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Lee v Cha

Lee v Cha

Case [2008] NSWCA 13 26 February 2008

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New South Wales

Court of Appeal

CITATION: Jae Kyung LEE v Bob Chae-Sang CHA & ORS [2008] NSWCA 13

HEARING DATE(S): 7 February 2008

JUDGMENT DATE:
26 February 2008

JUDGMENT OF: Hodgson JA at 1; Basten JA at 6; Bell JA at 97

DECISION:
(1) Dismiss the application for leave to appeal from the decision of Gibson DCJ to continue to hear the proceedings.
(2) Dismiss the application for an order in the nature of prohibition restraining Gibson DCJ from continuing to hear the proceedings.
(3) Order the Applicant to pay the First Respondent’s costs of the proceedings in this Court.
(4) Otherwise dismiss the amended ordinary summons filed on 12 December 2007.

CATCHWORDS: JUDGES – disqualification – apprehended bias – whether judge indicated prejudgment as to character and credibility of witness – fair minded lay observer – distinction between active case management and expression of tentative views on substantive issues – conduct of judge in relation to litigant in person - JURISDICTION – appeal from refusal by District Court judge to disqualify himself or herself – judgment or order of judge –District Court Act 1973 (NSW) s 127 - PREROGATIVE RELIEF – prohibition – discretionary relief – intervention in proceedings at interlocutory stage – availability of appeal from final determination in District Court - WORDS & PHRASES – “judgment or order” – District Court Act 1973 (NSW) s 127 – “fair-minded lay observer”

LEGISLATION CITED: Constitution, s 75(v)
Criminal Appeal Act 1912 (NSW), s 5F
Defamation Act 1974 (NSW), s 7A
District Court Act 1973 (NSW), s 127
Judicial Officers Act 1986 (NSW)
Supreme Court Act 1970 (NSW), ss 69, 101

CATEGORY: Principal judgment

CASES CITED: Ah Toy v Registrar of Companies (1985) 10 FCR 280
Ampolex Ltd v Perpetual Trustee Company (Canberra) Ltd (NSWCA 20 May 1996, unreported)
Anderson v Attorney-General (NSW) (1987) 10 NSWLR 198
Australian National Industries Ltd v Spedley Securities Ltd (In liq) (1992) 26 NSWLR 411
Barton v Walker [1979] 2 NSWLR 740
Bozatsis & Spanakakis (1997) 97 A Crim R 296
Brooks v The Upjohn Company (1998) 85 FCR 469
Cain v Glass (No. 2) (1985) 3 NSWLR 230
The Commonwealth v Mullane (1961) 106 CLR 166
Concrete Pty Ltd v Parramatta Design & Developments Pty Ltd [2006] HCA 55; (2006) 229 CLR 577
Ebner v Official Trustee in Bankruptcy [2000] HCA 63; (2000) 205 CLR 337
Fish v Solution 6 Holdings Ltd [2006] HCA 22; (2006) 225 CLR 180
Galea v Galea (1990) 19 NSWLR 263
Gas & Fuel Corporation Superannuation Fund v Saunders (1994) 52 FCR 48
Hall v Braybrook (1956) 95 CLR 620
Johnson v Johnson [2000] HCA 48; (2000) 201 CLR 488
Johnston v Nationwide News Pty Ltd [2005] NSWCA 17; (2005) 62 NSWLR 309
Lamb v Moss (1983) 49 ALR 533
Lawrance v The Commonwealth [2007] FCA 1524
Legal Practitioners’ Complaints Committee v A Practitioner (1987) 46 SASR 126
Love (1983) 9 A Crim R 1
MacPherson v The Queen (1981) 147…

Grounds of appeal

[14] The appellant contends that the primary judge erred in finding that the respondent had discharged the onus of establishing the matters required under the relevant provision.

[15] It was submitted that his Honour failed to give adequate weight to the evidence of the second witness, and that the findings of fact were not reasonably open on the material before the Court.

[16] The respondent, for its part, submits that no error is disclosed, and that the conclusions reached were well within the range of outcomes available to the primary judge.

Consideration

[17] It is convenient to deal first with the question of construction, as the resolution of that issue informs the remaining grounds advanced by the appellant.

[18] For the reasons that follow, we are of the view that the appeal should be allowed in part and the matter remitted for further determination.

Continue reading Lee v Cha

Details

AGLC: Lee v Cha [2008] NSWCA 13
Case: [2008] NSWCA 13
Decision Date: 26 February 2008

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The applicants, Lee and Cha, sought leave to appeal and an order in the nature of prohibition against a District Court judge, Gibson DCJ, to restrain him from continuing to hear proceedings. The core of the dispute concerned allegations of apprehended bias on the part of the judge, arising from his conduct during the proceedings.

The Court of Appeal was required to determine whether the judge’s conduct demonstrated a prejudgment of the character and credibility of a witness, such that a fair-minded lay observer would apprehend bias. This involved distinguishing between legitimate active case management by a judge and the expression of tentative views on substantive issues, particularly in the context of a litigant in person appearing before the court.

The Court considered the principles of apprehended bias, applying the test of whether a fair-minded lay observer, having considered the facts, would have apprehended that the judge might not bring an impartial mind to the issues. The judges found that the conduct complained of, viewed in its entirety and in context, did not demonstrate that the judge had formed a concluded view on the substantive issues or the credibility of witnesses. Rather, the judge’s remarks were seen as part of the process of managing the case and eliciting information, rather than indicating a closed mind.

The applications for leave to appeal and for an order in the nature of prohibition were dismissed.

Orders

Orders of the court

(1) Dismiss the application for leave to appeal from the decision of Gibson DCJ to continue to hear the proceedings. (2) Dismiss the application for an order in the nature of prohibition restraining Gibson DCJ from continuing to hear the proceedings.

Background

Background to the litigation

Full text does not contain this section.

Evidence

Evidence Before The Court

Full text does not contain this section.

Decision

Reasons for decision

Full text does not contain this section.

Ratio Decidendi

Legal Principle Established

Full text does not contain this section.

Actions

Citations

Lee v Cha [2008] NSWCA 13

Most Recent Citation

AB v Victims of Crimes Assistance Tribunal [2015] VSC 245

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Citation 1 (Para 1)

…a matter which weighs against restraining VCAT from hearing and determining the plaintiffs’ claim.[8] [8] Jae Kyung Lee v Bob Chae-Sang Cha & Ors [2008] NSWCA 13, [35]–[36] (Basten JA); Wo v Director of Public Prosecutions (NSW) [2009] NSWCA 370, [19] (Basten JA) (Fullerton and McCallum AJJA agreeing); Makucha v S…
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…to both parties. The application of this principle will vary depending upon the circumstances of the case: see Jae Kyung Lee v Bob Chae-Sang Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 per Basten JA at [48]; Abram v Bank of New Zealand (1996) ATPR 41-507, 43,341, 43,347; Microsoft Corporation v Ezy Loans Pty Ltd [2004] FCA 1135; (2004)…
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Citation 3 (Para 69)

…ent information about the practice and procedure of the court to ensure a fair trial takes place: see, for example, Jae Kyung Lee v Bob Chae-Sang Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 at [48]; Jeray v Blue Mountains City Council [2010] NSWCA 153 at [14]. Even then, care must be taken not to disturb the balance which the rules of pr…
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Citation 4 (Para 68)

…ting a criminal trial to ensure the fair trial of an accused and the obligations of a judge conducting a civil trial. However, Basten JA in Lee v Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 applied statements of principle in criminal appeals to civil trials and said:…
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Citation 5

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Citation 7 (Para 1)

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Citation 8 (Para 49)

…itigant in person. Indeed, the respondent's counsel accepted that the law in this respect was appropriately stated by Justice Basten ... in Lee v Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 at [49]. Justice Basten said: 'The relevant principles, if they can be so described, derive from the obligation of a trial judge to take appropriate…
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Citation 9 (Para 48)

…the practice and procedure of the Court as is reasonably practicable for the purpose of ensuring a fair trial: Jae Kyong Lee v Bob Chae-Sang Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 at [48] , cited in Jeray v Blue Mountains City Council (No 2) [2010] NSWCA 367 at [54] and more recently in Aldous v State of New South Wales [2018] NSWC…
Manny v Commonwealth of Australia; Manny v University of Canberra [2023] ACTSC 160
Citation 10 (Para 1)

…ut the practice and procedure of the Court as is reasonably practicable for the purpose of ensuring a fair trial: Jae Kyong Lee v Bob Chae-Sang Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 at [48], cited in Jeray v Blue Mountains City Council (No 2) [2010] NSWCA 367 at [54] and more recently in Aldous v State of New South Wales [2018] NSW…
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Citation 11 (Para 16)

…dure of a final hearing should not be abandoned, citing: (i) Italiano v Carbone [2005] NSWCA 177 at [35]-[36]; and (ii) Lee v Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 at [48]-[49] on the obligation for a trial judge in criminal proceedings to take appropriate steps to ensure that a party appearing unrepresented has sufficient informat…
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Citation 12 (Para 13)

…peal under s 127 of the District Court Act 1973 (NSW) in relation to ‘a judge’s … judgment or order in an action’: s 127(1). In Lee v Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 at [13] Basten JA (Hodgson and Bell JJA agreeing) expressed the view that the overwhelming weight of authority suggests that a refusal by a judge of the District…
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Citation 13 (Para 48)

…parties. The application of this principle will vary depending upon the circumstances of the case: see Jae Kyung Lee v Bob Chae‐Sang Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 per Basten JA at [48]; Abram v Bank of New Zealand (1996) ATPR 41–507, 43,341, 43,347; Microsoft Corporation v Ezy Loans Pty Ltd [2004] FCA 1135 ; (2004) 63 IPR…
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Citation 14

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Chief Commissioner of Police v Police Registration & Services Board [2022] VSC 429
Citation 15 (Para 1)

…nd delay in the processes of the law.[5] [5] Argyrou v Victorian Building Authority [2019] VSC 721 at [26]; Jae Kyung Lee v Bob Chae Sang Cha & Ors [2008] NSWCA 13, [35]–[36] (Basten JA, Bell JA agreeing); Wo v Director of Public Prosecutions (NSW) [2009] NSWCA 370, [19] (Basten JA for the Court); Makucha v Sydney…
Zhang v Zhang [2022] NSWSC 924
Citation 16 (Para 48)

…parties. The application of this principle will vary depending upon the circumstances of the case: see Jae Kyung Lee v Bob Chae‐Sang Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 per Basten JA at [48]; Abram v Bank of New Zealand (1996) ATPR 41–507, 43,341, 43,347; Microsoft Corporation v Ezy Loans Pty Ltd [2004] FCA 1135 ; (2004) 63 IPR…
Re Estate of the Late Gerhard Anthony Haberl (known as Gary Anthony Haberl) (No 2) [2022] NSWSC 803
Citation 17 (Para 48)

…to both parties. The application of this principle will vary depending upon the circumstances of the case: see Jae Kyung Lee v Bob Chae-Sang Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 per Basten JA at [48]; Abram v Bank of New Zealand (1996) ATPR 41-507, 43, 341, 43, 347; Microsoft Corporation v Ezy Loans Pty Ltd [2004] FCA 1135; (2004…
Cheng Wah Lim & AH Chot Yong v Hong Zhou [2022] QCA 99
Citation 18 (Para 24)

…n the likely consequences if procedural matters are not attended to: Markham Wayne Moore-McQuillan v Police [1998] 196 LSJS 488 p 11, Lee v Cha & Ors [2008] NSWCA 13, [48], Platcher v Joseph [2004] FCAFC 68, [104]. This is quite a different thing from advising parties on the substance or merits of the claim which…
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Citation 19 (Para 18)

…nowledge of what can be observed by a member of the public as is necessary to place the relevant impugned comments or conduct in context: Lee v Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 at [45] (Basten JA with whom Hodgson and Bell JJA agreed at [1] and [97]). She is not taken to stand in the shoes of one of the parties to the litigati…
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Citation 20 (Para 13)

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Citation 21

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Citation 22 (Para 48)

…al to both parties. The application of this principle will vary depending upon the circumstances of the case: see Jae Kyung Lee v Bob Chae-Sang Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 per Basten JA at [48]; Abram v Bank of New Zealand (1996) ATPR 41-507, 43,341, 43,347; Microsoft Corporation v Ezy Loans Pty Ltd [2004] FCA 1135; (2004…
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Citation 23 (Para 23)

…Secondly , as was emphasised by Basten JA in Lee v Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 (at [44] with whom Hodgson and Bell JJA agreed), the key part of the test is that the observer is understood to be a layman and not a lawyer. Indeed, I cannot attribute to the reasonable lay observer an understanding of legal issues as if the l…
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Citation 24 (Para 83)

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Citation 25

…erver has been described as in reality “no more than a personification of an objective test”: see Jae Kyung Lee v Bob Chae-Sang Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 at par [43] per Basten JA. 4 In deciding the question of “reasonable apprehension” it is important that judicial officers discharge their duty to sit, and do not acced…
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Citation 26 (Para 1)

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Citation 27 (Para 48)

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Citation 28 (Para 1)

…nstrate bias.[31] Bell J’s conclusion that Mr Kyriazis had established that Judge Chettle was ostensibly biased must be set aside. [31] Lee v Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 [50] (Basten JA, with whom Hodgson and Bell JJA agreed).…
Chamoun v District Court of New South Wales [2018] NSWCA 187
Citation 29 (Para 32)

…established, a further question of what relief should be granted must be addressed. Relief in a case such as the present is discretionary: Lee v Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 at [28].…
Chamoun v Director of Public Prosecutions (NSW) [2018] NSWCCA 182
Citation 30 (Para 11)

…f appeal under s 127 of the District Court Act 1973 (NSW) in relation to “a judge’s … judgment or order in an action”: s 127(1). In Lee v Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 at [13] Basten JA (Hodgson and Bell JJA agreeing) expressed the view that the overwhelming weight of authority suggests that a refusal by a judge of the Dist…
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Citation 31 (Para 16)

…personification of an objective test: Gaudie v Local Court of New South Wales (2013) 235 A Crim R 98; [2013] NSWSC 1425 at [94], citing Lee v Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 at [43]. The bystander is taken to have knowledge of all the material and objective facts and is assumed to have sufficient knowledge to put the remarks…
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Citation 32 (Para 56)

…In Lee v Cha & Ors [2008] NSWCA 13 the Court of Appeal had to consider an application for judicial review from a refusal by a judge during a civil trial in the District Court to disqualify herself for bias. Justice Basten (with whom Hodgson and Bell JJA agreed) said:…
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Citation 33 (Para 19)

…l as to have knowledge of the circumstances leading to the decision”: Isbester at [23]. As the NSW Court of Appeal pointed out in Lee v Cha & Ors [2008] NSWCA 13 at [40], the application of the test requires an evaluative judgment as to “what the ‘fair minded lay observer’ can be taken to know”.…
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Citation 34 (Para 13)

…otwithstanding that it had generally been accepted and applied by the Australian courts. [6] 4. (2011) 244 CLR 427; [2011] HCA 48. 5. Lee v Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 at [13] (Basten JA, Hodgson and Bell JJA agreeing). 6. See Michael Wilson at [80]-[86].…
Kalache v Local Court of New South Wales [2017] NSWSC 1614
Citation 35 (Para 5)

…that power is made out. Bias or a reasonable apprehension of bias would be a basis for exercising the discretion to make such an order: see Lee v Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 at [23], [28] per Basten JA; Hodgson and Bell JJA agreeing at [2] and [97].…
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Citation 36 (Para 12)

…Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (1999) 84 FCR 438 [29]. [37] R v Zorad (1990) 19 NSWLR 91, 94 - 95. [38] Jae Kyung Lee v Bob Chae-Sang Cha [2008] NSWCA 13, [48] per Basten JA. See also Abram v Bank of New Zealand (1996) ATPR 41-507, 43,341, 43,437; Microsoft Corporation v Ezy Loans Pty Ltd [2004] FCA 1135…
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Citation 37 (Para 49)

…e to whose supposed mental processees the test of apprehended bias is considered. Basten JA (with whom Hodgson and Bell JJA agreed) said in Lee v Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 at [43] that “the reference to such a person is no more than the personification of an objective test”. In these reasons, I shall use the expression…
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Citation 38 (Para 1)

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Citation 39 (Para 1)

…o out-weigh the undesirability of fragmentation and delay in the processes of the law.[5] [5]See, eg, Jae Kyung Lee v Bob Chae – Sang Cha and Ors [2008] NSWCA 13 [35]–[36] (Baston JA); Wo v Director of Public Prosecutions (NSW) [2009] NSWCA 370 [19] (Baston JA) (Fullerton & McCallum AJJA agreeing); Makucha v Sydne…
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Citation 40 (Para 1)

…al to both parties. The application of this principle will vary depending upon the circumstances of the case: see Jae Kyung Lee v Bob Chae-Sang Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 per Basten JA at [48]; Abram v Bank of New Zealand (1996) ATPR 41-507, 43,341, 43,347 ; Microsoft Corporation v Ezy Loans Pty Ltd [2004] FCA 1135; (200…
Lazarus v Director of Public Prosecutions (NSW) [2015] NSWSC 426
Citation 41 (Para 17)

…that there was a reasonable apprehension of bias on the part of the reasonable observer: R v Watson; Ex parte Armstrong (1976) 136 CLR 248; Lee v Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 at [28].…
Re Henry; JL v Secretary, Department of Family and Community Services [2015] NSWCA 89
Citation 42

…oner of Police [2012] NSWCA 379 Hamod v New South Wales [2011] NSWCA 375 In the matter of Campbell [2011] NSWSC 761 Jae Kyung Lee v Bob Chae-Sang Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 JL v Director-General, Family and Community Services [2015] NSWCA 88 JS v Secretary Department of Family and Community Services [2014] NSWCA 441 John…
Amos v Wiltshire [2015] QCA 44
Citation 43 (Para 1)

…hen the appeal was started. [7] Supreme Court of Queensland Act 1991 (Qld) s 62(1); Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 (Qld) Ch 18. [8] Lee v Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 at [15]. [9] Ebner v Official Trustee in Bankruptcy (2000) 205 CLR 337 at 343.…
Stone v Moore [2015] SASC 46
Citation 44 (Para 5)

…n these proceedings arises pursuant to section 43 of the District Court Act 1991 . [10] For the position in New South Wales, see, eg, Lee v Cha & Ors [2008] NSWCA 13 at [28]. However, the statutory background in New South Wales is different. The power to exercise judicial review in this State would seem to derive…
Collier v State of New South Wales [2014] NSWSC 1073
Citation 45 (Para 3)

…he fair minded observer has been described as in reality 'no more than a personification of an objective test': see Jae Kyung Lee v Bob Chae-Sang Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 at par [43] per Basten JA. [4] In deciding the question of 'reasonable apprehension' it is important that judicial officers discharge their duty to s…
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Citation 46 (Para 49)

…itigant in person. Indeed, the respondent's counsel accepted that the law in this respect was appropriately stated by Justice Basten ... in Lee v Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 at [49]. Justice Basten said:…
Singh v Legal Aid Commission [2014] NSWCATAD 28
Citation 47

…(2009) 168 LGERA 269. Hot Holdings Pty Ltd v Creasy (2002) 210 CLR 438 Huang v University NSW (No 3) [2006] FCA 626 Jae Kyung Lee v Bob Chae-Sang Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 Johnson v Johnson [2000] HCA 48; (2000) 201 CLR 488 Khera v Law Society of New South Wales (LSD) [2005] NSWADTAP 29 LB v Hunter New England Area Heal…
Gaudie v Local Court of New South Wales [2013] NSWSC 1425
Citation 48 (Para 1)

…The reference to the bystander is no more than the personification of an objective test: Lee v Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 at [43].…
Bauskis v Liew [2013] NSWCA 297
Citation 49 (Para 2)

…rial to both parties. The application of this principle will vary depending upon the circumstances of the case: see Jae Kyung Lee v Bob Chae-Sang Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 per Basten JA at [48]; Abram v Bank of New Zealand (1996) ATPR ¶41-507, 43,341, 43,347; Microsoft Corporation v Ezy Loans Pty Ltd [2004] FCA 1135; (2…
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Citation 50 (Para 3)

…he Commission may be distinguished from proceedings before a court, the following observations made by Basten JA in Jae Kyung Lee v Bob Chae-Sang Cha [2008] NSWCA 13 are of assistance concerning the subject of the lay observer (at [43]–[44]): “There remains a questions as to what the fair-minded lay observer shoul…

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Citation 2

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Citation 5

…(1981) 147 CLR 512 Mellifont v Attorney-General (Queensland) (1991) 173 CLR 289 Michael v Western Australia [2007] WASCA 100 Moller v Roy (1975) 132 CLR 622 Moss v Brown [1979] 1 NSWLR 114 The Queen v Australian Stevedoring Industry Board; Ex parte Melbourne Stevedoring Co Pty Ltd (1953) 88 CLR 100 The Queen v Ross…
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…230 The Commonwealth v Mullane (1961) 106 CLR 166 Concrete Pty Ltd v Parramatta Design & Developments Pty Ltd [2006] HCA 55; (2006) 229 CLR 577 Ebner v Official Trustee in Bankruptcy [2000] HCA 63; (2000) 205 CLR 337 Fish v Solution 6 Holdings Ltd [2006] HCA 22; (2006) 225 CLR 180 Galea v Galea (1990) 19 NSWLR 2…
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Citation 7

…R 577 Ebner v Official Trustee in Bankruptcy [2000] HCA 63; (2000) 205 CLR 337 Fish v Solution 6 Holdings Ltd [2006] HCA 22; (2006) 225 CLR 180 Galea v Galea (1990) 19 NSWLR 263 Gas & Fuel Corporation Superannuation Fund v Saunders (1994) 52 FCR 48 Hall v Braybrook (1956) 95 CLR 620 Johnson v Johnson [2000] HCA…
Rich v Australian Securities and Investments Commission [2005] NSWCA 233
Citation 8

…nal; Ex parte Aala [2000] HCA 57; (2000) 204 CLR 82 Rich v Australian Securities and Investments Commission [2005] NSWCA 233; (2005) 54 ACSR 365 Rogerson (1990) 45 A Crim R 253 Sankey v Whitlam (1978) 142 CLR 1 Smith v Commissioner of Corrective Services [1978] 1 NSWLR 317 Solution 6 Holdings Ltd v Industrial Relat…
Johnston v Nationwide News Pty Ltd [2005] NSWCA 17
Citation 9

…rook (1956) 95 CLR 620 Johnson v Johnson [2000] HCA 48; (2000) 201 CLR 488 Johnston v Nationwide News Pty Ltd [2005] NSWCA 17; (2005) 62 NSWLR 309 Lamb v Moss (1983) 49 ALR 533 Lawrance v The Commonwealth [2007] FCA 1524 Legal Practitioners’ Complaints Committee v A Practitioner (1987) 46 SASR 126 Love (1983) 9 A…
Rich v Australian Securities and Investments Commission [2004] HCA 42
Citation 10

…[2000] HCA 57; (2000) 204 CLR 82 Rich v Australian Securities and Investments Commission [2005] NSWCA 233; (2005) 54 ACSR 365 Rogerson (1990) 45 A Crim R 253 Sankey v Whitlam (1978) 142 CLR 1 Smith v Commissioner of Corrective Services [1978] 1 NSWLR 317 Solution 6 Holdings Ltd v Industrial Relations Commission of N…
Solution 6 Holdings Ltd v Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales [2004] NSWCA 200
Citation 11

…of Corrective Services [1978] 1 NSWLR 317 Solution 6 Holdings Ltd v Industrial Relations Commission of NSW [2004] NSWCA 200; (2004) 60 NSWLR 558 Southern Equities Corporation Ltd (In liq) v Bond (2000) 78 SASR 339 Yule v Junek (1978) 139 CLR 1 Vakauta v Kelly (1989) 167 CLR 568 Webb v The Queen (1994) 181 CLR 41 T…
Re F: Litigants in person guidelines [2001] FamCA 348
Citation 12

…i v Wood (1989) 18 NSWLR 512 Raybos Australia Pty Ltd v Tectran Corporation Pty Ltd (1986) 6 NSWLR 272 Re F [2001] FamCA 348; (2001) 161 FLR 189 Re Refugee Review Tribunal; Ex parte Aala [2000] HCA 57; (2000) 204 CLR 82 Rich v Australian Securities and Investments Commission [2005] NSWCA 233; (2005) 54 ACSR 365 Rog…
Southern Equities Corporation Ltd (In liq) v Bond [2000] SASC 450
Citation 13

…s Commission of NSW [2004] NSWCA 200; (2004) 60 NSWLR 558 Southern Equities Corporation Ltd (In liq) v Bond (2000) 78 SASR 339 Yule v Junek (1978) 139 CLR 1 Vakauta v Kelly (1989) 167 CLR 568 Webb v The Queen (1994) 181 CLR 41 TEXTS CITED: Aronson, Dyer and Groves, Judicial Review of Administrative Action , 3rd ed, (…
Ebner v Official Trustee in Bankruptcy [2000] HCA 63
Citation 14

…amatta Design & Developments Pty Ltd [2006] HCA 55; (2006) 229 CLR 577 Ebner v Official Trustee in Bankruptcy [2000] HCA 63; (2000) 205 CLR 337 Fish v Solution 6 Holdings Ltd [2006] HCA 22; (2006) 225 CLR 180 Galea v Galea (1990) 19 NSWLR 263 Gas & Fuel Corporation Superannuation Fund v Saunders (1994) 52 FCR 48…
Re Refugee Review Tribunal; Ex parte Aala [2000] HCA 57
Citation 15

…Ltd (1986) 6 NSWLR 272 Re F [2001] FamCA 348; (2001) 161 FLR 189 Re Refugee Review Tribunal; Ex parte Aala [2000] HCA 57; (2000) 204 CLR 82 Rich v Australian Securities and Investments Commission [2005] NSWCA 233; (2005) 54 ACSR 365 Rogerson (1990) 45 A Crim R 253 Sankey v Whitlam (1978) 142 CLR 1 Smith v Commi…
Johnson v Johnson [2000] HCA 48
Citation 16

…poration Superannuation Fund v Saunders (1994) 52 FCR 48 Hall v Braybrook (1956) 95 CLR 620 Johnson v Johnson [2000] HCA 48; (2000) 201 CLR 488 Johnston v Nationwide News Pty Ltd [2005] NSWCA 17; (2005) 62 NSWLR 309 Lamb v Moss (1983) 49 ALR 533 Lawrance v The Commonwealth [2007] FCA 1524 Legal Practitioners’ Co…
Brooks v the Upjohn Company [1998] FCA 929
Citation 17

…1 Barton v Walker [1979] 2 NSWLR 740 Bozatsis & Spanakakis (1997) 97 A Crim R 296 Brooks v The Upjohn Company (1998) 85 FCR 469 Cain v Glass (No. 2) (1985) 3 NSWLR 230 The Commonwealth v Mullane (1961) 106 CLR 166 Concrete Pty Ltd v Parramatta Design & Developments Pty Ltd [2006] HCA 55; (2006) 229 CLR 577 Ebner v O…
Webb v the Queen [1994] HCA 30
Citation 18

…v Bond (2000) 78 SASR 339 Yule v Junek (1978) 139 CLR 1 Vakauta v Kelly (1989) 167 CLR 568 Webb v The Queen (1994) 181 CLR 41 TEXTS CITED: Aronson, Dyer and Groves, Judicial Review of Administrative Action , 3rd ed, (2004), pp 714-719 Sir Anthony Mason, Judicial disqualification for bias or apprehended bias and the…
Rajski v Wood [1992] NSWCA 197
Citation 19

…; Ex parte Green (1984) 156 CLR 185 The Queen v Watson; Ex parte Armstrong (1976) 136 CLR 248 Rajski v Wood (1989) 18 NSWLR 512 Raybos Australia Pty Ltd v Tectran Corporation Pty Ltd (1986) 6 NSWLR 272 Re F [2001] FamCA 348; (2001) 161 FLR 189 Re Refugee Review Tribunal; Ex parte Aala [2000] HCA 57; (2000) 204 CLR 82…
Mellifont v Attorney-General (Q) [1991] HCA 53
Citation 20

…ove (1983) 9 A Crim R 1 MacPherson v The Queen (1981) 147 CLR 512 Mellifont v Attorney-General (Queensland) (1991) 173 CLR 289 Michael v Western Australia [2007] WASCA 100 Moller v Roy (1975) 132 CLR 622 Moss v Brown [1979] 1 NSWLR 114 The Queen v Australian Stevedoring Industry Board; Ex parte Melbourne Stevedoring…
Vakauta v Kelly [1989] HCA 44
Citation 21

…n Equities Corporation Ltd (In liq) v Bond (2000) 78 SASR 339 Yule v Junek (1978) 139 CLR 1 Vakauta v Kelly (1989) 167 CLR 568 Webb v The Queen (1994) 181 CLR 41 TEXTS CITED: Aronson, Dyer and Groves, Judicial Review of Administrative Action , 3rd ed, (2004), pp 714-719 Sir Anthony Mason, Judicial disqualification fo…
Raybos Australia Pty Ltd v Tectran Corporation Pty Ltd [1988] HCA 2
Citation 22

…(1976) 136 CLR 248 Rajski v Wood (1989) 18 NSWLR 512 Raybos Australia Pty Ltd v Tectran Corporation Pty Ltd (1986) 6 NSWLR 272 Re F [2001] FamCA 348; (2001) 161 FLR 189 Re Refugee Review Tribunal; Ex parte Aala [2000] HCA 57; (2000) 204 CLR 82 Rich v Australian Securities and Investments Commission [2005] NSWCA 233;…
Ah Toy v Registrar of Companies [1985] FCA 291
Citation 23

…me Court Act 1970 (NSW), ss 69, 101 CATEGORY: Principal judgment CASES CITED: Ah Toy v Registrar of Companies (1985) 10 FCR 280 Ampolex Ltd v Perpetual Trustee Company (Canberra) Ltd (NSWCA 20 May 1996, unreported) Anderson v Attorney-General (NSW) (1987) 10 NSWLR 198 Australian National Industries Ltd v Spedley Sec…
Young v Quin [1985] FCA 18
Citation 24

…zatsis & Spanakakis (1997) 97 A Crim R 296 Brooks v The Upjohn Company (1998) 85 FCR 469 Cain v Glass (No. 2) (1985) 3 NSWLR 230 The Commonwealth v Mullane (1961) 106 CLR 166 Concrete Pty Ltd v Parramatta Design & Developments Pty Ltd [2006] HCA 55; (2006) 229 CLR 577 Ebner v Official Trustee in Bankruptcy [2000] HCA…
R v Ross-Jones; Ex parte Green [1984] HCA 82
Citation 25

…y Board; Ex parte Melbourne Stevedoring Co Pty Ltd (1953) 88 CLR 100 The Queen v Ross Jones; Ex parte Green (1984) 156 CLR 185 The Queen v Watson; Ex parte Armstrong (1976) 136 CLR 248 Rajski v Wood (1989) 18 NSWLR 512 Raybos Australia Pty Ltd v Tectran Corporation Pty Ltd (1986) 6 NSWLR 272 Re F [2001] FamCA 348; (2…
Lamb v Moss [1983] FCA 254
Citation 26

…CA 48; (2000) 201 CLR 488 Johnston v Nationwide News Pty Ltd [2005] NSWCA 17; (2005) 62 NSWLR 309 Lamb v Moss (1983) 49 ALR 533 Lawrance v The Commonwealth [2007] FCA 1524 Legal Practitioners’ Complaints Committee v A Practitioner (1987) 46 SASR 126 Love (1983) 9 A Crim R 1 MacPherson v The Queen (1981) 147 CLR 512…
Yule v Junek [1978] HCA 4
Citation 27

…200; (2004) 60 NSWLR 558 Southern Equities Corporation Ltd (In liq) v Bond (2000) 78 SASR 339 Yule v Junek (1978) 139 CLR 1 Vakauta v Kelly (1989) 167 CLR 568 Webb v The Queen (1994) 181 CLR 41 TEXTS CITED: Aronson, Dyer and Groves, Judicial Review of Administrative Action , 3rd ed, (2004), pp 714-719 Sir Anthony…
R v Watson; Ex parte Armstrong [1976] HCA 39
Citation 28

…88 CLR 100 The Queen v Ross Jones; Ex parte Green (1984) 156 CLR 185 The Queen v Watson; Ex parte Armstrong (1976) 136 CLR 248 Rajski v Wood (1989) 18 NSWLR 512 Raybos Australia Pty Ltd v Tectran Corporation Pty Ltd (1986) 6 NSWLR 272 Re F [2001] FamCA 348; (2001) 161 FLR 189 Re Refugee Review Tribunal; Ex parte Aala…
Moller v Roy [1975] HCA 31
Citation 29

…Attorney-General (Queensland) (1991) 173 CLR 289 Michael v Western Australia [2007] WASCA 100 Moller v Roy (1975) 132 CLR 622 Moss v Brown [1979] 1 NSWLR 114 The Queen v Australian Stevedoring Industry Board; Ex parte Melbourne Stevedoring Co Pty Ltd (1953) 88 CLR 100 The Queen v Ross Jones; Ex parte Green (1984) 15…
Commonwealth v Mullane [1961] HCA 28
Citation 30

…oks v The Upjohn Company (1998) 85 FCR 469 Cain v Glass (No. 2) (1985) 3 NSWLR 230 The Commonwealth v Mullane (1961) 106 CLR 166 Concrete Pty Ltd v Parramatta Design & Developments Pty Ltd [2006] HCA 55; (2006) 229 CLR 577 Ebner v Official Trustee in Bankruptcy [2000] HCA 63; (2000) 205 CLR 337 Fish v Solution 6 Hold…
Hall v Braybrook [1956] HCA 30
Citation 31

…a (1990) 19 NSWLR 263 Gas & Fuel Corporation Superannuation Fund v Saunders (1994) 52 FCR 48 Hall v Braybrook (1956) 95 CLR 620 Johnson v Johnson [2000] HCA 48; (2000) 201 CLR 488 Johnston v Nationwide News Pty Ltd [2005] NSWCA 17; (2005) 62 NSWLR 309 Lamb v Moss (1983) 49 ALR 533 Lawrance v The Commonwealth [2007]…
R v Australian Stevedoring Industry Board; Ex parte Melbourne Stevedoring Co Pty Ltd [1953] HCA 22
Citation 32

…9] 1 NSWLR 114 The Queen v Australian Stevedoring Industry Board; Ex parte Melbourne Stevedoring Co Pty Ltd (1953) 88 CLR 100 The Queen v Ross Jones; Ex parte Green (1984) 156 CLR 185 The Queen v Watson; Ex parte Armstrong (1976) 136 CLR 248 Rajski v Wood (1989) 18 NSWLR 512 Raybos Australia Pty Ltd v Tectran Corpor…
Sankey v Whitlam [1978] HCA 43
Citation 33

…Securities and Investments Commission [2005] NSWCA 233; (2005) 54 ACSR 365 Rogerson (1990) 45 A Crim R 253 Sankey v Whitlam (1978) 142 CLR 1 Smith v Commissioner of Corrective Services [1978] 1 NSWLR 317 Solution 6 Holdings Ltd v Industrial Relations Commission of NSW [2004] NSWCA 200; (2004) 60 NSWLR 558 Southern Equiti…
MacPherson v The Queen [1981] HCA 46
Citation 34

…1524 Legal Practitioners’ Complaints Committee v A Practitioner (1987) 46 SASR 126 Love (1983) 9 A Crim R 1 MacPherson v The Queen (1981) 147 CLR 512 Mellifont v Attorney-General (Queensland) (1991) 173 CLR 289 Michael v Western Australia [2007] WASCA 100 Moller v Roy (1975) 132 CLR 622 Moss v Brown [1979] 1 NSWLR 114 The Queen…
Gas & Fuel Corporation Superannuation Fund v Saunders [1994] FCA 1237
Citation 35

…2; (2006) 225 CLR 180 Galea v Galea (1990) 19 NSWLR 263 Gas & Fuel Corporation Superannuation Fund v Saunders (1994) 52 FCR 48 Hall v Braybrook (1956) 95 CLR 620 Johnson v Johnson [2000] HCA 48; (2000) 201 CLR 488 Johnston v Nationwide News Pty Ltd [2005] NSWCA 17; (2005) 62 NSWLR 309 Lamb v Moss (1983) 49 ALR 533…

Legislation Cited

Supreme Court Act 1970 (NSW) 101, 69
3 mentions
Criminal Appeal Act 1912 (NSW) 5F
2 mentions
Defamation Act 1974 (NSW) 7A
2 mentions
District Court Act 1973 (NSW) 127
2 mentions
Family Law Act 1975 (Cth)
1 mention
Judicial Officers Act 1986 (NSW)
1 mention

CITATION:	Jae Kyung LEE v Bob Chae-Sang CHA & ORS [2008] NSWCA 13
HEARING DATE(S):	7 February 2008
JUDGMENT DATE:	26 February 2008
JUDGMENT OF:	Hodgson JA at 1; Basten JA at 6; Bell JA at 97
DECISION:	(1) Dismiss the application for leave to appeal from the decision of Gibson DCJ to continue to hear the proceedings. (2) Dismiss the application for an order in the nature of prohibition restraining Gibson DCJ from continuing to hear the proceedings. (3) Order the Applicant to pay the First Respondent’s costs of the proceedings in this Court. (4) Otherwise dismiss the amended ordinary summons filed on 12 December 2007.

CATCHWORDS:	JUDGES – disqualification – apprehended bias – whether judge indicated prejudgment as to character and credibility of witness – fair minded lay observer – distinction between active case management and expression of tentative views on substantive issues – conduct of judge in relation to litigant in person - JURISDICTION – appeal from refusal by District Court judge to disqualify himself or herself – judgment or order of judge –District Court Act 1973 (NSW) s 127 - PREROGATIVE RELIEF – prohibition – discretionary relief – intervention in proceedings at interlocutory stage – availability of appeal from final determination in District Court - WORDS & PHRASES – “judgment or order” – District Court Act 1973 (NSW) s 127 – “fair-minded lay observer”
LEGISLATION CITED:	Constitution, s 75(v) Criminal Appeal Act 1912 (NSW), s 5F Defamation Act 1974 (NSW), s 7A District Court Act 1973 (NSW), s 127 Judicial Officers Act 1986 (NSW) Supreme Court Act 1970 (NSW), ss 69, 101
CATEGORY:	Principal judgment
CASES CITED:	Ah Toy v Registrar of Companies (1985) 10 FCR 280 Ampolex Ltd v Perpetual Trustee Company (Canberra) Ltd (NSWCA 20 May 1996, unreported) Anderson v Attorney-General (NSW) (1987) 10 NSWLR 198 Australian National Industries Ltd v Spedley Securities Ltd (In liq) (1992) 26 NSWLR 411 Barton v Walker [1979] 2 NSWLR 740 Bozatsis & Spanakakis (1997) 97 A Crim R 296 Brooks v The Upjohn Company (1998) 85 FCR 469 Cain v Glass (No. 2) (1985) 3 NSWLR 230 The Commonwealth v Mullane (1961) 106 CLR 166 Concrete Pty Ltd v Parramatta Design & Developments Pty Ltd [2006] HCA 55; (2006) 229 CLR 577 Ebner v Official Trustee in Bankruptcy [2000] HCA 63; (2000) 205 CLR 337 Fish v Solution 6 Holdings Ltd [2006] HCA 22; (2006) 225 CLR 180 Galea v Galea (1990) 19 NSWLR 263 Gas & Fuel Corporation Superannuation Fund v Saunders (1994) 52 FCR 48 Hall v Braybrook (1956) 95 CLR 620 Johnson v Johnson [2000] HCA 48; (2000) 201 CLR 488 Johnston v Nationwide News Pty Ltd [2005] NSWCA 17; (2005) 62 NSWLR 309 Lamb v Moss (1983) 49 ALR 533 Lawrance v The Commonwealth [2007] FCA 1524 Legal Practitioners’ Complaints Committee v A Practitioner (1987) 46 SASR 126 Love (1983) 9 A Crim R 1 MacPherson v The Queen (1981) 147…