STEDMAN & STEDMAN

In *Stedman & Stedman*, the applicant sought the disqualification of Hannam J from hearing proceedings on the grounds of apprehended bias.

The central legal issue before the Court was whether there was a reasonable apprehension of bias on the part of Hannam J, such that it would be inappropriate for the judge to continue to preside over the matter.

Hannam J dismissed the application, finding that the test for apprehended bias was not met. The judge applied the established legal principles, which require an objective assessment of whether a fair-minded and informed observer, having considered the facts, would apprehend that the judge might not bring an impartial mind to the issues before them. The judge concluded that no such apprehension could reasonably be formed in this instance.

The application for disqualification was dismissed.