If you were riveted to our article last month "
Illegal Sign – Supreme Court Reduced Fine", you
may have wondered what the Suitors' Fund is and whether (and
how) it may pay your legal costs.
The Suitors' Fund was established by the Suitors' Fund
Act 1964.
Whenever:
- a Writ of Summons is issued in the Supreme Court or the
District Court of WA; or
- a civil case commences in the Magistrates' Court; or
- a summons or court hearing notice is issued under the Criminal
Procedure Act 2004 a court of summary jurisdiction;
a court filing fee is paid, of which 10 - 20 cents is paid into
the Suitors' Fund.
In certain circumstances, a party may apply to the court for an
Indemnity Certificate. If the Suitors' Fund Board is satisfied
that the circumstances meet the criteria set out in the
Suitors' Fund Act 1964, it will issue a certificate which
entitles that party to be paid their costs from the Suitors'
Fund.
