Published: 1960-09-01
Key Benefits:
Supreme Court
© Government of Gibraltar (www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi)
1960-02
SUPREME COURT ACT
Principal Act
Act. No. 1960-02 Commencement 1.9.1960
Assent 17.3.1960
Amending
enactment
Relevant current provisions Commence-
ment date
Acts. 1960-11 ss.8, 14, 17 and 38(1)
1961-19 s.6
1965-24 ss.28 and 35
1966-29 ss.20 and 35
1967-01 –
1968-24 s.16
1969-30 ss.2, 11, 28(1), 29
1970-03 s.28(1)
Regs. of
28.5.1970
s.20
Acts. 1971-14 s.28(2)
1972-06 s.19
1974-24 ss.20 and 21
1975-24 ss.27 and 36
1977-01 s.13
1977-02 –
1977-35 ss.2, 4(2), 6(1), 18(2), and (3) and 26
1978-06 s.23
1978-29 s.37
1980-04 ss.3(2), 34 and 38(1)
1983-44 –
1983-48 s.36
1986-24 ss. 28, 29, 32 and 38 (cc). 1.1.1987
1987-34 s. 20(q) 27.12.1987
1988-35 ss. 17, 17A, 17B, 20, 21, and 26A. 5.11.1998
1997-25 s. 20(q) 21.8.1997
1997-32 ss. 35A to 35H, 28(1) & (c), 29(1)(a)
and Sch
16.10.1997
2002-12 ss. 39 to 72 19.12.2002
2004-11 ss. 38A and 38B 1.9.2004
2004-23 s. 35A(1) and Sch Part I. 1.5.2004
2007-17 s. 37 14.6.2007
2007-24 ss. 3, 27(1), 28(3), 36, 38B(4) 28.6.2007
2008-05 ss. 41(1), (2) & (3), 73 & Sch. 1.1.2007
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1960-02
2010-10 s.12A 6.5.2010
2010-16 s. 36B 8.7.2010
2010-20 1 ss. 19A to 22I, 27A to 27V, 35A, Schs.
2, 3 & 4
1.1.2011 2
LN. 2011/105 ss. 72A -72G 7.7.2011
Act. 2012-09 ss. 27E(2) & (3) & 27G(3) 27.9.2012
2012-17 s. 12A(1), (2), (2A), (3) & (4) 22.11.2012
LN. 2013/134 ss. 35A(1), 35H(1), 41 & Sch. 1 1.7.2013
2015/003 s. 72C(3) 10.1.2015
Act. 2015-14 ss. 27W, 27X, 28(1)(c), (2A), 29(1)(a),
(ba), (1A), 34(3)(b), 35
1.7.2015 3
2015-19 ss. 29 (Transitional Provision) 6.8.2015
The Supreme Court (Admiralty Practice) Rules and the Supreme Court
(Prize Court Fees) Rules 1940 are printed under the title Colonial Courts of
Admiralty Act 1890.
The Supreme Court Fund Regulations are printed under the title Public
Finance (Control and Audit).
EU Legislation/International Agreements involved:
Directive 77/249/EEC
Directive 98/5/EC
Directive 2006/100/EC
Directive 2008/52/EC
Directive 2013/25/EU
English sources
Juries Act 1825 (6 Geo.4 c.50)
County Courts Act 1934 (24 & 25 Geo.5 c.53)
1 Transitional and miscellaneous provisions.
7.(1) The jury list which was in force immediately before section 3 of this Act came into
operation shall be deemed to remain in force until such time as a new list has come into
force in accordance with section 19B of the Supreme Court Act (as inserted by this Act).
(2) Notwithstanding section 19B(4) of the Supreme Court Act (as inserted by this Act)
the first jury list complied under section 19B shall come into force on the day it is
received by the Registrar following certification by the clerk of the magistrates’ court
(3) The first jury list complied under section 19B shall remain in force until the 30th
September 2011.
(4) The Minister may by order amend Schedule 4 to the Supreme Court Act.
2 See LN. 2010/183
3 See LN. 2015/102
Supreme Court
© Government of Gibraltar (www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi)
1960-02
REARRANGEMENT AND RENUMBERING OF SECTIONS
Provisions relating to criminal procedure have been transferred to the
Criminal Procedure Act.
Previous
number
New
number
Previous number New
number
1 1
2 2
3 Repealed
4 “
5 “
6 “
7 “
8 9
9 3
10 4
11 5
12 7
13 6
14 28
15 32
16 29
17 30
18 31
19 33
20 34
21 35
22 12
22A 13
23 16
24 15
25 17
26 14
27 Act. 1961-24, s.128
28 Act. 1961-24, s.148
29 Act. 1961-24, s.158
30 19
31 20
32 21
32A Act. 1961-24, s.158
33 Repealed
34 22
35 23
36 Act. 1961-24, s.139
37 Act. 1961-24, s.141
38 Act. 1961-24, s.142
39 Act. 1961-24, s.143
39A Act. 1961-24, s.144
40 Act. 1961-24, s.138
41 Repealed
42 Act. 1961-24, s.140
43 Act. 1961-24, s.145
44 Act. 1961-24, s.146
45 Act. 1961-24, s.149
46 26
47 Act. 1961-24, s.150
47A Act. 1961-24, s.151
47B Act. 1961-24, s.153
47C Act. 1961-24, s.147
48 Act. 1961-24, s.154
49 Act. 1961-24, s.155
50 Act. 1961-24, s.156
51 27
51A 36
52 37
53 38
54 Act. 1961-24, s.157
55 10
56 18
57 8
Supreme Court
© Government of Gibraltar (www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi)
1960-02
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS.
Section
1. Short title.
2. Interpretation.
PART I.
ADMINISTRATION.
3. Appointment of Registrar.
4. Duties of Registrar.
5. Jurisdiction of Registrar in absence of judge.
6. Appointment and duties of Sheriff and Marshal.
7. Powers of Deputy Registrar.
8. Duty of police officers.
9. Seal of court.
10. Sitting of court.
PART II.
JURISDICTION AND POWERS.
11. Supreme Court a court of record.
12. Court to have jurisdiction of High Court in England.
12A. Jurisdiction of Family Judge.
13. International conventions affecting jurisdiction.
14. Avoidance of multiplicity of proceedings.
15. Practice and procedure.
16. Power to appoint receivers for persons under disability.
17. Power of review.
17A. Orders of mandamus, prohibition and certiorari.
17B. Application for judicial review.
18. Summary power to punish contempt.
PART III.
TRIAL BY JURY.
19A. Qualification for jury service.
19B. Jury list.
19C. Service of summons.
19D. Withdrawal or alteration of summons.
19E. Attendance and service.
19F. Excusal for previous jury service.
19G. Excusal for certain persons.
19H. Discretionary excusal.
19I. Discretionary deferral.
19J. Discharge of summons in case of doubt as to capacity.
20A. Number of jurors.
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20B. Choosing the jury.
20C. Summoning in exceptional circumstances.
20D. Challenge.
21A. Swearing of juror.
21B. Appointment of foreman.
21C. Continuation of trial on death or discharge of juror.
21D. Discharge of jury: General power.
21E. Discharge of jury for jury tampering.
21F. Delivery of verdicts.
21G. Majority verdicts.
21H. Jury unable to reach verdict.
21I. Stay or reversal of judgment.
22A. Views.
22B Separation.
22C. Documents produced as exhibits.
22D. Refreshment.
22E. Payment for jury service.
22F. Offences and penalties.
22G. Application of Part III to civil actions.
22H. Jurors may be required to stand by.
22I. Verdicts in civil actions.
23 to 27 Repealed
PART IIIA
TRIAL WITH LAY ASSESSORS
27A.
27B. Application by prosecution for case to be conducted with lay
assessors.
27C. Procedure for applications under section 27B.
27D. Effect of an order for trial with lay assessors.
27E. Lay assessors list.
27F. Procedure for approval as a lay assessor.
27G. Inclusion on the lay assessors list.
27H. Service of summons.
27I. Attendance and excusal.
27J. Number of lay assessors.
27K. Selection of lay assessors.
27L. Challenge to lay assessors.
27M. Discharge of assessors.
27N. Commencing or continuing trial without assessors.
27O. Role of lay assessors.
27P. Verdict in trial with lay assessors.
27Q. Judgment in trial by judge alone.
27R. Stay or reversal of judgment.
27S. Refreshment and payment.
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1960-02
27T. Offences by lay assessors.
27U. Rules of court.
27V. Amendment of Schedule 4.
PART IV.
BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS.
27W. Interpretation of Part IV
27X. Practical training requirement
28. Admission of barristers.
29. Admission of solicitors.
30. Enrolment of solicitors.
31. Barristers and solicitors may practice in all courts.
32. Barristers may act as solicitors.
33. Law relating to barristers and solicitors.
34. Disciplinary powers of Chief Justice.
35. Unqualified persons practising.
PART IVA
EEA LAWYERS
35A. Interpretation of Part IVA.
35B. Purpose of Part.
35C. Representation in legal proceedings.
35D. Drawing of documents, etc, not related to legal proceedings.
35E Legal aid.
35F. Title and description to be used by EEA lawyers.
35G. Power to require an EEA lawyer to verify his status.
35H. Professional misconduct.
PART V.
MISCELLANEOUS.
36. Interest on judgment debts.
36A. Fees to betaken in the Supreme Court.
36B. Recovery of insurance premiums by way of costs.
37. Rules regulating funds in court.
38. Rules of court.
38A. Civil Procedure Rules.
38B. Masters.
PART VI
EUROPEAN LAWYERS: INTRODUCTORY
39. Purpose of this Part and Part VII to XI
40. Transitional provisions.
41. Interpretation of this Part and Part VII to XI
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42. Exchange of information.
43. Practice of professional activities.
44. Title and description to be used by a registered European lawyer.
45. Joint practice.
46. Name of joint practice.
47. Notification of joint practice.
48. Representation in legal proceedings.
49. Property transactions and probate.
50. Legal aid.
PART VIII
REGISTRATION OF EUROPEAN LAWYERS
51. Establishment and maintenance of registers of European lawyers.
52. Application to be entered on a register.
53. Registration by competent authority
54. Time limit for decision and notification by competent authority.
55. Appeal by European lawyer.
56. Offence of pretending to be a registered European lawyer.
57. Costs and fees of an unregistered European lawyer.
58. Evidence of registration.
59. Publication of names of registered European lawyers.
PART IX
REGULATION AND DISCIPLINE
60. Rules of professional conduct applicable.
61. Disciplinary proceedings applicable.
62. Disciplinary proceedings against a registered European lawyer.
63. Disciplinary proceedings against a solicitor or barrister.
PART X
ENTRY OF EUROPEAN LAWYERS INTO THE PROFESSION OF
SOLICITOR OR BARRISTER
64. Application by registered European lawyer.
65. Decision by the competent authority.
66. Evidence in support of application for exemption under section
64(2).
67. Evidence in support of application for exemption under section
64(3).
68. Meaning of “effectively and regularly pursued”.
69. Time limit for decision and notification by professional body.
70. Appeal by registered European lawyer.
71. Practice under the title of solicitor or barrister.
Supreme Court
© Government of Gibraltar (www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi)
1960-02
PART XI
EUROPEAN LAWYERS: SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS
72. Modification of enactments.
PART XIA
CROSS-BORDER MEDIATION
72A. Application of Part XIA.
72B. Interpretation under Part XIA.
72C. Cross-border disputes.
72D. Recourse to mediation.
72E. Making a mediation settlement enforceable.
72F. Mediation Evidence.
72G. Competent authority.
PART X
73. Regulations
SCHEDULE 1
SCHEDULE 2
Persons disqualified from jury service
SCHEDULE 3
SCHEDULE 4
FINANCIAL OFFENCES
Supreme Court
1960-02
AN ACT TO AMEND THE LAW RELATING TO THE SUPREME
COURT OF JUDICATURE IN GIBRALTAR.
Short title.
1. This Act may be cited as the Supreme Court Act.
Interpretation.
2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,–
“Constitution” means the Constitution of Gibraltar as set out in Annex 1
to the Gibraltar Constitution Order 1969;
“court” means the Supreme Court of Gibraltar and includes the Chief
Justice, and any additional judge thereof, whether sitting in court or
in chambers or elsewhere;
“prescribed” means prescribed by rules of court;
“Registrar” means the Registrar of the Supreme Court appointed under
the provisions of section 3.
PART I.
ADMINISTRATION.
Appointment of Registrar.
3. There shall be attached and belong to the Court a Registrar appointed by
the Governor acting on the advice of the Judicial Services Commission.
Duties of Registrar.
4.(1) The Registrar shall perform all such duties as are respectively
performed by the Master, Registrar, Taxing Master or Keeper of the Records
of Her Majesty's High Court of Justice in England and shall be Registrar of
the Supreme Court in its Admiralty jurisdiction and he and the other officers
of the court shall be subject to such orders as they may from time to time
receive from the Chief Justice. The Registrar shall be a Commissioner of the
said court to administer oaths and take solemn declarations or affirmations
in lieu of oaths and also to take examinations of witnesses de bene esse.
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(2) Any ruling or other decision of any kind whatsoever in any civil
criminal proceedings by the Registrar in exercise of the duties imposed upon
him by subsection (1) shall be subject to appeal to the court.
Jurisdiction of Registrar in absence of judge.
5.(1) If at any time neither the Chief Justice nor an additional judge is
present in Gibraltar or readily available to hear and determine any matter of
an urgent nature it shall be lawful for the Registrar to hear and determine
any matter which might lawfully be determined by the Chief Justice or
additional judge sitting in chambers and any order, direction or warrant
made, given or issued by the Registrar under the provisions of this section
shall for all purposes and at all times be of the same force and effect as
though such order, direction or warrant has been made, given or issued by
the Chief Justice, or an additional judge.
(2) In any matter, not to be dealt with in chambers, if by reason of the
death or unavoidable absence of the Chief Justice or an additional judge, a
court cannot be held under this Act on any day on which it has been
appointed to be held, the Registrar shall adjourn the court to such day as he
may deem convenient, and enter in the minute book the cause of such
adjournment.
Appointment and duties of Sheriff and Marshal.
6.(1) The Registrar shall be the Sheriff of Gibraltar and shall, by himself
or by his sufficient deputies to be by him appointed and authorized under his
hand and for whom he shall be responsible, and execute all such writs,
warrants, orders, commands and process of the court as he shall be required
by the court to execute, and make return of the same together with the
manner of the execution thereof to the court, and receive and detain in
prison all such persons as shall be committed to the custody of the Sheriff
by the court, and shall be Marshal of the Supreme Court in its Admiralty
jurisdiction:
Provided that, whenever the court directs or awards any process against the
Sheriff or awards any process in any cause, matter or thing wherein the
Sheriff by reason of any good cause of challenge which would be allowed
against any sheriff in England cannot by law execute the same, in every such
case the court shall appoint some other fit person to execute and return the
same and the said process shall be directed to the person so to be named for
that purpose and the cause of such proceeding shall be entered on the record
of the court.
(2) In the exercise of his powers and duties as Sheriff of Gibraltar, the
Registrar may exercise such powers and shall perform such duties as are
from time to time exercised or performed by a sheriff in England in
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accordance with the law from time to time in force in England with respect
thereto.
Powers of Deputy Registrar.
7. It shall be competent for the person holding the appointment of Deputy
Registrar of the Court subject to such directions as the Chief Justice may
from time to time deem expedient to give to perform any act or discharge
any duty which the Registrar may lawfully do or is required by law to do and
for such purposes the person holding such appointment as aforesaid shall
have all powers, privileges and authority of the Registrar:
Provided however, that the Deputy Registrar shall not exercise any of the
powers conferred upon the Registrar by section 5(1).
Duty of police officers.
8. It shall be the duty of every police officer to assist in effecting any
execution, attachment or committal ordered by court or carried out under
rules of court.
Seal of court.
9.(1) The Supreme Court shall continue to use the same seal or a similar
seal as hitherto and such seal shall be kept in the custody of the Registrar.
(2) All process issuing out of the court which by any rules of court or
otherwise requires to be sealed shall be impressed with the seal of the court.
(3) All process purporting to be sealed as aforesaid, and all copies,
certificates and other documents purporting to be sealed as aforesaid or to be
stamped with the official stamp of the court shall be received in evidence
without further proof thereof.
Sittings of court.
10.(1) The court shall sit for the trial of criminal and civil causes and for
the disposal of other legal business pending at such times as the Chief
Justice may direct.
(2) The Registrar shall ordinarily give notice beforehand of all such
sittings.
PART II.
JURISDICTION AND POWERS.
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© Government of Gibraltar (www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi)
1960-02
Supreme court a court of record.
11. The Supreme Court for Gibraltar established by section 56 of supreme
the Constitution shall be a superior court of record and, subject to the
provisions of the Constitution; shall be constituted and have the jurisdiction
and powers hereinafter specified.
Court to have jurisdiction of High Court in England.
12. The court shall in addition to any other jurisdiction conferred by this or
any other Act, within Gibraltar and subject as in this Act mentioned, possess
and exercise all the jurisdiction, powers and authorities which are from time
vested in and capable of being exercised by Her Majesty's High Court of
Justice in England.
Jurisdiction of Family Judge.
12A.(1) There shall be one or more puisne judges in the Supreme Court to
whom shall be designated all family proceedings.
(2) The judges referred to in subsection (1) shall be known as Family
Judges and shall deal with family proceedings.
(2A) Where, in accordance with subsection (1), more than one judge is
designated all family proceedings, references in this, and any other
legislation, to “the Family Judge” shall be construed as a reference to any of
the Family Judges.
(3) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section, the Family Judge
may be allocated any matter, other than family proceedings, by the Chief
Justice.
(4) Deleted.
(5) For the purpose of this section, “family proceedings” shall have the
meaning assigned to it by section 25 of the Children Act 2009.
(6) Nothing in this section shall
(a) limit or otherwise affect the competence and jurisdiction of all
judges of the Supreme Court to deal with family proceedings;
and
(b) limit or otherwise affect the competence and jurisdiction of the
Family Judge to deal with matters other than family
proceedings.
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(7) Where a judge other than the Family Judge deals with a family
proceedings reference in any other legislation to the Family Judge shall be a
reference to the judge that has dealt with those proceedings.
International conventions affecting jurisdiction.
13.(1) The provisions of this section shall apply for the purpose of giving
effect as respects Gibraltar to any convention for the time being in force, by
virtue of which the High Contracting Parties to the Convention, or their
property are rendered liable to legal proceedings in the courts of the other
High Contracting Parties and in the courts of any territory for whose
external relations a High Contracting Party is responsible and which has
been included in the ratification of such High Contracting Party.
(2) As from such day as the Governor may, by notice in the Gazette,
state as being the day on which any such convention has come into force as
respects Gibraltar, every High Contracting Party to the convention shall, for
the purposes of any proceedings brought in the Supreme Court against that
party or in respect of property of that party in accordance with the provisions
of the convention, be deemed to have submitted to the jurisdiction of the
court; and the court shall, in determining whether or to what extent any such
proceedings are within its jurisdiction, give effect to any provision of the
convention (including any protocol thereto) prescribing the mode of proof of
any material circumstance.
(3) The Governor may by notice in the Gazette name those countries
which Her Majesty by Order in Council has certified as being the High
Contracting Parties to any such convention, in respect of what territories
they are respectively parties, and to what extent they have availed
themselves of any provision of the convention for suspending or modifying
the operation of the convention, and any such notice shall, except in so far
as it has been superseded by a subsequent notice, be conclusive evidence of
the matters so certified.
Avoidance of multiplicity of proceedings.
14. In the exercise of the jurisdiction granted by this Act the court shall have
power to grant and shall grant either absolutely or on such terms as shall
seem just, all such remedies or relief whatsoever interlocutory or final as any
of the parties thereto may appear to be entitled to in respect of any and every
legal or equitable claim or defence properly put forward by them
respectively or which shall appear in such cause or matter; so that as far as
possible all matters in controversy between the parties respectively may be
completely and finally determined and all multiplicity of legal proceedings
concerning any of such matters avoided.
Practice and procedure.
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1960-02
15. The jurisdiction vested in the court shall be exercised (as far as regards
practice and procedure) in the manner provided by this or any other Act or
by such rules as may be made pursuant to this Act or any other Act and in
default thereof, in substantial conformity with the law and practice for the
time being observed in England in the High Court of Justice.
Power to appoint receivers for persons under disability.
16. The court shall have power to appoint guardians and committees of the
persons and estates of minors and persons suffering from mental disorder
within the meaning of the Mental Health Act and unable to govern
themselves or their estates, and for that purpose to enquire into, hear and
determine, by inspection of the person the subject of such inquiry, or by
examination on oath or otherwise of the party in whose custody or charge
such person maybe, or of any other person or persons, or by such other ways
and means by which the truth may be best discovered, and to act in all cases
whatsoever as fully and amply to all intents and purposes as the Lord High
Chancellor or the grantee from the Crown of the persons and estates of
minors and persons suffering from mental disorder may” lawfully do in
England.
Power of review.
17.(1) The court shall have full power, jurisdiction and authority to review
the proceedings of all inferior courts of justice in Gibraltar, and if necessary
to set aside or correct the same.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the court may
upon application by or on behalf of the Attomey-General, order any inferior
court to send to the Registrar the record of proceedings in any criminal case
or matter, and may also require in addition to such record a statement
showing in detail the proceedings taken with reference to the whole case or
any particular matter, and if it appears to the court that there has been any
material error in the proceedings of the inferior court, it may, after hearing
the defendant or counsel on his behalf, set aside or vary any judgment or
order of the inferior court and pass such judgment or make such order, or
remit the case or matter to the inferior court with such directions, if any, as
justice may require:
Provided that no application under this subsection may be made with regard
to a sentence passed on conviction by an inferior court.
(3) The application by or on behalf of the Attorney-General referred to in
subsection (2) may be made only within a period of thirty days of the date of
the judgment or order of the inferior court to which it relates.
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Orders of mandamus, prohibition and certiorari.
17A. The court shall have jurisdiction to make orders of mandamus,
prohibition and certiorari in those classes of cases in which it had power to
do so immediately before the commencement of this section.
Application for judicial review.
17B.(1) An application to the court for one or more of the following forms
of relief, namely–
(a) an order of mandamus, prohibition or certiorari; or
(b) a declaration or injunction under subsection (2),
shall be made in accordance with rules of court by a procedure to be known
as an application for judicial review.
(2) A declaration may be made or, subject to the provisions of the Crown
Proceedings Act, an injunction granted under this subsection in any case
where an application for judicial review, seeking that relief, has been made
and the court considers that, having regard to-
(a) the nature of the matters in respect of which relief may be
granted by orders of mandamus, prohibition or certiorari;
(b) the nature of the persons and bodies against whom relief may
be granted by such orders; and
(c) all the circumstances of the case,
it would be just and convenient for the declaration to be made or of the
injunction to be granted, as the case may be.
(3) No application for judicial review shall be made unless the leave of the
court has been obtained in accordance with rules of court; and the court shall
not grant leave to make such an application unless it considers that the
applicant has a sufficient interest in the matter to which the application
relates.
(4) On an application for judicial review the court may award damages to
the applicant if–
(a) he has joined with his application a claim for damages arising
from any matter to which the application relates; and
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(b) the court is satisfied that, if the claim had been made in an
action begun by the applicant at the time of making his
application, he would have been awarded damages.
(5) If, on an application for judicial review seeking an order of certiorari, the
court quashes the decision to which the application relates, the court may
remit the matter to the court, tribunal or authority concerned, with a
direction to reconsider it and reach a decision in accordance with the
findings of the court.
(6) Where the court considers that there has been undue delay in making an
application for judicial review, the court may refuse to grant-
(a) leave for the making of the application; and
(b) any relief sought on the application,
if it considers that the granting of the relief sought would be likely to
cause substantial hardship to, or substantially prejudice the rights of, any
person or would be detrimental to good administration.
(7) Subsection (6) is without prejudice to any enactment or rule of court
which has the effect of limiting the time within which an application for
judicial review may be made.
Summary power to punish contempt.
18.(1) If any Person–
(a) being served with a subpoena to attend the court as a witness in
accordance with rules of court refuses or neglects to attend the
court pursuant to such subpoena; or
(b) being present in court and required to give evidence refuses to
be sworn or to give evidence; or
(c) assaults or obstructs an officer of the court while in the
execution of his duty; or
(d) commits any contempt before the court,
it shall be lawful for the court to punish such person in a summary way by a
fine of £50, or by commitment to prison for two months, if the court shall
think that the contempt is one which may be disposed of without having
recourse to its more formal and extensive jurisdiction:
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Provided that nothing herein contained shall affect or abridge the right of
any plaintiff or defendant to proceed against any party for not appearing
pursuant to his subpoena for the recovery of any special damage such
plaintiff or defendant may have sustained by reason of the disobedience of
any such party:
Provided also that no person having been served with a subpoena shall be
so punished for refusing or neglecting to attend the court unless there has
been paid or tendered to him at the time of the service of the subpoena such
sum in respect of his expenses (including in such cases as may be prescribed
compensation for loss of time) as may be prescribed by rules of court.
(2) Payment of any fine imposed by the court under this section may be
enforced upon the order of the court-
(a) in like manner as payment of any debt adjudged by the court to
be paid may be enforced under this Act; or
(b) in like manner as payment of a sum adjudged to be paid on
summary conviction may be enforced under the Criminal
Procedure Act.
(3) The court may in its discretion direct that the whole or any part of
any such fine, after deducting the costs, shall be applicable towards
indemnifying the party injured by the refusal or neglect.
PART III
TRIAL BY JURY
Qualification for jury service.
19A.(1) Subject to this Part, a person is qualified to serve as a juror in the
Supreme Court and is liable to be included on the jury list if he is not less
than 18 nor more than 65 years of age and
(a) he is eligible for registration as an elector under the Parliament
Act; or
(b) he has been ordinarily resident in Gibraltar for a continuous
period of at least 5 years before the jury list is drawn up.
(2) A person must not be included on the jury list if–
(a) he is mentally disabled and by reason of his disability cannot
reasonably be expected to perform the duties of a juror;
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(b) he does not have an adequate knowledge of English to perform
the duties of a juror;
(c) he is disqualified for jury service by virtue of subsection (5); or
(d) he is ineligible for jury service by virtue of subsection (6).
(3) Subject to subsection (2), a person aged 66 or more butwho has not
reached the age of 71 may volunteer for service as a juror, and may apply to
the Registrar to be included among persons liable for jury service, and the
Registrar if satisfied that the person
(a) is eligible for registration as an elector in accordance with
section 3 of the Parliament Act; or
(b) has been ordinarily resident in Gibraltar for a continuous period
of at least 5 years before the jury list is drawn up,
must include his or her name on the jury list accordingly.
(4) In subsection (2) “mentally disabled” has the meaning given to that
term by Part I of Schedule 2.
(5) The persons who are disqualified for jury service are those listed in
Part II of Schedule 2.
(6) The persons who are ineligible for jury service due to their profession
being listed in Part I of Schedule 3.
Jury list.
19B.(1) The Registrar must
(a) before the first Sunday in September in each alternate year
make a list in the prescribed form of all persons qualified and
liable to serve as jurors;
(b) cause a copy of the list to be published at such time and place
as the Chief Justice may direct;
(c) attach to each such copy a notice stating that all objections to
the list will be heard by the magistrates’ court at a time and
place stated in it, being not less than 15 nor more than 21 days
from the date of publication of the notice.
(2) At the time and place so stated, there must be a sitting of the
magistrates’ court for the revision of the jury list at which, upon any
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evidence adduced before it or of its own knowledge, information and belief,
the court may
(a) strike out from the list the name of any person included in it
who is not qualified or liable to serve; or
(b) add to the list the name of any person who is qualified and
claims the right to serve as a juror.
(3) Any person may appear before the magistrates’ court at the revision of
the list either personally or by counsel and claim that he is or is not liable to
serve as a juror.
(4) The list when revised
(a) must be certified by the clerk of the magistrates’ court and
delivered to the Registrar;
(b) comes into force from the 1st day of October next after it is
certified; and
(c) remains in force for 2 years.
(5) Every person whose name is included in the jury list as revised by the
magistrates’ court shall, subject to the provisions of this Part, be liable to
serve as a juror notwithstanding that he may have been entitled by reason of
some disqualification or exemption to claim that he ought not to be in the
jury list.
Service of summons.
19C.(1) A summons to serve as a juror must be in the prescribed form and
served by the Registrar at least 6 clear days before the day appointed for the
sitting of the court
(a) by delivering it to the person to be summoned or, if he is not
present, by leaving it at his usual place of abode or place of
business; or
(b) by sending it by registered post addressed to him at his usual
place of abode or place of business.
(2) No person may be summoned to serve on any jury or inquest more than
once in any period of two years, unless all the jurors on the list have been
already summoned to serve during the year.
(3) A written summons sent or delivered to any person under subsection
(1) must be accompanied by a notice informing him
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(a) of how many days he is expected to attend court;
(b) of the effect of sections 19E, 19F, 19G, 19H, 19I, 22E and 22F;
and
(c) that he may make representations to the Registrar with a view
to obtaining the withdrawal of the summons, if for any reason
he is no longer qualified for jury service, or wishes or is
entitled to be excused.
(4) If a person is summoned under this section, the Registrar may at any
time put or cause to be put to him such questions as the Registrar thinks fit
in order to establish whether or not the person is qualified for jury service.
(5) A certificate signed by the Registrar stating that a written summons
was duly served in accordance with subsection (1) is admissible as evidence
in any proceedings, without proof of the Registrar’s signature or official
character.
Withdrawal or alteration of summons.
19D. If it appears to the Registrar, at any time before the day on which any
person summoned under section 19C is first to attend, that his attendance is
unnecessary, or can be dispensed with on any particular day or days, the
Registrar may withdraw or alter the summons by notice served in the same
way as a notice of summons.
Attendance and service.
19E.(1) Subject to subsection (2), a person summoned under section 19C
(a) must attend the Supreme Court for the number of days directed
by the summons or by the Registrar; and
(b) is liable to serve on any jury.
(2) No more than
(a) one person from each household;
(b) 3 persons employed as registered nurses in Gibraltar;
(c) 3 persons employed as teachers in Gibraltar (including no more
than 1 teacher from a particular school);
(d) 3 members of the City Fire Brigade;
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may be summoned to serve as a juror at the same time.
Excusal for previous jury service.
19F.(1) If a person summoned under section 19C shows to the satisfaction
of the Registrar, or of the court
(a) that he has served on a jury, or duly attended to serve on a jury,
in the 2 years ending with the service of the summons on him;
or
(b) that the court has excused him from jury service for a period
which has not terminated,
the Registrar or court must excuse him from attending, or further attending,
pursuant to the summons.
(2) Records of persons summoned under section 19C must be kept in the
manner the Registrar determines, and the Registrar may, if he thinks fit,
make arrangements for allowing inspection of the records by members of
the public in such circumstances and subject to such conditions as he
determines.
(3) A person duly attending in compliance with a summons under this Part
is entitled on application to the Registrar to a certificate recording that he
has so attended.
Excusal for certain persons.
19G.(1) If a person summoned under section 19C
(a) shows to the satisfaction of the Registrar or the court that he is
among the persons listed in Part II of Schedule 3; and
(b) states that he wishes to be excused from jury service,
the Registrar or court, as the case may be, must excuse him from such
service and, if applicable, from attending the Supreme Court in relation to
such summons.
(2) An application to the Registrar for excusal under this section must be
made in person and at least one clear day before the day appointed for the
sitting of the court.
Discretionary excusal.
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19H.(1) If a person summoned under section 19C shows to the satisfaction
of the Registrar or the court that there is good reason why he should be
excused from attending pursuant to the summons, the Registrar or court, as
the case may be, may excuse him from so attending.
(2) An application to the Registrar for excusal under this section must be
made in person and at least one clear day before the day appointed for the
sitting of the court.
(3) Without affecting other provisions of this section or section 19G, the
court before which a person is summoned to attend under this Part may
excuse that person from so attending.
Discretionary deferral.
19I.(1) If a person summoned under section 19C shows to the satisfaction
of the Registrar that there is good reason why his attendance pursuant to the
summons should be deferred, the Registrar may defer his attendance, and, if
he does so, must vary the days on which that person is summoned to attend
and the summons has effect accordingly.
(2) If an application under subsection (1) has been granted or refused, the
powers conferred by that subsection may not be exercised subsequently in
relation to the same summons.
Discharge of summons in case of doubt as to capacity.
19J. If at any time it appears to the Registrar or the court, in the case of a
person attending pursuant to a summons under this Part, that on account of
the person’sinsufficient understanding of English there is doubt as to his
capacity to act effectively as a juror, even if the person is on the jury list, the
Registrar or court, as the case may be, must determine whether or not he
should act as a juror and, if not, must discharge the summons.
Number of jurors.
20A.(1) The jury must consist of 9 persons except for the trial of a person
arraigned on an indictment for murder when the jury must consist of 12
persons.
(2) If it appears to the court that the duration of the trial may exceed 4
weeks, the court may order that no more than 3 persons (in this Part referred
to as “additional jurors”) are to be chosen in accordance with the provisions
of section 20B in addition to the number of jurors specified in subsection
(1).
(3) The provisions of section 21C apply in respect of any person chosen as
an additional juror.
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(4) This section does not affect the operation of the system of lay assessors
provided for in Part IIIA.
Choosing the jury.
20B.(1) The jury is to be chosen from among the number of persons
summoned to attend by ballot in open court, until the required number of
jurors, including the number of any additional jurors ordered by the court
under section 20A(2) appear and, after all just causes of challenge have been
allowed, remain as fair and indifferent.
(2) The same procedure is to be followed whenever it is necessary to form
a new jury.
(3) The power of summoning jurors under section 19C may be exercised
after balloting has begun, as well as earlier, and if exercised after balloting
has begun the court may dispense with balloting for persons summoned
under that section.
(4) If a case is brought on for trial during the time that a jury in any other
case is deliberating, a new jury may be drawn.
(5) No more than one teacher, one member of the City Fire Brigade and
one registered nurse may be chosen to be included in a jury to try a
particular issue.
Summoning in exceptional circumstances.
20C. If it appears to the court that a jury to try any issue before the court
will be, or probably will be, incomplete, the court may require any persons
who are in, or in the vicinity of, the court, to be summoned (without any
written notice) for jury service up to the number needed (after allowing for
any who are not qualified under section 19A, and for excusals and
challenges) to make up a full jury.
Challenge.
20D.(1) In proceedings for the trial of any person for an offence on
indictment
(a) that person may challenge all or any of the jurors for cause; and
(b) any challenge for cause must be tried by the judge before
whom that person is to be tried.
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(2) A challenge to a juror in any court must be made after his name has
been drawn by ballot (unless the court, pursuant to section 20B(3) has
dispensed with balloting for him) and before he is sworn.
(3) The fact that a person summoned to serve on a jury is not qualified to
serve is a ground of challenge for cause; but subject to that, and to the other
provisions of this section, nothing in this Part affects the law relating to
challenge of jurors.
(4) This section does not affect the right of challenge to the array, that is to
say the right of challenge on the ground that the person responsible for
summoning the jurors in question is biased or has acted improperly.
Jury may try several issues.
20E.(1) If no objection is made by either party the court may
(a) try any issue with the same jury that has previously tried or
been drawn to try a previous issue; or
(b) order the name of any person on such jury whom both parties
consent to withdraw or who is justly challenged, or whom the
court excuses, to be set aside, and another person to be chosen
by lot.
(2) If one or more additional jurors have been chosen, the court may
appoint an additional juror to be a member of the jury, subject to the powers
of the court contained in this section, and only when no additional juror is
available may another person be chosen by ballot.
Swearing of juror.
21A.(1) A juror must be sworn immediately after he has been chosen.
(2) No more than one member of a jury to try an issue in a court may be
sworn at a time.
Appointment of foreman.
21B.(1) When the jurors have been sworn, they must appoint one of their
number to be foreman.
(2) If a majority of the jurors do not agree in the appointment of a foreman
within a time the court considers reasonable, the court must appoint a
foreman.
(3) The functions of the foreman are–
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(a) to preside during the deliberations of the jury;
(b) to ask any information from the court that is required by the
jury or any of the jurors;
(c) to announce the verdict of the jury.
Continuation of trial on death or discharge of juror.
21C.(1) If one or more additional jurors have been chosen, such a person is
to be treated as and has the obligations of a juror for the period of the trial
up to the time that either–
(a) he is appointed as a juror by reason of subsection (3)(a); or
(b) the jury consider their verdict, at which time the court must
discharge any additional juror in respect of the trial.
(2) If the court discharges an additional juror under subsection (1)(b), it
may require the person to attend the court as an additional juror if the same
jury tries another issue.
(3) If in the course of a trial a juror dies or is discharged by the court,
whether as being through illness incapable of continuing to act or for any
other reason, then–
(a) if one or more additional jurors has been chosen, the court must
appoint such person or persons, selected in the order in which
additional jurors were chosen, as juror in place of a juror who
has died or was discharged; or
(b) if no additional juror has been chosen, or any additional juror
chosen has been appointed juror or is not otherwise available to
be appointed juror, but the number of the members of the jury
is not reduced below 7,
the jury is for all the purposes of the trial properly constituted, and the trial
must proceed and a verdict may be given accordingly.
(4) On a trial for murder, subsection (3)(b) does not apply on the death or
discharge of a juror unless–
(a) assent to its applying is given in writing by or on behalf of both
the prosecution and the defendant, or each of the defendants;
and
(b) in any event the number of jurors is not reduced below 10.
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Discharge of jury: General power.
21D.(1) Without affecting section 21C, the judge may at any time discharge
a jury and order a retrial if he thinks fit to do so.
(2) If the reason for the discharge is because jury tampering appears to
have taken place, section 21E applies.
Discharge of jury for jury tampering.
21E.(1) If a judge is minded during a trial on indictment to discharge the
jury because jury tampering appears to have taken place, then before taking
any steps to discharge the jury, the judge must–
(a) inform the parties that he is minded to discharge the jury;
(b) inform the parties of the grounds on which he is so minded;
and
(c) allow the parties an opportunity to make representations.
(2) If the judge, after considering any such representations, discharges the
jury, he may, subject to subsection (4), order that the trial is to continue
without a jury if he is satisfied that
(a) jury tampering has taken place; and
(b) to continue the trial without a jury would be fair to the
defendant or defendants.
(3) If the judge considers that it is necessary in the interests of justice for
the trial to be terminated, he must terminate the trial.
(4) If a trial is continued without a jury, the court has all the powers,
authorities and jurisdiction which the court would have had if the trial had
been continued with a jury (including power to determine any question and
to make any finding which would be required to be determined or made by a
jury).
(5) Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference in an enactment to
a jury, the verdict of a jury or the finding of a jury is to be read, in relation to
a trial continued without a jury, as a reference to the court, the verdict of the
court or the finding of the court.
(6) If a trial is continued without a jury and the court convicts a
defendant–
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(a) the court must give a judgment which states the reasons for the
conviction at, or as soon as reasonably practicable after, the
time of the conviction; and
(b) for purposes of an appeal (or any other purpose) the date of the
conviction is to be read as a reference to the date of that
judgment.
(7) This section does not affect section 256 of the Criminal Procedure Act.
Delivery of verdicts.
21F.(1) Every verdict in a criminal case must be delivered orally in open
court by the foreman of the jury, and must thereupon be recorded and read
over to the jury before they are discharged.
(2) In every case the foreman must announce the number of jurors who
agreed on the verdict and the number who dissented.
Majority verdicts.
21G.(1) If a person is arraigned on indictment for murder, the court must
not accept any verdict of the jury unless it is unanimous.
(2) In any other criminal case, the court may accept a verdict upon which
at least 7 of the jurors are agreed, subject to subsections (3) and (4).
(3) The court may only accept a majority verdict if the jury are unable to
reach a unanimous verdict after deliberating for a time the court considers
reasonable having regard to the nature and complexity of the case, not being
less than 2 hours from the conclusion of the summing-up.
(4) The court must not accept a verdict of guilty by virtue of subsection (2)
unless the foreman of the jury has stated in open court the number of jurors
who respectively agreed to and dissented from the verdict.
(5) The verdict of a majority of the jurors accepted by the court under this
section is as good and valid in all respects as a unanimous verdict.
Jury unable to reach verdict.
21H.(1) If in any case the court is satisfied that there is no reasonable
prospect of the jury agreeing upon a verdict which the court can accept, the
court must, subject to subsection (2), discharge the jury and either–
(a) cause a new jury to be at once impanelled and sworn and
charged with the case; or
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(b) adjourn the proceedings to a date the court thinks fit.
(2) A jury must not be discharged before it has deliberated for at least 3
hours after the conclusion of the summing-up.
(3) A trial with a new jury must proceed de novo as if the first jury had not
been impanelled.
Stay or reversal of judgment.
21I.(1) No judgment after verdict in any trial by jury in any court may be
stayed or reversed by reason that–
(a) the provisions of this Part about the summoning or impanelling
of jurors, or the selection of jurors by ballot, have not been
complied with;
(b) a juror was not qualified in accordance with section 19A;
(c) any juror was wrongly named or described; or
(d) any juror was unfit to serve.
(2) Subsection (1)(a) does not apply to any irregularity if objection is taken
at, or as soon as practicable after, the time it occurs, and the irregularity is
not corrected.
(3) Nothing in subsection (1) applies to any objection to a verdict on the
ground of personation.
Views.
22A.(1) The Chief Justice may by rules of court make provision for viewing
of sites by jurors.
(2) The places that a juror may be called on to view are not restricted to
any particular locality.
Separation.
22B. If, on the trial of any person for an offence on indictment, the court
thinks fit, it may at any time (either before or after the jury have been
directed to consider their verdict) permit the jury to separate.
Documents produced as exhibits.
22C.(1) This section applies if on a trial before a judge and jury for an
offence
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(a) a statement made in a document is admitted in evidence; and
(b) the document or a copy of it is produced as an exhibit.
(2) The exhibit must not accompany the jury when they retire to consider
their verdict unless–
(a) the court considers it appropriate; or
(b) all the parties to the proceedings agree that it should
accompany the jury.
Refreshment.
22D. Jurors, after being sworn, may, in the discretion of the court, be
allowed reasonable refreshment at the court’s expense.
Payment for jury service.
22E.(1) Subject to this section, a person who serves as a juror is entitled, in
respect of his attendance at court for the purpose of performing jury service,
to receive payment, at rates determined from time to time by the Minister,
by way of allowances for–
(a) travelling and subsistence; and
(b) any loss of earnings which he would otherwise have made or
received.
(2) The Registrar must determine the actual amounts payable to persons
under subsection (1) and the manner of making those payments, and all such
payments are to be made out of the Consolidated Fund.
(3) For the purpose of subsection (1) a person who, in obedience to a
summons to serve on a jury, attends for service as a juror is deemed to serve
as a juror even if he is not subsequently sworn.
Offences and penalties.
22F.(1) Subject to subsections (2) to (4), a person who–
(a) when duly summoned under section 19C fails to attend (on the
first or on any subsequent day on which he is required to attend
by the summons or by the Registrar) in compliance with the
summons; or
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(b) after attending pursuant to a summons, is not available when
called on to serve as a juror, or is unfit for service by reason of
drink or drugs,
commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine at level 3
on the standard scale.
(2) Subsection (1)(a) does not apply to a person summoned otherwise than
under section 20C, unless the summons was duly served on him not later
than 6 days before the date fixed by the summons for his first attendance.
(3) A person does not commit an offence under subsection (1) if he can
show some reasonable cause for his failure to comply with the summons, or
for not being available when called on to serve.
(4) This section has effect subject to the provisions of this Part about the
withdrawal or alteration of a summons and about the granting of any excusal
or deferral.
(5) A person who–
(a) having been summoned under section 19C makes, or causes or
permits to be made on his behalf, any false representation to the
Registrar with the intention of evading jury service;
(b) makes or causes to be made on behalf of another person who
has been so summoned any false representation to that officer
with the intention of enabling the other to evade jury service;
(c) when any question is put to him pursuant to section 19C(4),
refuses without reasonable excuse to answer, or gives an
answer which he knows to be false in a material particular, or
recklessly gives an answer which is false in a material
particular;
(d) knowing that he is not qualified for jury service under Part I of
Schedule 2 serves on a jury; or
(e) knowing that he is disqualified from jury service
under Part II of Schedule 2, serves on a jury,
commits an offence.
(6) A person who commits an offence under subsection (5) is liable on
summary conviction–
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(a) in the case of an offence of serving on a jury when disqualified
- to a fine at level 5 on the standard scale;
(b) in any other case – to a fine at level 3 on the standard scale.
Application of Part III to civil actions.
22G. Subject to sections 22H and 22I, the provisions of this Part apply so far
as they are appropriate, mutatis mutandis, to juries summoned for the trial of
any civil action.
Jurors may be required to stand by.
22H.(1) Subject to subsection (2) in any civil action, it shall be lawful for
the court, if it thinks it fit to do so, at the request of either party, to order any
juror to stand by.
(2) When the panel is exhausted, the names of all those who have been
ordered to stand by must be called over again and may not be objected to by
either party except for cause.
Verdicts in civil actions.
22I. In any civil action tried by the court with a jury, the verdict of the jury
need not be unanimous and the court may–
(a) accept a verdict upon which at least 7 jurors are agreed, if the
jury are unable to reach an unanimous verdict after deliberation
for such time as the court may consider reasonable, not being
less than two hours from the conclusion of the summing-up;
(b) with the consent of all parties to the case, and after the jury
have deliberated for such time as the court may consider
reasonable not being less than three hours, accept the verdict of
a simple majority of the jurors.
PART IIIA
TRIAL WITH LAY ASSESSORS
27A.(1) If–
(a) one or more defendants are to be tried on an indictment which
includes one or more financial offences as defined in Schedule
4 to this Act (whether or not any one or more of the defendants
is also charged with an offence or offences which are not
financial offences);
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(b) in the opinion of the Attorney-General the evidence of the
offence charged–
(i) would be sufficient for the person charged to be
committed for trial; and
(ii) reveals a case of afinancial offence of such complexity
that it is appropriate that the management of the case
should without delay be taken over by the Supreme
Court;
(c) before the magistrates’ court begins to inquire into the case as
examining magistrates the Attorney-General gives the court a
notice certifying that opinion;
(d) the Attorney-General informs the magistrates’ court that he
intends to make an application under section 27B(1) that the
case be conducted with lay assessors; and
(e) the Attorney-General informs the magistrates’ court that at the
time of giving the notice under paragraph (c) there are at least
10 names on the lay assessors list,
the magistrates’ court must, subject to subsection (2), proceed immediately
tocommit the case for trial in accordance with section 132 of the Criminal
Procedure Act.
(2) Paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 132(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act
do not apply to cases where the Attorney-General has given the court a
notice under this section.
Application by prosecution for case to be conducted with lay assessors.
27B.(1) If–
(a) one or more defendants are to be tried on indictment which
includes one or more financial offences as defined in Schedule
4 to this Act (whether or not the bill of indictment includes
offences which are not financial offences); and
(b) notice has been given under section 27A in respect of that
offence or those offences,
the prosecution may apply to a judge for the trial to be conducted with lay
assessors instead of a jury.
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(2) If an application under subsection (1) is made and the judge is satisfied
that the condition in subsection (3) is fulfilled, he may make an order that
the trial is to be conducted with lay assessors; but if he is not so satisfied he
must refuse the application.
(3) The condition is that the complexity of the offence or the probable
length of the trial (or both) is likely to make the trial so burdensome to the
members of a jury hearing it that the interests of justice require that the trial
should be conducted with lay assessors instead of a jury.
(4) In deciding whether or not the condition in subsection (3) is fulfilled,
the judge must have regard to any steps which might reasonably be taken to
reduce the complexity or length of the trial.
(5) A step is not to be regarded as reasonable for the purposes of
subsection (4) if it would significantly disadvantage the prosecution.
Procedure for applications under section 27B.
27C.(1) An application under section 27B must be determined at a
preliminary hearing in the Supreme Court.
(2) The parties to the preliminary hearing must be given an opportunity to
make representations with respect to the application.
(3) The Chief Justice may make rules of court regulating the procedure to
be followed prior to and at a preliminary hearing pursuant to this section.
Effect of an order for trial with lay assessors.
27D.(1) If a judge refuses an order under section 27B for the trial to be with
lay assessors, the trial must proceed as a jury trial in accordance with Part
III.
(2) If a judge makes an order under section 27B for the trial to be with lay
assessors, the trial to which the order relates is to be conducted with lay
assessors, or, if there are insufficient lay assessors available, by a judge
alone without a jury.
(3) If a trial is conducted with lay assessors, or by a judge alone, the court
has all the powers, authorities and jurisdiction which it would have if the
trial were conducted with a jury (including power to determine any question
and to make any finding which would be required to be determined or made
by a jury).
(4) Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference in an enactment to
a jury, the verdict of a jury or the finding of a jury is to be read, in relation to
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a trial conducted with lay assessors or by a judge alone, as a reference to the
court, the verdict of the court or the finding of the court.
(5) If a trial is conducted with lay assessors or by a judge alone and the
court convicts a defendant–
(a) the court must give a judgment which states the reasons for the
conviction at, or as soon as reasonably practicable after, the
time of the conviction, and
(b) a reference to a date of conviction in any enactment is to be
read as a reference to the date of the judgment mentioned in
paragraph (a).
Lay assessors list.
27E.(1) The Registrar must
(a) make a list in the prescribed form of all persons who have
volunteered and who are qualified to serve as lay assessors;
(b) cause a copy of the list to be published at such time and at such
place as the Chief Justice directs.
(2) Any person aged not less than 18 or more than 72 may volunteer for
service as a lay assessor, and may apply to the Registrar to be included on
the lay assessors list, and the Registrar if satisfied that the person has the
necessary qualifications for a lay assessor, must include his or her name on
the lay assessor list accordingly.
(3) A person is qualified for inclusion on the lay assessors list if he–
(a) is qualified to be a juror under Part III;
(b) is approved by the Judicial Services Commission (in this part
referred to as“the Commission”) as a person with relevant
experience, qualifications and background to serve as a lay
assessor in a trial of a complex financial offence; and
(c) is able to devote adequate time to the hearing of such a trial.
Provided that a person shall not be disqualified from inclusion on the lay
assessors list if the reason for his disqualification from being a juror is his
age or his being a justice of the peace.
(4) The procedure for approval by the Commission is as set out in section
27F.
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(5) The provisions of section 19B relating to the publication, certifying
and revision of the jury list do not apply to the lay assessors list.
Procedure for approval as a lay assessor.
27F.(1) A person who wishes to be approved as a lay assessor must apply to
the Registrar in writing and provide relevant supporting documents.
(2) The Registrar must refer the application to the Commission as soon as
practicable after receipt of the application.
(3) The Commission may make any enquiries it considers appropriate as to
the experience and qualification of the applicant, including interviewing the
applicant and any other person who may have relevant information.
(4) The Commission, upon reaching a decision, must notify its decision in
writing to the applicant and to the Registrar.
(5) Members of the Commission are not eligible to serve as lay assessors.
Inclusion on the lay assessors list.
27G.(1) A person who is on the lay assessors list may at any time, by
writing to the Registrar, resign from the list, but not after having been called
for service in a trial as a lay assessor until notified that his services are no
longer required or until the conclusion of the trial, whichever is the later.
(2) Inclusion on the lay assessors list does not affect a person’s liability to
jury service as provided by Part III.
(3) A person who ceases to be qualified for jury service (other than by
virtue of his age or his being a justice of the peace) ceases by virtue of that
fact to included on the lay assessors list.
(4) The lay assessors list must be reviewed at the end of 2 years from first
publication and every 2 years thereafter.
(5) A person on the lay assessors list at the time of a review who is still
qualified to serve is deemed to apply for renewal of the approval unless he
notifies the Registrar in writing that he does not seek renewal of approval.
Service of summons.
27H.(1) If the Registrar receives notice that the prosecution intends to apply
for a case to be tried with lay assessors instead of a jury, he must give
written notice to all the persons on the lay assessors list to stand by for
attendance at court if the application is approved.
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(2) If the application is approved, the trial must be adjourned for a
sufficient period to enable the Registrar to summon the lay assessors for
attendance at court.
(3) No two spouses may be summoned to serve as lay assessors for the
same trial.
Attendance and excusal.
27I.(1) Sections 19E, 19F and 19H apply in respect of attendance by and
excusing of persons summoned as lay assessors as they apply to persons
summoned as jurors, except that in section 19F(1)(a) the reference to 2 years
is to be read as a reference to 4 years.
(2) For the purpose of those sections, service as a lay assessor counts as
jury service.
Number of lay assessors.
27J.(1) In a trial with lay assessors, there must be 2 lay assessors for the
whole of the trial unless one of the assessors dies or becomes medically
unfit to perform the duties of a lay assessor (as certified in writing by a
medical practitioner), in which case the trial may continue with one lay
assessor.
(2) If both lay assessors die or become unfit as mentioned in subsection
(1), the trial may continue with the judge alone as the arbiter of fact as well
as of law.
Selection of lay assessors.
27K.(1) The lay assessors are to be chosen from among the number of
persons summoned to attend as lay assessors by ballot in open court, until 2
lay assessors, after all just causes of challenge have been allowed, remain as
fair and indifferent.
(2) If it appears to the court that there are not 2 lay assessors to try the
case, the court may proceed to try the case with one lay assessor.
(3) If it appears to the court that there is not one lay assessor to try the
case, the judge may proceed to try the case alone as arbiter of fact as well as
of law.
(4) Each lay assessor must be sworn as soon as he is chosen.
Challenge to lay assessors.
27L.(1) In proceedings for the trial of any person under this Part–
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(a) that person may challenge all or any of the lay assessors for
cause; and
(b) any challenge for cause must be tried by the judge before
whom the person is to be tried.
(2) A challenge to a lay assessor must be made after his name has been
drawn by ballot and before he is sworn.
(3) The fact that a person summoned to serve as a lay assessor is not
qualified to serve is a ground of challenge for cause.
(4) There is no right–
(a) of peremptory challenge of a lay assessor;
(b) of challenge on the ground that the person responsible for
summoning the lay assessors is biased or has acted improperly.
Discharge of assessors.
27M.(1) The judge may at any time discharge the assessors and order a
retrial if he thinks fit to do so.
(2) If the judge is minded during a trial with lay assessors to discharge the
assessors because they appear or either of them appears to have been the
subject of improper influence by or on behalf of the defendant, then before
taking any steps to discharge the assessors the judge must–
(a) inform the parties that he is minded to discharge the assessors;
(b) inform the parties of the grounds on which he is so minded;
and
(c) allow the parties an opportunity to make representations.
(3) If the judge, after considering any such representations, discharges the
assessors, he may, subject to subsection (4), order that the trial is to continue
without a jury if he is satisfied that–
(a) improper influence has been brought; and
(b) to continue the trial without assessors would be fair to the
defendant or defendants.
(4) If the judge considers that it is necessary in the interests of justice for
the trial to be terminated, he must terminate the trial.
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Commencing or continuing trial without assessors.
27N.(1) If a trial is commenced or continued without assessors, the court
has all the powers, authorities and jurisdiction which the court would have
had if the trial had been continued with assessors (including power to
determine any question and to make any finding which would be required to
be determined or made by assessors).
(2) Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference in an enactment to
a jury, the verdict of a jury or the finding of a jury is to be read, in relation to
a trial commenced or continued without a jury, as a reference to the court,
the verdict of the court or the finding of the court.
(3) If a trial is commenced or continued without assessors and the court
convicts a defendant–
(a) the court must give a judgment which states the reasons for the
conviction at, or as soon as reasonably practicable after, the
time of the conviction; and
(b) for purposes of an appeal (or any other purpose) the date of the
conviction is to be read as a reference to the date of that
judgment.
Role of lay assessors.
27O.(1) In a trial with lay assessors, the assessors and the judge together
decide issues of fact and arrive at a verdict on the defendant.
(2) The lay assessors do not need to retire when points of law are being
argued in the case, but do not take any part in the decision on such points.
(3) The lay assessors may ask questions of witnesses and may take notes.
(4) Section 22A applies to views by lay assessors as it applies to view by
jurors.
(5) Section 22C does not apply to documents in trial with lay assessors,
but all documents may be taken with them when they retire.
(6) At the conclusion of the evidence and before final speeches by counsel,
the judge must direct the lay assessors in open court as to the admissible
evidence and as to the law applicable in the case.
(7) After the judge’s direction, counsel for the prosecution and counsel for
the defence may in turn address the court.
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(8) The lay assessors retire with the judge to consider the verdict, but if the
lay assessors ask any questions which require a ruling on law by the judge,
the judge must announce the question and his ruling in open court.
Verdict in trial with lay assessors.
27P.(1) The verdict in a case tried with lay assessors is the verdict of the
judge and assessors (the “members of the court”) and must be delivered
orally in open court by the judge.
(2) In every case each member of the court must announce the verdict that
he has reached, without stating his reasons for it.
(3) The judge–
(a) may accept a verdict upon which at least 2 of the members of
the court agree; or
(b) if there is only one lay assessor - may only accept a verdict on
which he and that assessor agree.
(4) The verdict of a majority of the members of the court (or of the 2
remaining members) announced by the judge under this section is as good
and valid in all respects as a unanimous verdict.
(5) When announcing the verdict of the court, the judge must state the
facts and the matters of law which were relied on in reaching the verdict,
and if the verdict was by a majority, must indicate the nature of the
difference of opinion.
Judgment in trial by judge alone.
27Q.(1) The order of speeches in a trial commenced or continued by judge
alone is as in section 27O.
(2) The verdict in a case tried or continued by the judge alone must be
delivered orally in open court by the judge, who must state his findings of
fact and ruling on matters of law.
Stay or reversal of judgment.
27R.(1) No judgment after verdict in a trial by lay assessors in any court
may be stayed or reversed by reason that–
(a) the provisions of this Part about the summoning or impanelling
of lay assessors, or the selection of assessors by ballot, have not
been complied with;
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(b) a lay assessor was not qualified in accordance with section
27E(3);
(c) any lay assessor was wrongly named or described; or
(d) any lay assessor was unfit to serve.
(2) Subsection (1)(a) does not apply to any irregularity if objection is taken
at, or as soon as practicable after, the time it occurs, and the irregularity is
not corrected.
(3) Nothing in subsection (1) applies to any objection to a verdict on the
ground of personation.
Refreshment and payment.
27S.(1) Lay assessors, after being sworn and for the duration of the case,
are entitled to reasonable refreshment during sittings of the court at the
court’s expense.
(2) The provisions of section 22E as to payment of jurors apply equally to
lay assessors.
Offences by lay assessors.
27T.(1) Subject to subsection (2), a person who–
(a) when duly summoned under this Part fails to attend (on the first
or on any subsequent day on which he is required to attend by
the summons or by the Registrar) in compliance with the
summons; or
(b) after attending pursuant to a summons, is not available when
called on to serve as a lay assessor, or is unfit for service by
reason of drink or drugs,
commits an offence.
(2) A person does not commit an offence under subsection (1) if he can
show some reasonable cause for his failure to comply with the summons, or
for not being available when called on to serve.
(3) A person who knowing that he is not qualified as a lay assessor serves
as an assessor, commits an offence.
(4) A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) or (3) is liable
on summary conviction to the statutory maximum fine.
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Rules of court.
27U.(1) The Chief Justice may by rules of court make such provision as
appears to him necessary or expedient for the purposes of this Part.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), rules of court may in particular make
provision for time limits within which applications under this Part must be
made or within which other things in connection with this Part must be
done.
(3) Nothing in this section limits any other enactment conferring powers to
make rules of court, including section 27C(3).
Amendment of Schedule 4.
27V. The Minister may, after consultation with the Chief Justice, by order
amend Schedule 4.
PART IV.
BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS.
Interpretation of Part IV
27W.(1) The following definitions apply for the purposes of this Part.
(2) Completion of an “approved academic course in Gibraltar Law”
means attending and passing the examinations and assessments included in a
course in Gibraltar law which–
(a) is taught and examined at an approved institution;
(b) is taught over the course of one full academic year and consists
of a minimum of 48 hours’ tuition; and
(c) covers such areas of Gibraltar law as the Minister with
responsibility for justice, in consultation with the Chief Justice,
deems appropriate.
(3) An “approved establishment” means a set of barristers’ chambers or a
solicitor’s office approved by the Chief Justice as an establishment where
the practical training requirement may be undertaken.
(4) An “approved institution” means the University of Gibraltar or such
other institution as the Minister with responsibility for justice, in
consultation with the Chief Justice, designates.
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(5) “Legal services” means the giving of legal advice and the preparation
of documents having, or intended to have, legal effect.
(6) The “practical training requirement” means a period of no less than 12
months’ employment at an approved establishment during which time
training is undertaken in at least three of the following areas of practice–
(a) Commercial Law;
(b) Property Law;
(c) Litigation;
(d) Private Client.
(7) The training undertaken in each area of practice in accordance with
subsection (6) shall be for a period of not less than three months.
(8) A “professional skills course” means a course undertaken at an
approved institution in such form and covering such subjects and skills as
shall be specified by the Minister with responsibility for justice in
consultation with the Chief Justice (including Financial and Business Skills,
Advocacy and Communication Skills and Client Care and Professional
Standards).
(9) In this Part–
(a) a reference to the examinations and assessments included in
any course validated by the Bar Council for call to the Bar of
England and Wales by any one of the Inns of Court in England
includes the examinations formerly set by the Council of Legal
Education for that purpose;
(b) a reference to the examinations and assessments included in
any course validated by the Law Society of England and Wales
for admission as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of England
and Wales includes the examinations formerly set by the Law
Society of England and Wales for that purpose.
Practical training requirement
27X.(1) The Chief Justice may approve an establishment for the purposes
of the provision of the practical training requirement only if he is satisfied,
following an application by the establishment, that it–
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(a) is a set of barristers’ chambers or a solicitor’s office providing
legal services and engaged predominantly in matters of
Gibraltar law;
(b) is able, in accordance with subsections (6) and (7) of section
27W, to provide adequate training for a period of 12 months in
at least three of the following subjects–
(i) Commercial Law;
(ii) Property Law;
(iii) Litigation;
(iv) Private Client;
(c) comprises of at least three barristers or solicitors admitted
under this Act of whom–
(i) one must be of no fewer than 10 years’ standing; and (ii) the other two must be of no fewer than 7 years’ standing.
(2) The Chief Justice may issue rules or guidance consisting of such
requirements, information and advice as he considers appropriate–
(a) with respect to the provision by approved establishments of the
practical training requirement;
(b) setting out minimum standards required for the successful
completion of the practical training requirement;
(c) regarding the submission to him of proper records of training,
in such form and at such intervals as he deems appropriate, by
approved establishments providing the practical training
requirement;
(d) regarding the content and form of applications for approval
under subsection (1).
(3) The Chief Justice may in exceptional circumstances approve an
establishment for the purposes of the provision of the practical training
requirement notwithstanding that such establishment does not satisfy the
requirement of paragraph (c) of sub-section (1), and may impose on such
establishment so approved such restrictions and conditions as he may think
fit.
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Admission of barristers.
28.(1) The Chief Justice may approve, admit and enroll as barristers of the
Supreme Court any person who satisfies the following requirements, that is
to say–
(a) he has been called to the Bar in England or Northern Ireland, or
has been admitted as an advocate in the Court of Session in
Scotland;
(b) he is not at the time of his application for admission disbarred,
or removed from the roll of advocates in Scotland, or
suspended from practice as such barrister or advocate;
(c) since his admission in the United Kingdom or the Republic of
Ireland he has completed–
(i) a period of at least six months’ pupillage with a
practising barrister of at least five years professional
standing in England, Northern Ireland, the Republic of
Ireland or Gibraltar, or a practising advocate of at least
five years professional standing in Scotland, or has
passed the examinations and assessments included in any
course validated by the Bar Council of England and
Wales for call to the Bar of England and Wales by any
one of the Inns of Court in England or by an equivalent
body in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland or
Scotland; and
(ii) the practical training requirement; and
(iii) an approved academic course in Gibraltar Law; and
(iv) the professional skills course; and
(d) he intends on admission to practise in Gibraltar either alone or
in partnership with another barrister or solicitor.
(2) The Chief Justice may admit a person as a barrister under this
section for the purpose of any particular case or cases, notwithstanding that
such person does not satisfy the requirements of paragraphs (c) and (d) of
sub-section (1), and may impose on a person so admitted such restrictions
and conditions as he may think fit.
(2A) The Chief Justice may admit a person as a barrister under this
section, notwithstanding that such person does not satisfy the requirements
of paragraphs (c)(ii) and (iv) of sub-section (1), where he is satisfied that
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such person has sufficient experience so as to make the imposition of such
requirements unnecessary.
(3) Every person holding the office of Attorney General, Senior Crown
counsel or Crown Counsel shall, so long as he continues to hold such office,
have and enjoy all the rights and privileges of a barrister entitled to practice
in Gibraltar.
Admission of solicitors.
29 1 .(1) The Chief Justice may approve admit and enroll as solicitors of the
Supreme Court of Gibraltar any person who satisfies the following
requirements, that is to say–
(a) he has–
(i) been admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of
Judicature in England, or in any court of record in
Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland, or as a
solicitor admitted to practice in Scotland, or
(ii) passed the examinations and assessments included in any
course validated by the Law Society of England and
Wales for admission as a solicitor of the Supreme Court
of England and Wales; and
(b) he is not at the time of his application for admission struck off
the rolls or suspended from practice as a solicitor; and
(ba) since his admission referred to in paragraph (a)(i) or his passing
of examinations and assessments referred to in paragraph (a)(ii)
he has completed–
(i) the practical training requirement; and
(ii) an approved academic course in Gibraltar Law; and
(iii) the professional skills course; and
1 The Chief Justice may admit a person as a solicitor under section 29 of the Supreme Court
Act (as amended by the Supreme Court (Amendment) Act 2015) if he is satisfied that such
person–
(a) on the 1 st July 2015, had undertaken a period of no less than 12 months’
training under a training contract approved by the Solicitors Regulation
Authority of England and Wales as a trainee solicitor in Gibraltar; and
(b) fulfils all the requirements for admission as a solicitor other than those
contained in section 29(1)(ba) of the Supreme Court Act.
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(c) he intends on admission to practise in Gibraltar either alone or
in partnership with another barrister or solicitor.
(1A) The Chief Justice may admit a person as a solicitor under this
section, notwithstanding that such person does not satisfy the requirements
of paragraphs (ba)(i) and (iii) of sub-section (1), where he is satisfied that
such person has sufficient experience so as to make the imposition of such
requirements unnecessary.
(2) Every person duly approved, admitted and enrolled as a solicitor of
the Supreme Court of Gibraltar shall be at liberty to act also as a barrister.
Enrolment of solicitors.
30.(1) Every person admitted or entitled to practice as a solicitor of the
court as aforesaid, shall cause his name to be enrolled in a book to be kept
for the purpose in the office of the Registrar, and to be called the Roll of the
Court, and he shall be entitled to a certificate of enrolment under the seal of
the court. No person whose name shall not be enrolled as aforesaid shall be
entitled to practise in any of the courts of Gibraltar, and no solicitor shall
actually practise without first taking out a certificate.
(2) No solicitor not duly certificated shall be entitled to sue for, or
recover, any fee, reward or disbursement on account of, or in relation to any
act or proceeding done, or taken by him in his professional capacity.
Barristers and solicitors may practice in all courts.
31. It shall be lawful for persons enrolled as barristers or solicitors to
practise as such in all the courts in Gibraltar.
Barristers may act as solicitors.
32. All barristers shall be at liberty to act also as solicitors and shall be
entitled to sue for and recover, any fee, reward or disbursement on account
of, in relation to any act or proceeding done, or taken by them in their
professional capacity as such solicitors:
Provided that a Barrister who attains the rank of Queen’s Counsel shall not
undertake or perform any professional function unless instructed by a
solicitor or another barrister not having the rank of Queen’s Counsel.
Nothing herein contained will preclude the barrister having the rank of
Queen’s Counsel from continuing or engaging in partnership with another
barrister or solicitor.
Law relating to barristers and solicitors.
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33.(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act and of any rules of court for the
time being in force the law in England for the time being in force relating to
barristers and solicitors shall extend to Gibraltar, and shall apply to all
persons practicing as barristers or solicitors in Gibraltar.
(2) The rules prescribed from time to time by the Bar Council and the
Law Society in England in regard to the professional conduct of barristers
and solicitors shall with such modifications as the Chief Justice may deem
fit to allow be respectively observed by barristers and solicitors in Gibraltar.
Disciplinary powers of Chief Justice.
34.(1) The Chief Justice may, for reasonable cause–
(a) order the name of any barrister or solicitor to be struck off the
Roll of the Court;
(b) suspend any barrister or solicitor from practising within
Gibraltar during any period specified by the Chief Justice;
(c) administer any reprimand to any barrister or solicitor;
(d) order any barrister or solicitor to repay or forego any fee; or
(e) on the investigation of any complaint relating to the
professional conduct of a barrister or solicitor, or on the
determination of any proceedings relating to the professional
conduct of a barrister or solicitor, make such order as he thinks
fit as the payment by the barrister or solicitor or the
complainant or any other party of the costs of the investigation
or proceedings.
(2) The Chief Justice may at any time, for good cause, set aside or annul
any order made under subsection (1).
(3) Where the Chief Justice–
(a) makes or refuses to make an order under subsection (1); or
(b) on application refuses to set aside or annul under subsection (2)
any such order,
in respect of any barrister or solicitor, that barrister or solicitor may appeal
against the decision to the Court of Appeal, but in every other case the
decision of the Chief Justice in any proceedings referred to in subsection (1)
or subsection (2) shall be final.
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Unqualified person practising.
35.(1) A person not enrolled as a barrister or solicitor in Gibraltar who–
(a) exercises or holds himself out as able to exercise, a right of
audience before any court in Gibraltar;
(b) carries on, or holds himself out as able to carry on, any activity
which, by or under an enactment, is restricted to barristers or
solicitors or both;
(c) provides, or holds himself out as able to provide, for reward,
legal services of any description in or from within Gibraltar to
members of the public or businesses generally;
is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine at level
5 on the standard scale.
(2) Notwithstanding anything in any other law or Act contained,
proceedings in respect of any offence under this section may be brought at
any time within two years next after the commission of the offence or within
six months next after the first discovery thereof by the prosecutor whichever
period is the shorter.
PART IV A
EEA LAWYERS
Interpretation of Part IVA.
35A.(1) In this Part unless the context otherwise requires –
“barrister” and “solicitor” mean a person admitted or entitled to practise
under sections 28 or 29 as a barrister or solicitor, as the case may
be;
“the Directive” means the European Communities Council Directive
77/249/EEC to facilitate the effective exercise by lawyers of
freedom to provide services, as the same may be amended from
time to time;
“EEA State” means a state which is a contracting party to the Agreement
on the European Economic Area;
“EEA lawyer” means a national of an EEA State mentioned in column 1
of Part I of Schedule 1 who is entitled to pursue his professional
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activities under the designation mentioned in column 2 of that Part
of Schedule 1 in respect of that EEA State;
“EEA State of origin” in relation to an EEA lawyer, means the EEA State
(other than the United Kingdom) or States in which he is
established; and
“own professional authority”, in relation to an EEA lawyer, means an
authority entitled to exercise disciplinary authority over him in his
EEA State of origin.
(2) A person who –
(a) is not a national of an EEA State; but
(b) is by virtue of a right conferred by Article 11 of
Council Regulation (EEC) 1612/68 or any other enforceable
Community right entitled to be treated for the purpose of access
to the profession of lawyer,
shall be treated for the purpose of this Act as if he were such a national.
Purpose of Part.
35B. The provisions of this Part shall have effect for the purpose of enabling
an EEA lawyer to pursue his professional activities in Gibraltar by
providing, under the conditions specified in or permitted by the Directive,
services otherwise reserved to barristers or solicitors; and services which
may be so provided are hereafter in this Part referred to as “services”.
Representation in legal proceedings.
35C.(1) No enactment or rule of law or practice shall prevent an EEA
lawyer from providing any service in relation to any proceedings, whether
civil or criminal, before any court, tribunal or public authority (including
appearing before and addressing the court, tribunal or public authority) by
reason only that he is not a barrister or solicitor; provided that throughout he
is instructed with, and acts in conjunction with, a barrister or solicitor who is
entitled to practise before the court, tribunal or public authority concerned
and who could properly provide the service in question.
(2) An EEA lawyer in salaried employment who is instructed with and
acts in conjunction with a barrister in any proceedings may provide a service
on behalf of his employer in those proceedings only in so far as a barrister in
such employment could properly do so.
Drawing of documents, etc, not related to legal proceedings.
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35D.(1) No enactment or rule of law or practice shall prevent an EEA
lawyer from drawing or preparing for payment an instrument relating to
personal estate by reason only that he is not a barrister or solicitor.
(2) Nothing in this Part shall entitle an EEA lawyer to draw or prepare
for payment an instrument–
(a) creating or transferring an interest in land; or
(b) for obtaining title to administer the estate of a deceased person.
Legal aid.
35E. Services may be provided by an EEA lawyer by way of legal advice
and assistance or legal aid.
Title and description to be used by EEA lawyers.
35F. In providing any services, an EEA lawyer shall use the professional
title and description applicable to him in his EEA State of origin, expressed
in the language or one of the languages of that State, together with the name
of the professional organisation by which he is authorised to practise or the
court of law before which he is entitled to practise in that State.
Power to require an EEA lawyer to verify his status.
35G.(1) The Chief Justice may at any time request a person seeking to
provide any services in Gibraltar to verify his status as an EEA lawyer.
(2) Where a request has been made under sub-section (1), the person to
whom it is made shall not, except to the extent (if any) allowed by the Chief
Justice, be entitled to provide services in Gibraltar until he has verified his
status as an EEA lawyer to the satisfaction of the Chief Justice.
Professional misconduct.
35H.(1) A complaint may be made to the Chief Justice that an EEA lawyer
providing any services has failed to observe a condition or rule of
professional Conduct referred to in Part II of Schedule 1 and applicable to
him.
(2) Where a complaint is made under sub-section (1), the Chief Justice
shall consider and adjudicate upon it in accordance with the same procedure,
and subject to the same rights of appeal, as apply in relation to a barrister or
solicitor over whom he has jurisdiction.
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(3) Where the Chief Justice finds that an EEA lawyer against whom a
complaint has been made under sub-section (1) has committed a breach of a
condition or a rule of professional conduct mentioned in that sub-section
he–
(a) shall report that finding to the EEA lawyer's own professional
authority; and
(b) may, if he thinks fit, direct the EEA lawyer not to provide
services in Gibraltar, except to such extent and under such
conditions (if any) as he may specify in the direction.
(4) The Chief Justice may at any time, if he thinks fit, vary, cancel or
suspend the operation of a direction given by him under sub-section (3)(b).
(5) An EEA lawyer in respect of whom a direction is made under sub-
section (3)(b) shall not be entitled to provide services in Gibraltar except as
allowed by the direction.
PART V.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Interest on judgment debts.
36. Every judgment debt shall carry interest, from the time the judgment is
entered until it is satisfied, at such rate as the Minister with responsibility for
justice may by order direct and such interest may be levied under a writ of
execution on the judgment.
Fees to betaken in the Supreme Court.
36A. Without prejudice to the provisions of sections 37 and 38, the Chief
Justice has, and is deemed always to have had, the power by rules to
prescribe, vary or abolish the fees to be taken in the Supreme Court.
Recovery of insurance premiums by way of costs.
36B. Where in any proceedings a costs order is made in favour of any
party who has taken out an insurance policy against the risk of incurring a
liability in those proceedings, the costs payable to him may, subject in the
case of court proceedings to rules of court, include costs in respect of the
premium of the policy.
Rules regulating funds in Court.
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37. It shall be lawful for the Chief Justice, with the concurrence of the
Minister responsible for Justice, to make rules regulating the payment of
moneys into court and the lodgment of securities . and effects in court, the
investment of funds in court and the payment out of moneys in court, the
transfer of securities and the delivery out of effects, and, without prejudice
of the generality of the foregoing, such rules may–
(a) prescribe what moneys are to be invested, and in what manner,
and what moneys are to be retained un-invested;
(b) authorize the payment of interest on moneys that are un-
invested, prescribe. the rate of interest from time to time
payable, and specify the moneys on which interest shall accrue
and the moneys on which interest shall not accrue;
(c) subject to the provisions of the Exchange Control Act, make
any necessary provision regarding moneys in foreign
currencies;
(d) authorize the employment of an agent in transacting any
business relating to funds in court and the payment to him of
any commission or fee subject to such rules and to any order of
the court;
(e) make provision for the transfer to the Consolidated Fund of
moneys lying unclaimed, without prejudice to the right of the
persons, if any, entitled thereto;
(f) prescribe the accounts to be kept, the forms to be used and the
returns to be rendered.
Rules of court.
38.(1) It shall be lawful for the Chief Justice to make rules of court for
carrying this Act into effect and in particular for all or any of the following
matters:-
(a) for regulating the sittings of the Supreme Court for the dispatch
of civil business therein and of a judge sitting in chambers;
(b) for regulating the pleading, practice and procedure in the
Supreme Court in civil cases and in matters which in Her
Majesty's High Court of Justice in England come within the
The powers conferred by this section were enlarged by section 5 of the Judgments
(Reciprocal Enforcement) Ordinance and by section 14 of the Evidence Ordinance.
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jurisdiction of the Crown side of the Queen's Bench Division
thereof;
(cc) for regulating pupillage generally, including the qualifications
for admission to pupillage, the manner in which pupillage may
be served, appeals in respect of pupillage, and the approval and
termination of pupillage.
(c) the summoning, impanelling and challenging of jurors and the
fees to be paid in respect of trials of civil actions by jury;
(d) for regulating the admission of barristers and solicitors to
practise in the Supreme Court, their professional practice,
conduct and discipline and for those purposes for delegating to
any two or more persons (being barristers or solicitors) on such
terms as may be specified in the rules, any of the powers
conferred on him by section 34 (other than the powers of
disenrolment and suspension);
(e) for regulating the powers of commissioners for oaths, the fees
and costs of barristers and solicitors and the hours of opening
and closing the offices of the court;
(f) generally for regulating any matters relating to the practice and
procedure of the court or to the duties of the officers thereof or
the costs of proceedings therein;
(g) regulating access to and the use of the Law Library of the
Supreme Court, prescribing fees for such access and use and
the penalties to be paid for any damage to or loss of books
therein and the method of recovering of such penalties.
(2) Rules made under this section may empower the making of orders at
any stage of any proceedings directing that specified facts may be proved at
the trial by affidavit with or without the attendance of the deponent for
cross-examination, notwithstanding that a party desires his attendance for
cross-examination and that he can be produced for that purpose.
(3) The power to make rules conferred by this section shall include the
power to make rules with respect to all or any of the matters dealt with by
the rules of the Supreme Court in England made from time to time.
(4) Where any provision in respect of the practice or procedure of any of
Her Majesty's Courts the jurisdiction of which or of any courts substituted
for or united and consolidated with which is vested by this Act in the
Supreme Court are contained in any Act of the Parliament at Westminster
rules of court may be made under this section modifying those provisions to
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any extent that may be deemed necessary by the Chief Justice for adapting
the same to the Supreme Court.
Civil Procedure Rules.
38A.(1) Subject to this and any other Act (and without prejudice to
the generality of sections 15 and 38), and to rules made under this Act
specifying otherwise, the Civil Procedure Rules made (and as amended from
time to time) under the Civil Procedure Act 1997 in England and Wales
shall apply in Gibraltar with such modifications (for example, in
nomenclature) as the circumstances in Gibraltar may require.
(2) The Chief Justice may make Rules supplementing, amending or
modifying the Civil Procedure Rules as they apply to Gibraltar.
Masters.
38B.(1) The small claims jurisdiction of the court (as defined in the Civil
Procedure Rules), may be exercised by a judicial officer to be known as a
Master.
(2) The Chief Justice may direct such other matters as he may determine
to be heard by a Master, but such matters shall be limited to those which
may be heard by a Master or district judge in England and Wales.
(3) A Master shall also have jurisdiction to hear and determine any
summons issued under section 5 of the Debtors Act 1869 in respect of any
judgment or decree, irrespective of the amount concerned.
(4) The Governor acting on the advice of the Judicial Service
Commission may appoint any person appearing to him to have the requisite
knowledge and experience to act as a Master.
(5) An appeal from a decision of a Master shall lie to the Chief Justice
or an additional judge.
PART VI
EUROPEAN LAWYERS: INTRODUCTORY
Purpose of this Part and Part VII to XI.
39.(1) The purpose of this Part and Part VII to XI is to implement the
Directive in Gibraltar.
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(2) The provisions of this Part and Part VII to XI shall have effect for
the purposes of facilitating the practice of the profession of lawyer on a
permanent basis by a European lawyer in Gibraltar.
(3) The provisions of this Part and Part VII to XI shall not affect the
provision of services by lawyers within the meaning of Part IVA
Transitional provisions.
40.(1) On or after the coming into force of this Part and Part VII to XI, a
European lawyer –
(a) shall not practise professional activities under his home
professional title in Gibraltar on a permanent basis, or
(b) commence such practice,
without being registered in accordance with section 52 unless he was
already practising before that date and has made an application for
registration under Part VIII which has not been determined.
(2) In subsection (1) and (3), an application for registration shall, as at a
particular date, be taken not to have been determined if as at that date the
applicant–
(a) has not received a rejection of his application and the period for
such a rejection or a deemed rejection has not yet expired; or
(b) is appealing against a rejection of the application (including a
deemed rejection) and the appeal has not been determined.
(3) Section 56(1)(b) and (57) shall not apply to a European lawyer who
satisfies all the following conditions–
(a) immediately before the entry into force of this Part and Part VII
to XI he was practising on a permanent basis in Gibraltar;
(b) before the entry into force of this Part and Part VII to XI he
applied for registration to the competent authority; and
(c) as at the date in question his application for registration had not
been determined.
Interpretation of this Part and Part VII to XI.
41.(1) In this Part and Part VII to XI, unless the context otherwise requires–
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“barrister” means a barrister of the Supreme Court of Gibraltar;
“competent authority”, in relation to Gibraltar, means the Chief Justice;
“the Directive” means Directive 98/5/EC of the European Parliament and
of the Council of 16 February 1998 to facilitate practice of the
profession of lawyer on a permanent basis in a Member State other
than that in which the qualification was obtained, as the same may
be amended from time to time;
“European lawyer” has the meaning given in subsection (2);
“home State” means the State in Part III of Schedule 1 in which a
European lawyer acquired his authorisation to pursue professional
activities and, if he is authorised in more than one of those States, it
shall mean any of those States;
“home professional title” means, in relation to a European lawyer, the
professional title or any of the professional titles specified in
relation to his home State in Part III of Schedule 1 under which he
is authorised in his home State to pursue professional activities;
“member of the Gibraltar Bar” means a solicitor or barrister of the
Supreme Court of Gibraltar;
“Qualification Act” means the Recognition of Professional Qualifications
Act (Act 31 of 1997);
“registered European lawyer” means a European lawyer who is registered
with the competent authority in accordance with section 53 and
whose registration has not been withdrawn or suspended;
“solicitor” means, in relation to Gibraltar, a person who is a solicitor of
the Supreme Court of Gibraltar.
(2) In this Part and Part VII to XI, “European lawyer” means a person
who is–
(a) a national of the United Kingdom or of a State listed in Part III
of Schedule 1;
(b) authorised in any of the States listed in Part III of Schedule 1 to
pursue professional activities under any of the professional
titles appearing in that subsection; and
(c) subject to subsection (3), not a solicitor or barrister of the
Supreme Court of Gibraltar.
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(3) Repealed.
Exchange of information.
42.(1) In order to facilitate the application of the Directive and to prevent
its provisions from being misapplied, the competent authority may supply to
or receive from an authority in any of the States listed in section 41(3) which
has been designated by that State under the Directive as a competent
authority in that State, any information relating to a European lawyer or to
any person with whom he jointly practises.
(2) Subject to subsection (1), the competent authority shall preserve the
confidentiality of any information received in accordance with subsection
(1) relating to a European lawyer or to any person with whom he jointly
practises.
(3) The competent authority shall provide a certificate attesting to the
authorisation of any member of the Bar to practise when requested to do so
by that member or by a competent authority in a State listed in section 41(3).
PART VII
PRACTICE OF PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
BY A REGISTERED EUROPEAN LAWYER
Practice of professional activities.
43.(1) Subject to the provisions of this Part and Part VII to XI, a registered
European lawyer shall be entitled to carry out under his home professional
title any professional activity that may lawfully be carried out by a member
of the Gibraltar bar and any enactment or rule of law or practice with regard
to the carrying out of professional activities by members of the Gibraltar Bar
shall be interpreted and applied accordingly.
(2) A registered European lawyer who is in salaried employment may
carry out professional activities under his home professional title to the same
extent that an employed member of the Gibraltar bar may do so.
Title and description to be used by a registered European lawyer.
44.(1) Where a registered European lawyer is engaged in–
(a) any professional activity authorised by the professional
organisation in his home State which gave him the
authorisation to practise; or
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(b) any professional activity that may be carried out by a member
of the Gibraltar Bar,
he shall comply with the requirements set out in subsection (2).
(2) The requirements referred to in subsection (1) are that a registered
European lawyer shall–
(a) use his home professional title expressed in an official
language of his home State in a manner which avoids
confusion with the title of solicitor or barrister;
(b) indicate the professional organisation by which he is authorised
to practise or the court of law before which he is entitled to
practise in that State; and
(c) indicate the fact that he is a registered European Lawyer under
the provisions of this Act.
Joint practice.
45.(1) A registered European lawyer may carry out professional activities
under his home professional title as part of a joint practice–
(a) to the same extent and in the same manner as a member of the
Gibraltar Bar may do so, with–
(i) another member of the Gibraltar Bar;
(ii) a person who is a registered European lawyer; or
(iii) any other person permitted under the provisions of this
Act; or
(b) with another European lawyer who is practising on a
permanent basis under his home professional title in that
registered European lawyer's home State.
Name of joint practice.
46.(1) Subject to subsection (2), where a registered European lawyer is a
member of a joint practice in his home State, he may use the name of that
practice with his home professional title when practising as a registered
European lawyer.
(2) Rules made under section 38 may prohibit the use by a European
lawyer of the name of a joint practice to the extent that–
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(a) that name is also used by persons who are not European
lawyers or members of the Gibraltar Bar; and
(b) those rules prohibit members of the Gibraltar Bar from using
that name.
Notification of joint practice.
47.(1) Where a European lawyer is a member of a joint practice in his home
State and intends to register under Part VIII, he shall inform the competent
authority of the fact and provide it with the following information–
(a) the name of the joint practice;
(b) his place of business;
(c) the name and place of business of any member of his joint
practice;
(d) any other information about the joint practice requested by the
competent authority.
(2) A European lawyer to whom this section applies shall notify the
competent authority of any changes in the information whether before or
after registration.
Representation in legal proceedings.
48.(1) Subject to subsection (2), no enactment or rule of law or practice
shall prevent a registered European lawyer from pursuing professional
activities relating to the representation of a client in any proceedings before
any court, tribunal or public authority (including addressing the court,
tribunal or public authority) only because he is not a solicitor or barrister.
(2) In proceedings referred to in subsection (1), where the professional
activities in question may (but for this Part and Part VII to XI) be lawfully
provided only by a solicitor, barrister or other qualified person, a registered
European lawyer shall act in conjunction with a solicitor or barrister who is
entitled to practise before the court, tribunal or public authority concerned
and who could lawfully provide those professional activities.
(3) The solicitor or barrister referred to in subsection (2) shall, where
necessary, be answerable to the court, tribunal or public authority concerned.
Property transactions and probate.
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49. A registered European lawyer is not entitled, by virtue of section 43(1)–
(a) to prepare for remuneration any instrument creating or
transferring an interest in land unless he has a home
professional title obtained in Denmark, the Republic of Ireland,
Finland or Sweden,
(b) to prepare for remuneration any instrument for obtaining title to
administer the estate of a deceased person unless he has a home
professional title obtained in Denmark, Germany, the Republic
of Ireland, Austria, Finland or Sweden.
Legal aid.
50. A registered European lawyer may provide professional activities by
way of legal advice and assistance or legal aid under the Legal Aid and
Assistance Act and references to a solicitor, counsel or legal representative
in that or any other enactment relating to legal advice and assistance or legal
aid shall be interpreted accordingly.
PART VIII
REGISTRATION OF EUROPEAN LAWYERS
Establishment and maintenance of registers of European lawyers.
51. The competent authority shall establish and maintain a register of
registered European lawyers.
Application to be entered on a register.
52.(1) A European lawyer who wishes to pursue professional activities
under his home professional title on a permanent basis in Gibraltar shall
apply to be entered on the register maintained by the competent authority.
(2) A European lawyer who wishes to register with the competent
authority in accordance with subsection (1) shall provide the competent
authority with a certificate confirming his registration with the competent
authority in each home State under whose home professional title he intends
to practise.
(3) The competent authority may require that the certificate referred to
in subsection (2) shall not have been issued more than three months before
the date of the application under this section.
(4) An application for registration under this section shall comply with
the provisions of this Act and be accompanied by the prescribed fee (if any).
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Registration by competent authority.
53.(1) The competent authority shall enter on its register the name of a
European lawyer who applies to it in accordance with section 52.
(2) Where the competent authority registers a European lawyer in
accordance with subsection (1), it shall inform the competent authority in
the home State of the registration.
Time limit for decision and notification by competent authority.
54.(1) The competent authority shall consider an application for registration
under section 52 as soon as is reasonably practicable, and shall notify the
European lawyer of its decision, and if the application is rejected or granted
subject to conditions, the reasons upon which the rejection or the imposition
of conditions is based, within four months of receipt of an application
complying with section 52(2) and (4).
(2) Where the competent authority fails to take a decision and notify the
European lawyer within four months in accordance with subsection (1), it
shall be deemed to have taken a decision to reject his application and to
have notified it to him on the last day of that period.
(3) Where the competent authority withdraws or suspends a registration,
it shall notify the European lawyer of its decision and of the reasons upon
which the withdrawal or suspension is based.
Appeal by European lawyer.
55.(1) Within three months of the notification to him of the competent
authority’s decision, or later with the permission of the Court of Appeal, the
European lawyer may appeal against the decision to the Court of Appeal.
(2) The Court of Appeal may, for the purpose of determining any appeal
under this Part–
(a) order the competent authority to register the European lawyer;
(b) refuse the appeal; or
(c) remit the matter to the competent authority with such directions
as the court sees fit.
(3) The court shall give reasons for its decision.
Offence of pretending to be a registered European lawyer.
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56.(1) A person who is not registered in Gibraltar as a European lawyer
(including a person whose registration has been suspended) and –
(a) wilfully pretends to be a registered European lawyer or takes or
uses any name, title, designation or description implying that
he is a registered European lawyer; or
(b) subject to subsection (2), carries on professional activities
under one of the professional titles listed in section 41(3) or
under any name, designation or description implying that he is
entitled to pursue those activities under one of those
professional titles; shall be guilty of an offence and liable on
summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the
standard scale.
(2) Subsection (1)(b) shall not apply to a person who satisfies any of the
following conditions–
(a) he is not a national of the United Kingdom or of any of the
States listed in section 41(3);
(b) he is a solicitor or barrister of the Supreme Court of Gibraltar;
or
(c) he is providing services within the meaning of Part IVA at the
time his activities fall within subsection (1)(b).
Costs and fees of an unregistered European lawyer.
57. Where a European lawyer is carrying on professional activities under
his home professional title in Gibraltar but is not registered as a European
lawyer (including a person whose registration has been suspended), any
costs or fees in respect of those activities shall not be recoverable by him or
any other person.
Evidence of registration.
58. Any certificate purporting to be signed by the competent authority and
stating that a person–
(a) is, or is not, registered with the competent authority; or
(b) was, or was not, registered with the competent authority during
a period specified in the certificate,
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shall, unless the contrary is proved, be evidence of that fact and be taken to
have been so signed.
Publication of names of registered European lawyers.
59.(1) Where the competent authority publishes the names of solicitors or
barristers registered with it, it shall also publish the names of any European
lawyers registered with it.
(2) In this section, “publishes” or “publish” includes the provision of
information to a legal or other publisher.
PART IX
REGULATION AND DISCIPLINE
Rules of professional conduct applicable.
60. Where a registered European lawyer is practising under his home
professional title in Gibraltar, he shall be subject to the same rules of
professional conduct as a member of the Gibraltar Bar.
Disciplinary proceedings applicable.
61.(1) Where a registered European lawyer fails to comply with the rules of
professional conduct to which he is subject under section 60, he shall be
subject to the same rules of procedure, penalties and remedies as a member
of the Gibraltar Bar and shall, if appropriate, be subject to disciplinary
proceedings brought by the competent authority.
(2) Any sanction against a registered European lawyer in relation to
disciplinary proceedings may include withdrawal or suspension of his
registration.
(3) The competent authority shall give reasons for its decision.
Disciplinary proceedings against a registered European lawyer.
62.(1) Where the competent authority intends to begin disciplinary
proceedings against a registered European lawyer, it shall–
(a) inform the competent authority in his home State of the
intention to begin those proceedings and furnish it with all the
relevant details;
(b) co-operate with that authority throughout those proceedings;
and
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(c) inform that authority of the decision reached in those
proceedings, including the decision in any appeal, as soon as
practicable after the decision is given.
(2) Subject to subsection(3), where the competent authority in the
registered European lawyer's home State withdraws his authorisation to
practise under the home professional title either temporarily or permanently,
his registration with the competent authority in Gibraltar shall be
automatically withdrawn to the same extent.
(3) Where a registered European lawyer is authorised to practise under a
home professional title in two or more home States, his registration shall be
withdrawn in accordance with subsection (2) only if his authorisation to
practise under a home professional title has been withdrawn in all those
home States.
(4) Where there is an appeal against a decision in disciplinary
proceedings against a registered European lawyer, the court shall afford the
competent authority in the registered European lawyer`s home State an
opportunity to make representations in relation to that appeal.
Disciplinary proceedings against a solicitor or barrister.
63. Where the competent authority intends to begin disciplinary proceedings
against a solicitor or barrister of the Supreme Court of Gibraltar practising
in a State listed in section 41(3) it shall inform the competent authority in
that State of–
(a) the intention to begin those proceedings and furnish it with all
the relevant details; and
(b) the decision reached in those proceedings, including the
decision in any appeal, as soon as practicable after the decision
is given.
PART X
ENTRY OF EUROPEAN LAWYERS INTO
THE PROFESSION OF SOLICITOR OR BARRISTER
Application by registered European lawyer.
64.(1) Where a registered European lawyer applies to the competent
authority to become a solicitor or barrister as the case may be, and the
competent authority requires him to pass an aptitude test under the
provisions of the Qualification Act, he may apply to the competent authority
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for an exemption from that requirement on the grounds that he falls within
subsection (2) or (3) of this section.
(2) A person falls within this subsection if–
(a) he is a European lawyer and has been registered with the
competent authority for at least three years; and
(b) he has for a period of at least three years effectively and
regularly pursued in Gibraltar, professional activities under his
home professional title in the law of Gibraltar.
(3) person falls within this subsection if–
(a) he is a European lawyer and has been registered with the
competent authority for at least three years; and
(b) he has for a period of at least three years effectively and
regularly pursued in Gibraltar professional activities under his
home professional title; and
(c) he has for a period of less than three years effectively and
regularly pursued in Gibraltar, professional activities under his
home professional title in the law of Gibraltar.
Decision by the competent authority.
65.(1) Subject to subsection (3), the competent authority shall grant an
exemption applied for under section 64 if it considers that the requirements
under subsection (2) or (3) of section 64 have been met.
(2) The registration of a registered European lawyer shall cease from the
date he is granted entry into the profession of solicitor or barrister.
(3) The competent authority may refuse to grant an exemption if it
considers that the registered European lawyer would be unfit to practise as a
solicitor or barrister.
Evidence in support of application for exemption under section 64(2).
66.(1) Where a registered European lawyer makes an application under
subsection (2) of section 64, he shall provide the competent authority with
any relevant information and documents which it may reasonably require.
(2) The competent authority may verify the effective and regular nature
of the professional activity pursued and may, if necessary, request the
registered European lawyer to provide, orally or in writing, clarification of,
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or further details on, the information and documents referred to in
subsection (1).
Evidence in support of application for exemption under section 64(3).
67.(1) Where a registered European lawyer makes an application under
subsection (3) of section 64, he shall provide the competent authority with
any relevant information and documents it may reasonably require.
(2) When deciding whether to grant an application under subsection (3)
of section 64, the competent authority shall take into account the
professional activities the registered European lawyer has pursued during
the period he has been registered and any knowledge and professional
experience he has gained of, and any training he has received in, the law of
Gibraltar and the rules of professional conduct of the profession concerned.
(3) Subject to subsection (4), in the case of an application under
subsection (3) of section 64, the competent authority shall assess and verify
the registered European lawyer's effective and regular professional activity
and his capacity to continue the activity he has pursued at an interview.
(4) Where the competent authority believes that an interview is
unnecessary and intends to grant an application under subsection (3) of
section 64, it may dispense with that requirement.
Meaning of “effectively and regularly pursued”.
68. For the purposes of section 64 to 67 activities shall be regarded as
effectively and regularly pursued if they are actually exercised without any
interruption other than those resulting from the events of everyday life.
Time limit for decision and notification by professional body.
69.(1) The competent authority shall consider an application under section
64 as soon as is reasonably practicable, and shall notify the applicant of its
decision and, if the application is rejected, the reasons for the rejection,
within four months of receipt of all the relevant documents.
(2) Where the competent authority fails to take a decision and notify the
registered European lawyer within four months in accordance with
subsection (1), it shall be deemed to have taken a decision to reject his
application and to have notified it to him on the last day of that period.
Appeal by registered European lawyer.
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70.(1) Within three months of the notification to him of the competent
authority’s decision, or later with the permission of the Court of Appeal, the
European lawyer may appeal against the decision to the Court of Appeal.
(2) The court may, for the purpose of determining any appeal under this
Part–
(a) give the exemption and the authorisation to enter into the
profession of solicitor or barrister, as the case may be;
(b) refuse the appeal; or
(c) remit the matter to the competent authority with such directions
as the court sees fit.
(3) The court shall give reasons for its decision.
Practice under the title of solicitor or barrister.
71.(1) This section applies where a registered European lawyer (“the
lawyer”) is granted entry into the profession of solicitor or barrister.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), the lawyer shall be entitled to continue to
practise in Gibraltar, as the case may be, under his home professional title,
and to use his home professional title, expressed in an official language of
his home State, alongside the title of solicitor or barrister, provided that he
continues to be authorised in his home State to pursue professional activities
under that title.
(3) For the purposes of rules of professional conduct, including those
relating to disciplinary and complaints procedures, the lawyer's continuing
practice in Gibraltar under his home professional title shall be deemed to
form part of his practice as a solicitor or barrister, and those rules shall apply
to his practice under his home professional title as they do to his practice as
a solicitor or barrister.
(4) Where this section applies, a lawyer's registration as a European
lawyer in accordance with section 53 shall cease from the date he is entitled
to use the title of solicitor or barrister, as the case may be.
PART XI
EUROPEAN LAWYERS:
SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS
Modification of enactments.
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72.(1) References in this Act to unqualified persons, however expressed
shall not include a reference to registered European lawyers pursuing
professional activities within the meaning of this Part and Part VII to XI.
(2) The power to make rules under section 38 shall also be exercisable
in relation to registered European lawyers.
(3) Registered European lawyers shall be treated as if they were officers
of the Supreme Court of Gibraltar and shall be subject to the inherent
jurisdiction of that court in like manner and to the same extent as if they
were barristers or solicitors.
PART XIA
CROSS-BORDER MEDIATION
Application of Part XIA.
72A.(1) This Part shall apply in cross-border disputes to civil and
commercial matters except as regards rights and obligations which are not at
the parties’ disposal under any provisions of law.
(2) This Part shall not apply to revenue, customs or administrative matters
or to the liability of the Government for acts or omissions in the exercise of
its public authority.
Interpretation under Part XIA.
72B.(1) In this Part–
“Civil Procedure Rules” means the Civil Procedure Rules of the United
Kingdom which apply to Gibraltar by virtue of section 38A;
“court” means the Supreme Court;
“cross-border dispute” has the meaning given to it by section 72C;
“mediation” means a structured process, however named or referred to,
whereby two or more parties to a dispute attempt by themselves, on
a voluntary basis, to reach an agreement on the settlement of their
dispute with the assistance of a mediator and this process may be
initiated by the parties, or suggested or ordered by the court or
prescribed by any provisions of law;
“Mediation Directive” means Directive 2008/52/EC of the European
Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2008 on certain aspect of
mediation in civil and commercial matters, as amended from time
to time;
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“mediation evidence” means evidence arising out of or in connection
with a mediation process;
“mediation settlement” means the content of a written agreement
resulting from mediation of a relevant dispute;
“mediation settlement agreement” means a written agreement resulting
from mediation of a relevant dispute;
“mediator” means any third person who is asked to conduct a mediation
in an effective, impartial and competent way, regardless of the
denomination or profession of that third person and of the way in
which the third person has been appointed or requested to conduct
the mediation;
“Member State” means a Member State of the European Union with the
exception of Denmark;
“relevant dispute” means a cross-border dispute that is subject to the
Mediation Directive.
(2) The definition of “mediation” in subsection (1)–
(a) includes mediation conducted by a judge who is not
responsible for any judicial proceedings concerning the dispute
in question; and
(b) excludes attempts made by the court or the judge seised to
settle a dispute in the course of judicial proceedings concerning
the dispute in question.
Cross-border disputes.
72C.(1) For the purposes of this Part a cross-border dispute shall be one in
which at least one of the parties is domiciled or habitually resident in
Gibraltar other than that of any other party on the date on which–
(a) the parties agree to use mediation after the dispute has arisen;
(b) mediation is ordered by a court;
(c) an obligation to use mediation that arises under any provisions
of the law of Gibraltar; or
(d) for the purposes of section 72D an invitation is made to the
parties.
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(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), for the purposes of Article 7 and
Article 8 of the Mediation Directive, a cross-border dispute shall also be one
in which judicial proceedings or arbitration following mediation between
the parties are initiated in Gibraltar or in a Member State other than that in
which the parties were domiciled or habitually resident on the date referred
to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of subsection (1).
(3) For the purposes of subsections (1) and (2), domicile shall be
determined in accordance with Articles 62 and 63 of Regulation (EU) No
1215/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December
2012 on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in
civil and commercial matters, as amended from time to time and as applied
by virtue of the Agreement made on 19 October 2005 between the European
Community and the Kingdom of Denmark on jurisdiction and the
recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters.
Recourse to mediation.
72D. Where a judicial proceedings or arbitration is brought before the
court, it may, when appropriate and having regard to all the circumstances of
the case, invite the parties to–
(a) use mediation in order to settle the dispute; and
(b) attend an information session on the use of mediation if such
sessions are held and are easily available.
Making a mediation settlement enforceable.
72E.(1) Where the parties, or one of them with the explicit consent of the
others, wish to apply for a mediation settlement to be made enforceable, the
parties or a party may apply to the court in accordance with the Civil
Procedure Rules.
(2) Where an application is made under subsection (1), the mediation
settlement agreement must be annexed to the application notice or claim
form when it is filed in accordance with the Civil Procedure Rules.
(3) Except to the extent that subsection (6) applies, the parties must file
any evidence of explicit consent to the application under subsection (1)
when the parties file the application or claim form in accordance with the
Civil Procedure Rules.
(4) Subject to subsection (5), where an application is made under
subsection (1), the court shall make an order making the mediation
settlement enforceable.
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(5) The court shall not make an order under subsection (4)–
(a) if the content of the mediation settlement agreement is contrary
to the law of Gibraltar;
(b) unless the court has evidence that each of the parties to the
mediation settlement agreement has given explicit consent to
the application for the order.
(6) Where a party to the mediation settlement agreement–
(a) has agreed in the mediation settlement agreement that a
mediation settlement enforcement order should be made in
respect of that mediation settlement;
(b) is a party to the application under subsection (1); or
(c) has written to the court consenting to the application for the
mediation settlement enforcement order,
that party is deemed to have given explicit consent to the application for the
mediation settlement enforcement order.
(7) An application under subsection (1) shall be dealt with without a
hearing, unless the court otherwise directs.
Mediation Evidence.
72F.(1) Subject to subsection (2), a mediator has the right to withhold
mediation evidence in civil and commercial judicial proceedings and
arbitration.
(2) The court may order that a mediator must give or disclose
mediation evidence where–
(a) all parties to the mediation agree to the giving or disclosure of
the mediation evidence;
(b) the giving or disclosure of the mediation evidence is necessary
for overriding considerations of public policy, in accordance
with Article 7(1)(a) of the Mediation Directive; or
(c) the giving or disclosure of the mediation settlement is
necessary to implement or enforce the mediation settlement
agreement.
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Competent authority.
72G.(1) The Minister of Justice shall be the competent authority for the
purpose of Article 6(3) of the Mediation Directive.
(2) The Government shall ensure that the European Commission is
informed that the Minister of Justice is the competent authority for the
purpose of Article 6(3) of the Mediation Directive.
Part X
Regulations
73. The Government may make regulations in order to amend any Schedule
to this Act for the purpose of giving effect to the law of the European
Communities or European Union.
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SCHEDULE 1
Part I
Section 35A(1)
EEA Lawyer
Lawyers listed in Article 1 of Directive 77/249/EEC
EEA State Description of EEA lawyer
Austria: Rechtsanwalt
Belgium: Avocat - Advocaat
Bulgaria: Aдвокат
Croatia: Odvjetnik/Odvjetnica
Cyprus: Δικηγόρος
Czech Republic: Advokát
Denmark: Advokat
Estonia: Vandeadvokaat
Finland: AsianajajaAdvokat
France: Avocat
Germany: Rechtsanwalt
Greece: Δικηγόρος
Hungary: Ügyvéd
Ireland: Barrister /Solicitor
Italy: Avvocato
Latvia: Zvērināts advokāts
Lithuania: Advokatas
Luxembourg: Avocat-avoué
Netherlands: Advocaat Advocate
Malta: Avukat/Prokuratur Legali
Poland: Adwokat/Radca prawny
Portugal: Advogado
Romania: Avocat
Spain: Abogado
Slovakia: Advokát/Komerčný právnik
Slovenia: Odvetnik/Odvetnica
Sweden: Advokat
United Kingdom: Barrister/ Solicitor;
PART II
Section 35H (1)
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1. Activities relating to the representation of a client in legal proceedings or
before public authorities shall be pursued in Gibraltar under the conditions
laid down for lawyers established in Gibraltar, with the exception of any
conditions requiring residence or registration with a professional
organisation in Gibraltar.
2. A lawyer pursuing these activities shall observe the rules of professional
conduct of Gibraltar, without prejudice to his obligations in the EEA State
from which he comes.
3. A lawyer pursuing activities other than those referred to in paragraph I
shall remain subject to the conditions and rules of professional conduct of
the EEA State from which he comes without prejudice to respect for the
rules, whatever their source, which govern the profession in Gibraltar,
especially those concerning the incompatibility of the exercise of the
activities of a lawyer with the exercise of other activities in Gibraltar,
professional secrecy, relations with other lawyers, the prohibition on the
same lawyer acting for parties with mutually conflicting interests, and
publicity. The latter rules are applicable only if they are capable of being
observed by a lawyer who is not established in Gibraltar and to the extent to
which their observance is objectively justified to ensure, in Gibraltar, the
proper exercise of a lawyer’s activities, the standing of the profession and
respect for the rules concerning incompatibility.
Part III
Section 41
Lawyers listed in Article 1 Directive 98/5/EC
State Professional title(s)
Austria Rechtsanwalt
Belgium Avocat/Advocaat/Rechtsanwalt
Bulgaria Aдвокат
Croatia Odvjetnik/Odvjetnica
Cyprus ∆ικηγόρος
Czech Republic Advokát
Denmark Advokat
Estonia Vandeadvokaat
Finland Asianajaja/Advokat
France Avocat
Germany Rechtsanwalt
Greece Δικηγόρος
Hungary Ügyvéd
Ireland Barrister/Solicitor
Italy Avvocato
Latvia Zvērināts advokāts
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Lithuania Advokatas
Luxembourg Avocat
Malta Avukat/Prokuratur Legali
Netherlands Advocaat
Romania Avocat
Poland Adwokat/ Radca prawny
Portugal Advogado
Slovenia Odvetnik/Odvetnica
Slovakia Advokát/Komerčný právnik
Sweden Advokat
Spain Abogado/Advocat/Avogado/Abokatu
United Kingdom Advocate/Barrister/Solicitor
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SCHEDULE 2
(Section 19A)
Persons disqualified from jury service
Part I - Mentally disabled persons.
1. A person who suffers or has suffered from mental illness, psychopathic
disorder, mental handicap or severe mental handicap and on account of that
condition–
(a) is resident in a hospital or similar institution; or
(b) regularly attends for treatment by a medical practitioner;
and
(c) in the opinion of the judge is not capable of performing
functions of a juror.
2. A person for the time admitted to hospital under Part II of the Mental
Health Act.
3. A person whose property and affairs are managed by the court under Part
IV of the Mental Health Act.
4. In this Part of this Schedule–
(a) “mental handicap” means a state of arrested or
incomplete development of mind (not amounting to
severe mental handicap) which includes significant
impairment of intelligence and social functioning;
(b) “severe mental handicap” means a state of arrested or
incomplete development of mind which includes severe
impairment of intelligence and social functioning;
(c) other expressions are to be construed in accordance with
the Mental Health Act.
Part II – Other persons disqualified.
1. A person who is on bail in criminal proceedings.
2. A person who has at any time been sentenced in Gibraltar or elsewhere
to–
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(a) imprisonment for life, detention for life or custody for
life;
(b) detention during Her Majesty’s pleasure;
(c) a custodial sentence of 5 years or more.
3. A person who at any time in the previous 10 years has in Gibraltar or
elsewhere–
(a) served any part of a custodial sentence; or
(b) had passed on him a suspended custodial sentence.
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SCHEDULE 3
(Sections19A(6) and 19G)
Part I – Persons ineligible for jury service due to their profession.
1. Serving Judges and Magistrates.
2. Serving police officers, prison officers and customs officers.
3. Serving probation officers and other persons engaged in the
administration of justice.
4. Doctors of medicine and dentists employed in Gibraltar in such capacity.
Part II – Persons who may be excused.
1. Ministers of religion.
2. Members of Parliament.
3. Practising barristers, solicitors and notaries.
4. Former Judges.
5. Members of Her Majesty’s naval, military or air forces in respect of
whom their commanding officer certifies that it would be significantly
prejudicial to the service if they were absent from duty.
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SCHEDULE 4
(Sections 27A(1) and 27B(1))
FINANCIAL OFFENCES
An offence under any of the following provisions is a financial offence for
purposes of Part IIIA–
1. The following offences under the Criminal Offences Act:
196(1) – Obtaining property by deception
197(1) – Obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception
198(1) – Obtaining services by deception
199(1) – Evasion of liability by deception
200(1) – False accounting
202(1) – False statements by company directors, etc
203(1) – Suppression, etc., of documents
2. An offence under Part II of the Crime (Money Laundering and Proceeds) Act
2007, other than section 5A.
3. An offence under section 54, 55 or 56 of the Drug Trafficking Offences Act
1995.
4. An offence under the Market Abuse Act 2005.
5. The following offences under the Companies Act
312 – Falsification of books
313 – Fraud by officers of companies which have gone into liquidation
314 – Proper accounts not kept
315 – Responsibility of directors for fraudulent trading of companies in
liquidation
6. An offence under the Terrorism Act in relation to funding.
7. An offence under section 75B of the Financial Services (Banking) Act
(Fraudulent inducement to make a deposit).