Tuvalu Island Courts Bench Book - Federal Court of Australia
Tuvalu Island Courts Bench Book - Federal Court of Australia Tuvalu Island Courts Bench Book - Federal Court of Australia
• For criminal matters, you will need proof of service of the warrant or summons. For civil and family matters, you will need proof of service of the writ with particulars of the claim. • Notice must be sufficient to allow the person to prepare their case. Where you are not satisfied that a party has been given sufficient notice for this, adjourn the matter to allow them more time. Fair hearing • The way the hearing is managed and the way witnesses are examined is extremely important for ensuring that the parties have the opportunity to be heard. • The general rule is that you should hear all sides of a matter. This includes allowing a party the opportunity to hear, contradict and correct unfavourable material, and allowing further time to deal with a new and relevant issue. • It always requires you to ensure you have all the relevant facts and materials before deciding. Relevant material disclosed to parties • Generally, all relevant material should be disclosed to the parties. Those likely to be affected by a decision must have the opportunity to deal with any unfavourable material that you propose to take into account. Before a hearing is concluded, you should ask yourself, “has each party had a fair opportunity to state his or her case?” 2.3 Courtroom Conduct You should exhibit a high standard of conduct in Court so as to reinforce public confidence in the Judiciary: • Be courteous and patient. • Be dignified. • Be humble: If a mistake is made you should apologise - there is no place on the Bench for arrogance. • Continually remind yourself that a party is not simply a name on a piece of paper: The parties are looking to the Court to see justice is administered objectively, fairly, diligently, impartially, and with unquestionable integrity. Tuvalu Island Courts Bench Book June 2004
• Never make fun of a party or witness: A matter which may seem minor to you, may be very important to a party or witness. Remember there are no unimportant cases. • Show appropriate concern for distressed parties and witnesses. • Never state an opinion from the Bench that criticises features of the law: Your duty is to uphold and administer the law, not to criticise it. If you believe that amendments should be made, discuss the matter with either the Senior Magistrate or Chief Justice, who may be able to help you. • Never say anything or display conduct that would indicate you have already made your decision before all parties are heard. • Do not discuss the case or any aspect of it outside of the panel. This includes other Magistrates who are not sitting on the case. 2.4 Maintaining the Dignity of the Court Ensure that all people appearing before the Court treat it with respect by: • keeping order in Court; and • being polite and respectful and expecting the same from them. Deal effectively with unruly defendants, parties, witnesses and spectators by: • decisiveness and firmness; • dealing promptly with interruptions or rudeness; and • clearing the Court or adjourning if necessary. 2.5 Communication in Court Speaking • Use simple language without jargon. • Make sure you know what to say before you say it. • Avoid a patronising and or unduly harsh tone. • Generally, do not interrupt counsel or witnesses. Tuvalu Island Courts Bench Book June 2004
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• Never make fun <strong>of</strong> a party or witness:<br />
<br />
A matter which may seem minor to you, may be very important to a party or witness.<br />
Remember there are no unimportant cases.<br />
• Show appropriate concern for distressed parties and witnesses.<br />
• Never state an opinion from the <strong>Bench</strong> that criticises features <strong>of</strong> the law:<br />
<br />
Your duty is to uphold and administer the law, not to criticise it.<br />
If you believe that amendments should be made, discuss the matter with either the<br />
Senior Magistrate or Chief Justice, who may be able to help you.<br />
• Never say anything or display conduct that would indicate you have already made your<br />
decision before all parties are heard.<br />
• Do not discuss the case or any aspect <strong>of</strong> it outside <strong>of</strong> the panel. This includes other<br />
Magistrates who are not sitting on the case.<br />
2.4 Maintaining the Dignity <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Court</strong><br />
Ensure that all people appearing before the <strong>Court</strong> treat it with respect by:<br />
• keeping order in <strong>Court</strong>; and<br />
• being polite and respectful and expecting the same from them.<br />
Deal effectively with unruly defendants, parties, witnesses and spectators by:<br />
• decisiveness and firmness;<br />
• dealing promptly with interruptions or rudeness; and<br />
• clearing the <strong>Court</strong> or adjourning if necessary.<br />
2.5 Communication in <strong>Court</strong><br />
Speaking<br />
• Use simple language without jargon.<br />
• Make sure you know what to say before you say it.<br />
• Avoid a patronising and or unduly harsh tone.<br />
• Generally, do not interrupt counsel or witnesses.<br />
<strong>Tuvalu</strong> <strong>Island</strong> <strong><strong>Court</strong>s</strong> <strong>Bench</strong> <strong>Book</strong> June 2004