The Court refused leave to appeal interlocutory orders setting aside a subpoena and rejecting a challenge to the District Court's jurisdiction to determine pre-trial matters without a jury. The Court confirmed that s 80 of the Commonwealth Constitution applies only to offences under federal laws, that there is no inalienable common law right to jury trial for pre-trial procedural matters that cannot be overridden by State legislation, and that the Royal Style and Titles Act 1973 (Cth) did not work any fundamental constitutional change invalidating subsequent Royal Assent to legislation. The Court also held that s 78B notices need not delay proceedings where the constitutional claims are frivolous, unarguable and concluded, particularly in interlocutory appeals requiring expedition.
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