Lawrence and Dehn (No 2)

In *Lawrence and Dehn (No 2)*, Hannam J of the Supreme Court of New South Wales was required to consider an application for disqualification of the judge from further hearing the proceedings. The application arose in the context of ongoing litigation between the parties.

The central legal issue before the Court was whether there was a reasonable apprehension of bias on the part of the judge, necessitating recusal. This required an examination of the judge's conduct and any statements made during the proceedings to determine if an informed, fair-minded lay observer would perceive a lack of impartiality.

Hannam J, in reaching the decision to disqualify himself, applied the well-established test for apprehended bias. His Honour considered the specific circumstances of the case and concluded that, in the interests of justice and maintaining public confidence in the judiciary, it was appropriate to step aside.

Consequently, Hannam J ordered his own disqualification from further hearing in the matter.