Explanatory Statement

Court Procedures Amendment Rules 2014 (No 1)
Subordinate Law SL2014 - 4

Issued by the Authority of the Rule-Making Committee

The Rule-Making Committee (currently comprising the Chief Justice, Justice Refshauge, Chief Magistrate Walker and Magistrate Campbell) may make rules in relation to the practice and procedure of ACT courts and their registries pursuant to section 7 of the Court Procedures Act 2004. The Courts and the Joint Rules Advisory Committee have continued a consultative review of the rules which has resulted in the amendments contained in the Court Procedures Amendment Rules 2014 (No 1).

Rule 1811 has been amended to clarify and define “costs” in relation to a mediation or neutral evaluation.

Rules 6250 and 6251 have been amended to give the registrars of the Supreme Court and Magistrates Court the power to make directions in civil matters under the general directions power of rule 1401.  This will give the registrars wider powers to assist in the case management of matters before the court.  Similarly, the Supreme Court registrar has also been given the power to conduct callovers for Court of Appeal matters, with a further amendment of rule 6250. 

The rules will commence on the day after their notification day.