Poor Persons Defence Act

Section 1. Interpretation Section In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires— “ certifying officer ” means a magistrate presiding over committal proceedings under section 168 of the Magistrates Courts Act , a judge of the High Court, the registrar of the High Court and a deputy or district registrar of the High Court; “ currency point ” has the value assigned to it in the Schedule to this Act; “ Minister ” means the Minister responsible for justice; “ prisoner ” means a poor person committed for trial; “ trial judge ” means a judge of the High Court.

Section 2. Provision of legal aid Section a certifying officer , upon the committal of the prisoner for trial; or

Section 3. Remuneration of advocate Section 3(1) The remuneration of any advocate assigned under section 2 shall be payable from money provided by Parliament and shall be determined by the trial judge . Section 3(2) In determining the amount of remuneration, the trial judge shall have regard to the complexity of the case and to the duration of the trial proceedings. Section 3(3) The amount of remuneration to be determined under this section shall not exceed fifty currency points. Section 3(4) The Minister may, by statutory instrument, in consultation with the Chief Justice, vary the amount prescribed by subsection (3) .

Section 4. Power to make rules Section providing for the payment of travelling expenses, other than hotel expenses, incurred by an advocate and prescribing the terms and conditions subject to which the payments shall be made; and

Section 5. Power to amend Schedule Section The Minister may, by statutory instrument, with the approval of Cabinet, amend the Schedule to this Act.