Australian Capital Territory Numbered Acts

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND PROTECTION ORDERS AMENDMENT ACT 2005 (NO. 13 OF 2005) - SECT 10

substitute

12     Applications by people with legal disability

    (1)     An aggrieved person with a legal disability (other than a child) may apply for a protection order—

        (a)     by a next friend; or

        (b)     in the person's own right with the Magistrates Court's leave.

Note 1     The Macquarie Dictionary (1997) defines next friend as a person bringing action in a court of law on behalf of a minor or person of unsound mind.

Note 2     A regulation may prescribe how a next friend may be appointed (see s 106 (3) (b) (i)).

    (2)     An aggrieved person who is a child may apply for—

        (a)     any protection order by a next friend; or

        (b)     a domestic violence order in the person's own right; or

        (c)     a personal protection order in the person's own right with the Magistrates Court's leave.

    (3)     The Magistrates Court must give leave for an application under subsection (1) (b) or (2) (c) if satisfied that the aggrieved person—

        (a)     understands the consequences of applying for a protection order; and

        (b)     will understand the proceeding on the application.