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\paperw10325\paperh14573\margl1440\margr1440\margt1008\margb1008 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\hyphcaps0\formshade\horzdoc\dgmargin\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1440\dgvorigin1008\dghshow1\dgvshow1 \jexpand\viewkind1\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\splytwnine\ftnlytwnine\htmautsp\nolnhtadjtbl\useltbaln\alntblind\lytcalctblwd\lyttblrtgr\lnbrkrule\nobrkwrptbl\snaptogridincell\allowfieldendsel\wrppunct \asianbrkrule\rsidroot2559681\newtblstyruls\nogrowautofit \fet0{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid4542880 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\ftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid4542880 \chftnsepc \par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 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.}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}} {\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8 \pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs22\cgrid0\insrsid2559681\charrsid10355983 {\*\bkmkstart Rajesh_Chand_and_Shailesh_Kumar_v_State}RAJESH CHAND & SHAILESH KUMAR v }{\b\caps\fs22\cgrid0\insrsid2559681\charrsid10355983 State \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 {\b\caps\fs22\cgrid0\insrsid2559681\charrsid10355983 {\*\bkmkend Rajesh_Chand_and_Shailesh_Kumar_v_State} \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 {\fs22\insrsid2559681\charrsid10355983 Court of Appeal Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 {\fs22\cgrid0\insrsid2559681 21, }{\fs22\cgrid0\insrsid2559681\charrsid10355983 22 November}{\fs22\cgrid0\insrsid2559681 ,}{ \fs22\cgrid0\insrsid2559681\charrsid10355983 2001 }{\fs22\cgrid0\insrsid2559681 \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab }{\fs22\cgrid0\insrsid2559681\charrsid10355983 AAU 0056/99S}{\fs22\cgrid0\insrsid2559681 \par \par }{\i\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681 Criminal procedure - adjournment \endash acquittal following refusal of adjournment application \endash State sought part-hearing as 2 witnesses not available \endash whether refusal to grant adjournment a proper exercise of judicial discretion - }{\i\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid2308724 1997 Constitution s29(3); Criminal Procedure Code s210 \par }{\fs22\cgrid0\insrsid2559681 \par On a plea of not guilty to a charge of larceny, the magistrates' court refused a prosecution application for adjournment on the grounds that it was not in a position to call 2 of 4 witnesses, and acquitted the Appellant s. The State succeeded in its appeal in the High Court. The Appellants appeal against that order to remit the matter to the Tavua Magistrates' Court for hearing. The Court discussed the competing pressures upon a magistrate to judicially exercise discret ion to adjourn a case upon application for part-hearing. \par \par }\pard\plain \s15\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 \fs24\lang3081\langfe3081\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp3081 {\b\fs22\insrsid2559681 Held \endash }{\fs22\insrsid2559681\charrsid9969313 The principles upon which an appellate court should act when reviewing a decision by a lower court to grant or refuse an adjournment are well settled. }{\fs22\insrsid2559681 The exercise of a lower court\rquote s discretio n as to the proper mode and time of trying an action should only be interfered with in exceptional cases if it is shown that the result of the order made in the court below is to defeat the rights of the parties altogether or to do an injustice to one or o ther of the parties. Where a refusal of an adjournment would seriously prejudice a party, the application should be granted. An appellate court will intervene if the discretion has not been exercised judicially or where its exercise is based on a wrong pr i nciple or results in an injustice. Administrative inconvenience and cost to the Court of a part-heard case is not a proper reason for denying the State the right to have the charges heard and determined, and the interests of justice. If it is inappropriat e to partly-hear a case, the proper course would be to adjourn the hearing to a date and time when it could be properly heard and determined. }{\fs22\insrsid2559681\charrsid9969313 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 {\fs22\insrsid2559681 \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 {\fs22\insrsid2559681 Decision of the High Court to remit the matter to the Tavua Magistrates' Court for hearing upheld. \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 {\fs22\insrsid2559681 \par }{\b\fs22\insrsid2559681 Cases referred to in Judgment \par }{\b\i\fs22\insrsid2559681 GSA Industries Pty Ltd v NT Gas Ltd}{\fs22\insrsid2559681 24 NSWLR 710 \par }{\b\i\fs22\insrsid2559681\charrsid2308724 Robert Tweedle Macahill v R.}{\fs22\insrsid2559681\charrsid2308724 [1980] AAU 43/80 }{\fs22\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid2559681\charrsid2308724 30 September 1980 \par }{\b\i\fs22\insrsid2559681 Maxwell v Keun}{\fs22\insrsid2559681 [1928] 1 KB 645 \par }{\b\fs22\insrsid2559681 \par }\pard\plain \qj \li0\ri3\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin3\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \i\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid8987420 Ganga Prasad Shankar }{\i\fs22\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2559681\charrsid8987420 for the }{\i\fs22\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2559681 Appellant}{ \i\fs22\cf1\insrsid2559681\charrsid8987420 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sb15\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 {\i\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid8987420 Peter Ridgway }{ \i\fs22\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2559681\charrsid8987420 for the }{\i\fs22\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2559681 Respondent}{\i\fs22\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2559681\charrsid8987420 s}{ \i\fs22\cf1\insrsid2559681\charrsid8987420 \par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 \fs24\lang3081\langfe3081\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp3081 {\b\fs22\insrsid2559681 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs22\insrsid2559681 22 November, 2001\tab \tab \tab }{\b\caps\fs22\insrsid2559681 judgment}{ \fs22\insrsid2559681 \par \par }{\b\fs22\insrsid2559681 Eichelbaum, Sheppard, Tompkins, JJA \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\brdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrl\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrb\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrr\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 {\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 The }{ \fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681 Appellant}{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 s were charged with larceny. They appeared in the Magistrates\rquote Court at Tavua on 30 April 1998. They pleaded not guilty. They were acquitted without a hearing on the ground that an adjournment was refused and the prosecution was not in a position to call all the witnesses. \par }{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681 \par }{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 The State appealed. The appe al came before Townsley J on 17 September 1999. By his judgment delivered that day, he allowed the appeal, quashed the acquittal and ordered that the matter be remitted to the Tavua Magistrates\rquote Court to be heard. From that decision the }{ \fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681 Appellant}{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 s have appealed. \par }\pard\plain \s3\ql \li0\ri0\keep\keepn\widctlpar\brdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrl\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrb\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrr\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel2\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 \b\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \ul\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681 \par }{\ul\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 The course of the proceedings}{\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 \par }\pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\brdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrl\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrb\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrr\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 The complaints containing the charge}{\i\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 }{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 against the }{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681 Appellant}{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 s were issued on 7 September 1998. On that day the charge was read and explained to the }{ \fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681 Appellant}{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 s who both pleaded not guilty. The case was adjourned to 13 O ctober 1998 for mention only. On that day the case was adjourned to 21 December 1998 for hearing. Later on 13 October counsel for the }{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681 Appellant}{ \fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 s sought a change of date because he was engaged in another court. The prosecutor consented. It was adjourned to 11 January 1999 for mention only. On that day it was adjourned to 20 April 1999 for hearing. \par }{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681 \par }{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 When it was called on 20 April 1999 the prosecutor advised that there were six witnesses to be called for the prosecution. Of those four were available but two w ere not, although they were both on subpoena. He said that the case could be part heard and a warrant issued for two absent witnesses. Counsel for the }{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681 Appellant}{ \fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 s strongly opposed any adjournment. He was also opposed to a part hearing. He said that he regarded one of the missing witnesses to be a key witness whom he wanted to cross-examine. \par }{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681 \par }{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 The decision of the court as recorded was: \par }\pard \qj \li720\ri526\keep\keepn\widctlpar\brdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrl\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrb\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrr\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin526\lin720\itap0\pararsid2559681 {\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 \'93 I have considered the submissions of both sides. The Prosecution two witnesses who are not here are from here in Tavua. Prosecution should have found out from them well before hand their availability or otherwise and inform this Court and the Defence Counsel of their difficulties. To come to court on the morning of the trial and ask for an adjournment is not accepted by this Court. I\rquote ve said in Suva, Ba and am saying it now in Tavua. \par }\pard\plain \s6\qj \li720\ri526\sb240\sa60\widctlpar\brdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrl\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrb\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrr\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel5\adjustright\rin526\lin720\itap0\pararsid2559681 \b\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \b0\fs20\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 As for the part-heard it is out of the question to be entertained by this Court because I am here only as a Relieving Resident Magistrate. }{ \b0\fs20\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681 I}{\b0\fs20\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 \rquote ve been given instructions also by the Chief Mag istrate not to take any part heard case as it will cost us a lot of time and money. \par As to the length of time this case has taken I agree it was first called on 7/9/98. But as the Defence Counsel submitted, this offence has been hanging around his clients necks for over 6 months. It is their right to ask quick disposal of their Cases. Section 29(3) of the Constitution. \par In view of the above, I find that it is very late to come to Court now and ask for an adjournment and I order that the application for adjournment be refused.\'94 \par }\pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\brdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrl\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrb\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrr\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 \par }\pard\plain \s18\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\brdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrl\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrb\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrr\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 The charges were then read to the }{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681 Appellant}{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 s who again pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor advised that he could not proceed unless it is part heard. The magistrate then ordered that both }{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681 Appellant}{ \fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 s be acquitted under {\*\bkmkstart s210_CPC_Rajesh_Chand_Kumar_v_State}s 210 {\*\bkmkend s210_CPC_Rajesh_Chand_Kumar_v_State} of the Criminal Procedure Code. He referred to authorities in support of that decision. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\brdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrl\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrb\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrr\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs22\ul\insrsid2559681 \par }{\b\fs22\ul\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 The decision in the High Court}{\b\fs22\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 \par }\pard\plain \s18\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\brdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrl\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrb\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrr\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681 \par }{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 In his decision the judge reviewed the history of the case. He considered an authority to which counsel for the }{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681 Appellant}{ \fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 s referred, }{\b\i\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid8987420 {\*\bkmkstart Macahill_v_Regina_R_Chand_Kumar_v_State}Macahill v Regina}{ \fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 {\*\bkmkend Macahill_v_Regina_R_Chand_Kumar_v_State}FCA Crim App. No 43/1980, w here the Court of Appeal, on the facts of that case, came to the conclusion that the refusal to grant an adjournment was not a proper exercise of judicial discretion. \par \tab }{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681 \par }{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 He expressed his conclusion as follows: \par }\pard \s18\qj \li720\ri526\nowidctlpar\brdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrl\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrb\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrr\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\faauto\rin526\lin720\itap0\pararsid2559681 {\fs20\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 \'93In this case therefore it is this Court\rquote s view that the Magistrate was far too anxious to refuse an adjournment and acquit the }{\fs20\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681 Respondent}{\fs20\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 s. He did not exercise a judicial discretion; did not look at the previous history of the case; did not inquire whether witness summonses had been served, and when; or when the prosecutor first got knowledge of disobedience to the Court\rquote s process. All had to be subservient to the Court\rquote s and the defence\rquote s predilection not to have a part heard case. The case was quite a serious one. Justice was not done to the State.\'94 \par }\pard \s18\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\brdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrl\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrb\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrr\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 {\b\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\brdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrl\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrb\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrr\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs22\ul\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 Conclusion}{\b\fs22\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 \par }\pard\plain \s18\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\brdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrl\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrb\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrr\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 The principles upon which an appellate court should act when reviewing a decision by a judge or magistrate to grant or refuse an adjournment are well settled. The judge or magistrate has a discretion as to the proper mode and time of trying an action. The exercise of that discretion should be interfered with by an appellate court only in exceptional cases. If it appears that the result of the order made in the court below is to defeat the rights of the parties altogether or to do an injustice to one or other of the parties, the appellate court has a duty to review such an order. Where the refusal of an adjournment would seriously prejudice a party, the application should be granted. If not granted, an appellate court will intervene if the discretion has not been exercised judicially or where its exercise was based on a wrong principle or resulted in an injustice: }{\b\i\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 {\*\bkmkstart Maxwell_v_Keun_R_Chand_Kumar_v_State}Maxwell v Keun}{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 {\*\bkmkend Maxwell_v_Keun_R_Chand_Kumar_v_State}[1928] 1 }{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681 KB}{ \fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 645; }{\b\i\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 {\*\bkmkstart GSA_Industries_v_NT_Gas_Chand_K_v_State}GSA Industries Pty Ltd v NT Gas Ltd}{ \fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 {\*\bkmkend GSA_Industries_v_NT_Gas_Chand_K_v_State}24 NSWLR 710. \par }{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681 \par }{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 In the present case we are satisfied that the Magistrate exercised his discretion on a wrong principle. It is apparent from his decision that we have reproduced above that he }{ \fs22\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 was primarily concerned at the administrative inconvenience and cost to the Court of part hearing the case, and the Magistrate then being required to return to Tavua to complete the hearing. This was no t a proper reason for denying the State the right to have the charges heard and determined by the Court. We accept that financial considerations and the convenience of the Court can be taken into account in determining how and when a case is to be heard, b ut that can never over-ride the interests of justice. In the present case, if these factors were considered to be relevant, with the result that a part hearing was inappropriate, the correct course was to adjourn the hearing to a date and time when it co uld be properly heard and determined. By refusing either to part hear the case, or to adjourn it, the Magistrate\rquote s decision resulted in an injustice to the State. \par }\pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\brdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrl\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrb\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrr\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681 \par }{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 There had been no undue delay in bringing the case to conclusion. A hearing fixture had been adjourned only once, and that was at the request, and for the convenience, of counsel for the }{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681 Appellant}{ \fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 s. \par }{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681 \par }{\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 For these reasons we are satisfied that the decision reached by the judge in the High Court was correct. \par \par }\pard\plain \s4\ql \li0\ri0\keep\keepn\widctlpar\brdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrl\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrb\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrr\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel3\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 \i\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \b\i0\ul\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid8987420 Resul}{\b\i0\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid8987420 t \par }\pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\keep\widctlpar\brdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrl\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrb\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrr\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 \par }\pard\plain \s18\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\brdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrl\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrb\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \brdrr\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs22\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681\charrsid15104926 The appeal is dismissed. \par }{\f29\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid2559681 \par }\pard\plain \qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i\fs22\insrsid2559681\charrsid10355983 Appeal}{\i\fs22\insrsid2559681 fails}{ \i\fs22\insrsid2559681\charrsid10355983 . \par }{\i\fs22\insrsid2559681 \par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 {\fs22\insrsid2559681\charrsid8987420 Marie Chan}{\fs22\cgrid0\insrsid2559681\charrsid8987420 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2559681 {\b\fs22\insrsid2559681 \sect }\sectd \pgwsxn12240\pghsxn15840\marglsxn1800\margrsxn1800\margtsxn1440\margbsxn1440\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid1972231 \par }}