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KembaraXtra – Legal Terms – McKenzie Friend
A McKenzie friend is a person who assists an unrepresented litigant during court proceedings. Their role is mainly supportive rather than advocatory.
Such assistance may include taking notes, organizing documents, quietly giving advice, and helping the litigant remain calm and focused during proceedings. However, a McKenzie friend does not normally have the right to address the court directly.
The concept originated from the case of McKenzie v McKenzie, where the court emphasized the public importance of allowing litigants reasonable assistance in unfamiliar court settings.
Judges may sometimes permit a McKenzie friend to speak, but this is entirely discretionary. The role exists primarily to improve fairness and access to justice for individuals representing themselves.
A McKenzie friend is a person who assists an unrepresented litigant during court proceedings. Their role is mainly supportive rather than advocatory.
Such assistance may include taking notes, organizing documents, quietly giving advice, and helping the litigant remain calm and focused during proceedings. However, a McKenzie friend does not normally have the right to address the court directly.
The concept originated from the case of McKenzie v McKenzie, where the court emphasized the public importance of allowing litigants reasonable assistance in unfamiliar court settings.
Judges may sometimes permit a McKenzie friend to speak, but this is entirely discretionary. The role exists primarily to improve fairness and access to justice for individuals representing themselves.
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