Local Court Practice – protocols when running late

16/11/2016

The chief magistrate of the Local Court wishes to remind legal practitioners of the need for professional courtesy, as well as due concern for the client's circumstances, in the event that they are running late for a hearing. If a practitioner seeks indulgence to hold the matter in the list until they arrive, then they must make every reasonable effort to ensure the presiding magistrate is made aware of the delay. Furthermore, the chief magistrate notes that if a client is on bail, practitioners do not have the authority to alter the time of their client's attendance to suit their late arrival. Such a move could result in the issue of a warrant for failing to adhere to bail conditions.