this Act, part 2.
(3) This section expires on the day it commences.
103 Forms
in force under Magistrates Court (Civil Jurisdiction) Act
etc
(1) A form approved under a relevant provision immediately before the
commencement of this section is taken to be a form approved under this Act, part
2.
(2) In this section:
relevant provision means any of the following
provisions:
• Children and Young People Act 1999, section 58
• Common Boundaries Act 1981, section 29
• Coroners Act 1997, section 101
• Magistrates Court (Civil Jurisdiction) Act 1982,
section 471
• Protection Orders Act 2001, section 96.
(3) A form approved under the Crimes Act 1900, section 443 for the
following is taken to be a form approved under this Act, part 2:
• a warrant under section 252 (When case not to be proceeded with
gaoler to discharge prisoner on certificate from Attorney-General etc)
• section 357 (Outstanding charges may be taken into account when
passing sentence)
• section 408 (Directions to perform work).
(4) This section expires on the day it commences.
104 Modification
of pt 8’s operation
The regulations may modify the operation of this part (including in its
operation in relation to another Territory law) to make provision in relation to
anything that, in the Executive’s opinion, is not, or is not adequately,
dealt with in this part.
This part expires 2 years after the day it commences.
Schedule
1 Subject matter for
rules
(see s 7)
(1) The jurisdiction of Territory courts, including civil, criminal and
any appellate jurisdiction.
(2) The jurisdiction of prescribed tribunals.
(3) The jurisdiction of the master, registrars and deputy registrars,
including review of their decisions.
Service of documents, including, for example, the following:
(a) the kinds of service, including personal service and electronic
service;
(b) service outside the ACT or Australia;
(c) service of foreign legal process in the ACT.
Note An example is part of the Act, is not exhaustive and may
extend, but does not limit, the meaning of the provision in which it appears
(see Legislation Act, s 126 and s 132).
Taking evidence generally, including, for example, the following:
(a) the way evidence may be given;
(b) dispensing with the rules of evidence;
(c) taking evidence out of court;
(d) taking of evidence for future claims;
(e) subpoenas;
(f) affidavits and exchange of correspondence instead of affidavit
evidence;
(g) obtaining evidence, including calling witnesses;
(h) taking evidence outside the ACT or Australia;
(i) taking evidence in the ACT for foreign courts and tribunals.
(1) Review of Magistrates Court decisions by order nisi.
(2) Cases stated and questions reserved to the Supreme Court.
(3) Cases stated and questions reserved from the Supreme Court to the
Court of Appeal.
The admission of lawyers.
The following matters:
(a) case management;
(b) documents filed in registries, including electronic filing;
(c) the receipt, issue or transmission electronically of forms and other
documents and material for use in, or in relation to, proceedings;
(d) functions of registries generally;
(e) exhibits and other things held by a Territory court or prescribed
tribunal for a proceeding, including, for example, disposal or destruction of
unclaimed things;
(f) rules relating to lawyers acting for parties in proceedings;
(g) rules about the reckoning of time and anything else about
time;
(h) the conduct of business in chambers;
(i) transitional arrangements.
Part
1.2 Civil
proceedings
Beginning proceedings, including, for example, the following:
(a) originating process, including duration, renewal and setting aside;
(b) where to begin proceedings;
(c) preliminary discovery, including discovery to identify
defendants.
8 Transfer
between courts
Transfer of proceedings between courts, including, for the Supreme Court,
cross-vesting of jurisdiction.
9 Parties
and proceedings
Parties and proceedings, including, for example, the following:
(a) several causes of action and parties in civil proceedings, including
reconstitution of proceedings and representative parties;
(b) multiple civil proceedings;
(c) interpleader proceedings;
(d) proceedings by or against businesses or people with a legal
disability;
(e) third-party procedure.
Appearances, including, for example, the following:
(a) entering appearances;
(b) conditional appearances.
Pleadings, including, for example, the following:
(a) matters in pleadings and particulars;
(b) progress of pleadings;
(c) particular pleadings, including statements of claim, defences and
counterclaims;
(d) striking out pleadings and particulars.
Disclosure, including, for example, the following:
(a) disclosure by parties, including discovery and inspection of documents
and interrogatories;
(b) non-party disclosure;
(c) admissions;
(d) disclosure of experts reports and hospital reports;
(e) disclosure of other material to which legal professional privilege may
attach, including by direction or order of the court or tribunal.
13 Preservation
of rights and property
Preservation of rights and property, including, for example, the
following:
(a) inspection, detention and preservation of property;
(b) injunctions, including, for the Supreme Court, Mareva injunctions and
Anton Piller orders;
(c) for the Supreme Court—receivers and sales by court
order.
14 Ending
proceedings early
Ending proceedings early, including, for example, the following:
(a) ending proceedings because of default;
(b) summary decisions;
(c) discontinuance and withdrawal;
(d) offers to settle and payments by defendants;
(e) the referral of cases to arbitration;
(f) alternative dispute resolution processes.
Court supervision, including, for example, the following:
(a) directions about conducting proceedings;
(b) consequences of failing to comply with rules, directions or court
orders;
(c) amendments, with and without leave;
(d) continuation of proceedings after delay;
(e) pre-trial matters, including pre-trial directions and
rulings.
Expert evidence generally, including, for example, the following:
(a) giving immunity from action to experts in relation to reports tendered
in evidence;
(b) matters relating to court experts, including—
(i) how the court is to choose an expert; and
(ii) how experts may give evidence and be questioned;
(c) defining the duty of expert witnesses in relation to the court and the
parties;
(d) prescribing the basis of, and conditions for, admissibility of expert
evidence.
17 Trials
and other hearings
Trials and other hearings, including, for example, the following:
(a) practice lists;
(b) list applications for hearing and setting trial dates;
(c) conduct of trials;
(d) decisions without pleadings or without hearings;
(e) separate decisions on questions;
(f) assessors and special referees;
(g) assessment of damages;
(h) simplified procedures for minor debt claims and other
claims.
Judgments, including, for example, the following:
(a) effect of judgments;
(b) setting aside judgments.
19 Particular
proceedings
Particular proceedings, including, for example, the following:
(a) taking of accounts;
(b) proceedings for damages for personal injury or death;
(c) the payment of amounts into court;
(d) for the Supreme Court—judicial review proceedings;
(e) for the Supreme Court—prerogative remedy proceedings.
Interest, including, for example, the following:
(a) interest up to judgment;
(b) interest on judgments.
21 Administration
and probate
For the Supreme Court, administration and probate, including, for example,
the following:
(a) applications for grants of probate or letters of administration and
the documents required;
(b) resealing grants;
(c) caveats objecting to grants, orders to administer or resealing
grants;
(d) contested proceedings.
For the Supreme Court, adoption, including, for example, applications for
adoptions.
For the Supreme Court, arbitration, including, for example, the use of
court-appointed referees.
For the Supreme Court, contempt of court, including, for example, the
following:
(a) contempt of the court as constituted other than by a judge;
(b) proceedings for failure to comply with orders, other than orders to
pay an amount.
For the Supreme Court, trusts.
Costs, including, for example, the following:
(a) security for costs;
(b) entitlement to recover costs;
(c) costs of parties in proceedings;
(d) assessment of costs;
(e) taxation of costs.
Appeals, including, for example, the following:
(a) for the Magistrates Court and prescribed tribunals—appeals to
the Supreme Court;
(b) for the Supreme Court—
(i) appeals to the Supreme Court other than to the Court of Appeal;
and
(ii) appeals to the Court of Appeal.
28 Enforcement
of judgments
Enforcement of judgments, including, for example, the following:
(a) enforcement hearings, including examination procedures;
(b) enforcement orders, including the following:
(i) enforcement orders for entry onto, and delivery of possession of,
land;
(ii) enforcement orders for seizure and sale of property;
(iii) enforcement orders for seizure and delivery of particular goods;
(iv) enforcement orders for seizure and detention of property;
(v) enforcement orders for the attachment or redirection of debts, income
and other money;
(vi) for the Supreme Court—enforcement orders for charging orders
and stop orders;
(c) instalment orders;
(d) powers of enforcement officers.
29 Reciprocal
enforcement of foreign judgments
Reciprocal enforcement of foreign judgments.
Part
1.3 Criminal
proceedings
30 Practice
and procedure in criminal jurisdiction
Practice and procedure in the criminal jurisdiction of the Magistrates
Court and Supreme Court (including any appellate jurisdiction) generally,
including, for example, the following:
(a) forms for proceedings;
(b) beginning criminal proceedings, including indictments and
informations;
(c) appearance;
(d) arraignments;
(e) applications;
(f) pleadings;
(g) duties of lawyers and the court;
(h) pre-trial matters, including pre-trial directions and
rulings;
(i) regulating hearings and trial proceedings;
(j) expert evidence;
(k) custody and inspection of exhibits;
(l) recording of proceedings and access to records;
(m) costs payable to defendants in particular circumstances;
(n) inspecting registry files;
(o) appeals, including appeals to the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal;
(p) listing trials, sentences, applications and appeals for hearing, and
setting hearing dates;
(q) enforcement of decisions.
Schedule
2 New Magistrates Court (Civil
Jurisdiction) Rules 2004
(see s 100)
Australian Capital
Territory
Magistrates Court (Civil Jurisdiction) Rules
2004
Subordinate Law SL2004-
made under the
Court Procedures Act 2004
Part 1 Preliminary
1 Name of rules
These rules are the Magistrates Court (Civil
Jurisdiction) Rules 2004.
2 Dictionary
The dictionary at the end of these rules is part of these rules.
Note 1 The dictionary at the end of these rules defines certain
terms used in these rules, and includes references (signpost
definitions) to other terms defined elsewhere in these rules.
For example, the signpost definition ‘account, for
part 19 (Enforcement of judgments)—see section 287’. means that
the term ‘account’ is defined in that section and applies to that
part.
Note 2 A definition in the dictionary (including a signpost
definition) applies to the entire rules unless the definition, or another
provision of the rules, provides otherwise or the contrary intention otherwise
appears (see Legislation Act, s 155 and s 156 (1)).
3 Notes
A note included in these rules is explanatory and is not part of these
rules.
Note See Legislation Act, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the legal
status of notes.
4 Application of rules
These rules do not apply in relation to—
(a) proceedings under the Protection Orders Act 2001; and
(b) proceedings under the Workers Compensation Act 1951;
and
(c) proceedings on an information for an offence.
5 Meaning of plaintiff and
defendant
(1) In these rules—
(a) a reference to the plaintiff in a proceeding is, for a
proceeding in which there are 2 or more plaintiffs, a reference to any or all of
the plaintiffs; and
(b) a reference to the defendant in a proceeding is, for a
proceeding in which there are 2 or more defendants, a reference to any or all of
the defendants.
(2) In these rules—
(a) a reference to the plaintiff in a proceeding is, in
relation to a proceeding begun by filing an application mentioned in
section 22, a reference to the applicant in the proceeding; and
(b) a reference to the defendant in a proceeding is, in
relation to a proceeding mentioned in paragraph (a), a reference to the
respondent in the proceeding.
6 Meaning of lawyer
In these rules, a reference to the lawyer (however expressed)
for a party to a proceeding includes, in relation to a party whose lawyer has
another lawyer acting as his or her agent for the proceeding, a reference to the
other lawyer.
7 Terms defined in Magistrates Court
Act
A term defined in the Magistrates Court Act 1930, dictionary has the
same meaning in these rules.
8 References to forms by number
(1) In these rules, other than in part 22 (Small Claims Court), a
reference to a form by number is a reference to the form so numbered
that—
(a) is approved under the Court Procedures Act 2004; and
(b) either—
(i) was in force under the Magistrates Court (Civil Jurisdiction) Act
1982 immediately before its repeal; or
(ii) is expressed to be made for these rules or the court in its civil
jurisdiction.
(2) In part 22, a reference to a form by number is a reference to the form
so numbered that—
(a) is approved under the Court Procedures Act 2004; and
(b) is headed ‘Small Claims Court’ or is otherwise expressed
to apply to the Small Claims Court.
Dictionary
(see s 2)
Note 1 The Legislation Act contains definitions and other provisions
relevant to these rules.
Note 2 For example, the Legislation Act, dict, pt 1 defines the
following terms:
• child
• government solicitor.
Note 3 For the meaning of terms defined in the Magistrates Court
Act 1930, dict, see s 7.
account, for part 19 (Enforcement of judgments)—see
section 287.
appellant, for an appeal in which there are 2 or more
appellants, for part 21 (Appeals to Supreme Court), means all or any of the
appellants.
copy, in relation to a document to be served in a proceeding,
means—
(a) if the document has been filed—a true copy sealed or stamped
with the court’s seal; and
(b) in any other case—a true copy.
costs, in relation to a proceeding, means costs between party
and party of and incidental to the proceeding.
cross-claim means a claim (whether by way of counterclaim,
cross-action, set-off or otherwise) pleaded in a notice of grounds of defence
filed by a defendant in a proceeding.
debt due or accruing, for part 19 (Enforcement of
judgments)—see section 287 (3).
defendant means the person against whom a proceeding has been
begun.
earnings, in relation to a person, for part 19 (Enforcement
of judgments)—see section 287.
examination summons, for part 19 (Enforcement of
judgments)—see section 287.
examiner means a person appointed by the court to conduct an
examination under section 202.
file a document means lodge the document in the court
registry for inclusion in the court record.
garnishee, for part 19 (Enforcement of judgments)—see
section 287.
garnishee order, for part 19 (Enforcement of
judgments)—see section 287.
giving, of a judgment, for part 19 (Enforcement of
judgments)—see section 287 (2).
instalment order, for part 19 (Enforcement of
judgments)—see section 287.
insurer means a person who gives a bond mentioned in
section 85.
judgment, for part 19 (Enforcement of judgments)—see
section 287.
judgment creditor, for part 19 (Enforcement of
judgments)—see section 287.
judgment debt, for part 19 (Enforcement of
judgments)—see section 287.
judgment debtor, for part 19 (Enforcement of
judgments)—see section 287.
officer, of a corporation, includes a director and a person
having (whether alone or with others) powers of management, direction or control
of the corporation.
originating process means—
(a) a claim; or
(b) an application mentioned in section 22.
person named, in relation to a subpoena issued under
section 187, means the person to whom the subpoena is addressed.
person under disability means—
(a) a child; or
(b) a person with a mental disability.
person with a mental disability, in relation to a proceeding,
means a person who is not legally competent to be a party to the proceeding, and
includes such a person even if a guardian or manager has not been appointed for
the person under the Guardianship and Management of Property Act
1991.
plaintiff means the person by whom a proceeding has been
begun.
pleading means a claim, notice of grounds of defence, reply
or third or subsequent party notice filed in a proceeding.
prescribed percentage means—
(a) if the relevant amount is less than $10 000—33%; or
(b) if the relevant amount is not less than $10 000 but is less than $25
000—67%; or
(c) if the relevant amount is not less than $25 000 but is less than $40
000—80%; or
(d) if the relevant amount is not less than $40 000—90%.
proceeding means a proceeding in the court.
property, for part 17 (Interpleader)—see section
239.
relevant amount, in relation to proceedings—see section
259.
subpoena for production means a written order requiring the
person named in it to attend as directed by the order and to produce a document
or thing for the purpose of evidence.
subpoena to give evidence means a written order requiring the
person named in it to attend as directed by the order for the purpose of giving
evidence.
third party, for part 8 (Third-party procedure)—see
section 56.
writ of execution, for part 19 (Enforcement of
judgments)—see section 287.
(see s 3)
Note 1 The Legislation Act contains definitions and other provisions
relevant to this Act.
Note 2 For example, the Legislation Act, dict, pt 1 defines the
following terms:
• administrative appeals tribunal
• chief executive (see s 163)
• consumer and trader tribunal
• credit tribunal
• custodial escort
• discrimination tribunal
• government solicitor
• Magistrates Court
• public servant
• residential tenancies tribunal
• Supreme Court
• Territory authority.
advisory committee means the advisory committee established
under section 11.
assistant sheriff, for part 5 (Court security)—see
section 40.
corresponding law, for part 4 (Crown proceedings)—see
section 20.
court, for part 5 (Court security)—see section
40.
court premises , for part 5 (Court security)—see
section 40.
Crown, for part 4 (Crown proceedings)—see section
20.
deputy sheriff, for part 5 (Court security)—see section
40.
determined fee, for part 3 (Court and tribunal
fees)—see section 12.
explosive, for part 5 (Court security)—see the
Dangerous Substances Act 2004, section 73.
fee, for part 3 (Court and tribunal fees)—see section
12.
firearm, for part 5 (Court security)—see the
Firearms Act 1996, section 4.
judge, for part 5 (Court security)—see section
40.
judgment, for part 4 (Crown proceedings)—see section
20.
magistrate, for part 5 (Court security)—see section
40.
master means the Master of the Supreme Court.
offensive weapon, for part 5 (Court security)—see
section 40.
prescribed tribunal, for part 2 (Court rules and forms) and
schedule 1 (Subject matter for rules)—see section
6.
proceeding, for part 4 (Crown proceedings)—see section
20.
relevant legislation, for part 3 (Court and tribunal
fees)—see section 12.
rule-making committee means the rule-making committee
established under section 9.
screening search, for part 5 (Court security)—see
section 40.
security officer, for part 5 (Court security)—see
section 40.
sheriff, for part 5 (Court security)—see section
40.
sheriff’s officer, for part 5 (Court
security)—see section 40.
the Territory, for part 4 (Crown proceedings)—see
section 20.
the Territory Crown, for part 4 (Crown proceedings)—see
section 20.
tribunal, for part 3 (Court and tribunal fees)—see
section 12.
Endnotes
1 Presentation speech
Presentation speech made in the Legislative Assembly on 2004.
2 Notification
Notified under the Legislation Act on 2004.
3 Republications of amended laws
For the latest republication of amended laws, see
www.legislation.act.gov.au.
© Australian Capital Territory
2004
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