Morris & Anor v Wardley Australia Property Management Limited

Theodore Constantine Morris and Diane Rachel Morris (the applicants) sought special leave to appeal from a decision of the respondent, Wardley Australia Property Management Limited. The proceedings took place in the High Court of Australia.

The primary legal issue before the Court was whether the applicants should be granted special leave to appeal. This involved determining if the case raised a question of public importance, as required for special leave applications. The applicants contended that the case involved two points of public importance: firstly, an aspect of the law, and secondly, an aspect of natural justice.

The Chief Justice questioned whether the principles governing adjournment applications were in doubt, suggesting they were well-known. The applicants' counsel acknowledged this but argued that there was an apparent divergence in how these principles were applied, which, despite allowing for differing circumstances, warranted consideration by the High Court. The Court was presented with documents, including an amended summons and defences, to assist in understanding the judgments of the trial judge and the Court of Appeal.