Medical certificates relied upon in adjournment applications must do more than baldly state unfitness for court; where the applicant demonstrates capacity to engage in substantial litigation activity (preparing documents, attending registry), formulaic certificates will be treated as inconsistent with claimed incapacity. The prospects of success on the merits are a relevant consideration in determining whether to grant an adjournment. Repeated adjournment applications over an extended period, without progress, weigh heavily against further adjournments under the overriding purpose provisions.
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