Clause 74 - Time limit for cases stated by county court

Justice (Northern Ireland) Bill – in a Public Bill Committee at 7:30 pm on 12 February 2002.

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Photo of Des Browne Des Browne Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Northern Ireland Office, Parliamentary Secretary (Northern Ireland Office) 7:30, 12 February 2002

I beg to move amendment No. 76, in page 63, line 4, leave out from 'days'',' to end of line 6.

Article 61(2) of the County Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1980 presently provides for an appeal from a county court to the Court of Appeal by way of a case stated to be commenced within 14 days of the relevant decision being given. The civil justice reform group recommended that the appeal period be extended to 21 days. That is provided for by clause 74, which helps to secure the group's overall objective of a more accessible civil justice system. The clause goes on to provide that the appeal period can be reduced at the court's discretion. However, it is considered that such a general discretion could create uncertainty. Moreover, it is not reflective of the other appeal arrangements in the county court tier. Accordingly, the amendment provides for the removal of that provision.

Amendment agreed to.

Clause 74, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clauses 75 to 78 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clauses 75 to 78 ordered to stand part of the Bill.