Jess, M.P. v. Scott, R.T. & Ors [1986] FCA 473

Jess, M.P. v. Scott, R.T. & Ors [1986] FCA 473

The power in Order 52 Rule 15(2) is discretionary. A bona fide solicitor's error, paired with absence of prejudice, the general importance of the appeal, and the applicant's solicitor's offer to bear costs, constituted 'special reasons' justifying extension. The term 'special reasons' does not require a narrow or technical interpretation but refers to grounds sufficient to distinguish the case from the usual course, justifying the departure from the general rule.

Parties
Applicant: Michael Patrick Jess; Respondent: R.T. Scott; Respondent: J.G. Kidd; Respondent: L. Carmichael; Respondent: G. Campbell; Respondent: R.A. Bruggy; Respondent: W. Martin; Respondent: E. Lipscombe; Respondent: F. Maurice; Respondent: D.A. Beer; Respondent: W.-R. Arscott; Respondent: F. McGowan; Respondent: R.B. Hawkes; Respondent: G. Adamson; Respondent: H. Malcolm; Respondent: P. Johnson; Respondent: J.F. Halfpenny; Respondent: J. O'Neill; Respondent: R. Pointer; Respondent: M. Tumbers; Respondent: F. Bastow; Respondent: A.J. Marks; Respondent: B.R. Burns; Respondent: J.A. Vaughan; Respondent: M.K. Hill; Respondent: J. Woods; Respondent: Amalgamated Metals Foundry & Shipwrights' Union
Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
04 November 1986
Procedural Posture
Application for Extension of Time for Appeal / Ruling on Extension of Time for Appeal
Outcome
Extension of time for filing and service of notice of appeal granted, subject to condition on costs.
Legal Topics
Extension of Time for Filing Notice of Appeal, Federal Court Rules Order 52 Rule 15(2), Effect of Solicitor's Error, Court's Discretionary Power
Civil Procedure Extension of Time for Filing Notice of Appeal Federal Court Rules Order 52 Rule 15(2) Effect of Solicitor's Error Court's Discretionary Power

Case Brief

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Parties

Michael Patrick Jess

Applicant

R.T. Scott

Respondent

J.G. Kidd

Respondent

L. Carmichael

Respondent

G. Campbell

Respondent

R.A. Bruggy

Respondent

W. Martin

Respondent

E. Lipscombe

Respondent

F. Maurice

Respondent

D.A. Beer

Respondent

W.-R. Arscott

Respondent

F. McGowan

Respondent

R.B. Hawkes

Respondent

G. Adamson

Respondent

H. Malcolm

Respondent

P. Johnson

Respondent

J.F. Halfpenny

Respondent

J. O'Neill

Respondent

R. Pointer

Respondent

M. Tumbers

Respondent

F. Bastow

Respondent

A.J. Marks

Respondent

B.R. Burns

Respondent

J.A. Vaughan

Respondent

M.K. Hill

Respondent

J. Woods

Respondent

Amalgamated Metals Foundry & Shipwrights' Union

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Application for Extension of Time for Appeal / Ruling on Extension of Time for Appeal

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the court should grant an extension of time to file and serve a notice of appeal under Order 52 Rule 15(2) of the Federal Court Rules
  2. 2 Meaning of 'special reasons' in Rule 15(2) and whether a solicitor's error satisfies this requirement

Ratio Decidendi

The power in Order 52 Rule 15(2) is discretionary. A bona fide solicitor's error, paired with absence of prejudice, the general importance of the appeal, and the applicant's solicitor's offer to bear costs, constituted 'special reasons' justifying extension. The term 'special reasons' does not require a narrow or technical interpretation but refers to grounds sufficient to distinguish the case from the usual course, justifying the departure from the general rule.

Court Disposition

Extension of time for filing and service of notice of appeal granted, subject to condition on costs.

Orders

  • Time for filing and service of a notice of appeal extended until 14 August 1986.
  • Filing and service of notice of appeal on 14 August 1986 is taken as sufficient compliance with the order.