An appeal court may refuse an adjournment where the appeal is at an advanced stage, the appellant's principal submissions are already before the court, the prospect of legal aid is of little significance at that stage, and the appellant's inability to attend in person can be addressed by telephone attendance. An appeal from a finding of contempt is to be decided on the material before the primary judge, and additional evidence will only be permitted in most unusual circumstances.
The full text is available to signed-in members.