After section 15 of the Principal Act , the following sections are inserted in Part II:

15AA.     Practice directions

(1)  The Chief Magistrate may –

(a) issue such practice directions in relation to the practice and procedure of the lower courts as the Chief Magistrate thinks fit; and

(b) vary or revoke any such practice directions; and

(c) publish any such practice directions as the Chief Magistrate thinks fit.

(2)  The practice and procedure of the lower courts is to be in accordance with the practice directions from time to time in force unless the provisions of any Act or of any rules or other statutory instruments made under an Act provide otherwise.

15AB.     Professional development

(1)  The Chief Magistrate is responsible for the professional development of the magistrates, the other justices and the lower court staff and may, from time to time, put in place such programs for that purpose as the Chief Magistrate thinks fit.

(2)  For this section,

lower court staff includes the Administrator and the district registrars and deputy district registrars.