Gillian Margaret Sneddon v State of New South Wales

Gillian Margaret Sneddon appealed to the Court of Appeal of New South Wales against a decision of the Supreme Court. The central dispute concerned whether the appellant was entitled to a right of appeal without requiring leave, based on the value of the matter in issue exceeding $100,000.

The primary legal issue before the Court of Appeal was to determine whether the appeal was one that could be brought as of right, or if it was an appeal requiring leave pursuant to the relevant legislation. This turned on the interpretation of the phrase "matter in issue" and whether its value met the statutory threshold.

Barrett JA considered the nature of the appellant's claim and the potential financial consequences. His Honour concluded that the "matter in issue" did not amount to $100,000 or more, and therefore, the appeal was not one that could be brought as of right. Consequently, leave to appeal was required.

The Court of Appeal ordered that the first respondent's notice of motion filed on 21 December 2011 be dismissed, with costs.