Supreme Court (Summary Jurisdiction).
and on such review to re-open and re-try the case, wholly or in part, and to take fresh evidence, and to reverse, vary, or confirm his previous judgment or decision.
[17
17. Except by consent or leave of the court, no cause or matter in the summary jurisdiction of the court shall be set down for trial or hearing before at least three clear days from the service of the writ of summons, and except by the like consent or leave, it shall not be competent to the defendant to enter into any equitable defence or into any special defence, such as set-off, illegality, want of consideration, or the statute of limitations, unless at least twenty-four hours' written notice thereof has been first given to the plaintiff or his solicitor or counsel.
[18
[CAP. 5
Notice of special defence. not to be set down for trial without notice.
18. (1) No action or other proceeding in the summary jurisdiction of the court shall be treated or considered as invalid, or subject to be set aside, on account of any verbal form or technical error; but all errors and mistakes may in all cases be amended or altered by the court.
(2) Unless the court otherwise directs, all applications to the court or in chambers which may be necessary in the course of any such action or proceeding may be made verbally and without any preliminary formality.
[19
Representation of parties.
19. (1) In every cause or matter if the court is satisfied that any party who is not represented by a solicitor or counsel is prevented by good cause from attending in person, the court may permit any relative, friend, or agent of such party, who satisfies the court that he has authority in that behalf, to appear on his behalf.
(2) If such authority is in writing, it shall not be liable to stamp duty.
[20
Trial by jury.
20. The court may, on the application of either party, order that a panel of six common or special jurors be formed, and that a common or special jury of three persons shall be drawn therefrom in accordance with the provisions of the Jury Ordinance.
[21 (Cap. 3.)
21. The court may allow such reasonable sum of money as compensation for the attendance and loss of time of parties and witnesses and witnesses.
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