ABSTRACT

This chapter focuses on the law in relation to appeals from trials in the magistrates’ court. Such appeals are, in general, in respect of trials of summary offences. In certain specified cases and circumstances, however, a magistrate may have statutory power to try some indictable offences. Any person dissatisfied by a conviction or order in the magistrates’ court may appeal. Thus a complainant may appeal against the failure of the court to make a conviction or a defendant may appeal against a conviction or order made against him. Once an appellant appeals against an order, be it a conviction or dismissal by a magistrate, the latter must supply reasons for his decision. The provisions governing the procedure for appeals from the magistrates’ court are outlined in the relevant Acts throughout the region, which may be either the summary procedure legislation or specific summary appeals legislation.