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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
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\par APPELLATE JURISDICTION
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\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 034 OF 2002}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635\charrsid14882635 
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\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635 Hearing: }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 13}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 th}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635  May 2002
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\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 16}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635  May 2002
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\par Counsel:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 Ms A. Neelta for Appellant
\par Respondent in Person}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635 
\par 
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\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 The Respondent was charged, by Traffic Infringement Notice, with the following offence on the 28}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 th}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635  of August 2001:
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: Contrary to Sections 49(3) and 114 of Land Transport Act 1998.
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\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635  day of August 2001 at Nasinu in Central Division, drove a vehicle on Ratu Dovi Road near White Fire Taxi Stand when the said vehicle was not duly registered and had its motor vehicle 
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\par The case was called on 16}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635  November 2001 and the Respondent pleaded not guilty.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 The court record then states }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 Accused has produced records which are still valid.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 Prosecution still maintains they are not.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 The matter was adjourned to 25}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 th}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635  January 2002 for mention.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 On that day the record states: }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
Both parties and the Court went to see the car}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 s wheel tax.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 The court then adjourned to 15}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 th}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635  February 2002 for }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 ruling.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 On the 15}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 th}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635  of February the learned Magistrate delivered a ruling
 that the accused had proved, on a balance of probabilities, that he had a valid certificate of roadworthiness and a valid inspection certificate, and that therefore the case was dismissed and the accused acquitted.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 No evidence had been called for either prosecution or defence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 The learned Magistrate purportedly acquitted the accused under section 210 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
\par 
\par The Land Transport Authority appeals against the acquittal, on the following grounds:
\par 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\s16 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (a)\tab}}\pard\plain \s16\ql \fi-698\li1418\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\ls1\outlinelevel0\rin0\lin1418\itap0\pararsid14882635 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 That the learned magistrate erred in l
aw and fact failing to hold prosecution submission particularly stated at para.7 which is in rebuttal to respondents preliminary issues as was raised.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 Paragraph 7 states:
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14882635 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
\par }\pard \ql \li2160\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid14882635 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 The lapse of time in the registration and fitness of the vehicle BQ818 driven by accused is a matter of evidence that will be testified in the trial by Principle Supervisor Licensing.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14882635 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
\par }\pard \ql \li2160\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid14882635 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 However, this irregularities in time lapse are mostly contributed by vehicle owners due to non}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 renewal of vehicle in time which had lapsed renewal.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 {\field{\*\fldinst 
SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14882635 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\s16 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (b)\tab}}\pard\plain \s16\ql \fi-698\li1418\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\ls1\outlinelevel0\rin0\lin1418\itap0\pararsid14882635 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 That
 the learned magistrate erred in law by failing to set the case for trial proper when such issues were disputed by Land Transport Authority.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14882635 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\s16 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (c)\tab}}\pard\plain \s16\ql \fi-698\li1418\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\ls1\outlinelevel0\rin0\lin1418\itap0\pararsid14882635 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 That the learned magistrate erred in law by invoking Section 210 of Criminal Procedure Code, Cap. 21 in acquitting
 the respondent when prosecution did not close its case as no evidence were lawfully adduced.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14882635 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
\par The record does not include submissions by the prosecution or the defence, and it is not clear on what basis, the learned Magistrate decided to check the car}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL
 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 s wheel tax for himself.
\par 
\par I propose to deal with all grounds of appeal together because they all allege procedural irregularity in relation to the dismissal of the charge.
\par 
\par Section 206 of the Criminal Procedure Code provides:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-698\li1418\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1418\itap0\pararsid14882635 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635 (1)\tab }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 The substance of the charg
e or complaint shall be stated to the accused person by the court, and he shall be asked whether he admits or denies the truth of the charge.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14882635 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-698\li1418\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1418\itap0\pararsid14882635 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635 (2)\tab }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
If the accused person admits the truth of the charge, his admission shall be recorded as nearly as possible i
n the words used by him, and the court shall convict him and pass sentence upon or make an order against him, unless there shall appear to it sufficient cause to the contrary.
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\outlinelevel0\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14882635 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \fi-698\li1418\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1418\itap0\pararsid14882635 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635\charrsid14882635 (3)\tab }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 If the accused person does not admit the truth of the charge, the court shall proceed to hear the case as hereinafter provided.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14882635 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
\par Section 209 provides:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14882635 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 If the accused person does not admit the truth of the charge, the court shall proceed to hear the witnesses for the prosecution and other evidence (if any).}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 The accused person or his barrister and solicitor may put questions to each witness produced against him.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
If the accused person does not employ a barrister and solicitor, the court shall, at the close of the examination of each witness for the prosecution, ask the accused per
son whether he wishes to put any questions to the witness and shall record his answer.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14882635 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
\par Section 210 provides:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14882635 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 If at the close of the evidence in support of the charge it appears to the court that a case is not made out against the accused person suffici
ently to require him to make a defence, the court shall dismiss the case and shall forthwith acquit the accused.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f36\fs24}}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14882635 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
\par A perusal of these sections of the Criminal Procedure Code shows that the learned Magistrate erred in law in several respects in this case.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 Firstly, he accepted documents without requiring them to be properly tendered, either from the witness box or under a statutory provision allowing for such production.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 The purpose of our rules of evidence is to ensure that the court gives proper thought to 
the admissibility and weight of all evidence, having given each party an opportunity to cross}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
examine on that evidence, and to make submissions about weight and admissibility.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
Our rules of evidence are there to ensure fairness and transparency in judicial proceedings.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
When judicial officers begin to accept documents willy nilly from litigants, without giving both sides the opportunity to be heard about them, the proceedings lose both fairness and transparency.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 In this case, it is not clear from the court record whether the prosecution was also permitted to tender documents from the bar table as part of their submissions.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 What is apparent however, is that the learned Magistrate relied on a certificate of roadworthiness, and an inspection certificate, when the
 charge alleged that the vehicle was not registered.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
The matter would no doubt have been clarified, had the documents been properly tendered by a Land Transport Authority official who could have explained the relevance (if any) of the roadworthiness certificate to vehicle registration.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 The learned Magistrate therefore erred in accepting evidence without evidence being led.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  
}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 Ground (a) is therefore successful.
\par 
\par The learned Magistrate also erred in inspecting the vehicle without a proper application being made, and without hearing evidence about the vehicle and the wheel tax.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 A view of evidence such as a crime scene, can be of assistance to any court, particularly when the oral evidence creates confusion and uncertainty about the scene.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 It may be useful in traffic accident cases, or scenes of alleged homicide.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 However counsel (or the accused) must make the application, the prosecution must be heard, and a ruling delivered.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 Further, a view of the locus in quo (which must be properly recorded and must include all parties) is used to supplement oral evidence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 It is not intended to be a substitute for oral evidence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
In this case, a view of the vehicle and the wheel tax certificate was used as a matter which decided the case, without the benefit of oral evidence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 In this respect also, the learned Magistrate was in error.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
A failure to follow proper procedures in the inspection of a scene outside the courtroom, can result in a material irregularity which may lead to the setting aside of a conviction or acquittal (}{
\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 R }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635 -}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 v}{
\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635 -}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635  Lawrence}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635  (1968) 52 Cr. App. R. 163).
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 Having viewed the vehicle and having heard from both parties, the learned Magistrate proceeded to acquit the accused.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 The proper procedure would have been to proceed to trial after setting a hearing date.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 This is not to say that the court can never hear preliminary legal submissions on matters which might, in effect decide the result of the case.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 For instance counsel may make preliminary legal submissions about the validity of a charge, or whether an accused person is th
e type of person the charge specifies him to be.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
A submission that the charge is not an offence known in law, or that the accused is not for instance, a public servant, or an employee, would fall into this category.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 However, such submissions are legal submissions only and do not require the tendering of evidence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
Further, if a magistrate rules that the charge is invalid, the prosecution must then decide whether they will proceed to trial, whether they will withdraw charges or amend/substitute the charge.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 If
 no evidence is offered by the prosecution, or the charge is withdrawn, then and then only can the Magistrate proceed to discharge (under section 201(2)(b)(ii) of the Code) or acquit (under section 201(2)(b)(i) or section 210 of the Code).}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 Alternatively the prosecution may choose to appeal against the interlocutory ruling to the High Court.
\par 
\par However in this case, the submissions were submissions (it appears) of fact not of law.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
Therefore the learned Magistrate ought firstly to have proceeded to trial after taking the plea, and heard submissions at the close of the prosecution case, or after the defence case.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 There was dispute about the significance of the documents tendered, and the learned Magistrate ought to have simply set a trial date so that witnesses c
ould be called to establish the validity or otherwise of the charge.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 In failing to take these steps, the learned Magistrate was in error.}
{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 Ground (b) is also successful.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 Finally, in proceeding to acquit without hearing evidence under section 209 and sectio
n 210 of the Criminal Procedure Code, on a date set for mention only, the learned Magistrate was in error.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
After a not guilty plea, the court must proceed to hear the evidence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
It is only after hearing the evidence (or after the prosecution decides to offer no evidence }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635  see }{
\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 DPP }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635 -}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 v}{
\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635 -}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635  Vikash Sharma and Others}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
 40 FLR 234) that the Magistrate may proceed to convict or acquit.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
In failing to hear the evidence for both prosecution and defence (if any), the learned Magistrate was in error.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 It was not open to him to
 acquit in the circumstances of this case.
\par 
\par The result of these procedural irregularities, is that the acquittal is a nullity.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 I remit the case to the Magistrates}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 
 Court, to be heard before another Magistrate.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 This appeal is therefore allowed.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14882635 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 Nazhat Shameem
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 JUDGE}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14882635 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 At Suva
\par 16}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12209674\charrsid14882635  May 2002}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14882635 
\par }}