The case provides a structured six-point summary of the legal principles governing vexatious litigant applications under s 21 of the Supreme Court Act 1986 (Vic), synthesising Australian and New Zealand authorities. A proceeding is 'instituted' not only by filing originating process but also by counterclaiming, appealing a final determination, or applying to set aside a final determination in substance. Proceedings are vexatious if brought for improper purpose or if utterly hopeless, assessed objectively from the ultimate disposition. The court adopted the qualification from Attorney-General v Michael that a genuine claim buried in bizarre allegations and untenable claims may still render the proceeding vexatious as a whole.
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2 of the 19 citing cases carry a classified treatment. How each court treated it is available to signed-in members.