Administration of Justice Act 1985

Valid from 31/03/2009

[F1 14B (1) This paragraph applies where the Society is satisfied that a recognised body, or a manager or employee of a recognised body, has failed to comply with a requirement imposed by or by virtue of this Act or any rules applicable to that person by virtue of section 9 of this Act. E+W

(2) The Society may do one or both of the following—

(a) give the person a written rebuke;

(b) direct the person to pay a penalty not exceeding £2,000.

(3) The Society may publish details of any action it has taken under sub-paragraph (2)(a) or (b), if it considers it to be in the public interest to do so.

(4) Where the Society takes action against a person under sub-paragraph (2)(b), or decides to publish under sub-paragraph (3) details of such action under sub-paragraph (2)(a) or (b), it must notify the person in writing that it has done so.

(5) A penalty imposed under sub-paragraph (2)(b) does not become payable until—

(a) the end of the period during which an appeal against the decision to impose the penalty, or the amount of the penalty, may be made under paragraph 14C, or

(b) if such an appeal is made, such time as it is determined or withdrawn.

(6) The Society may not publish under sub-paragraph (3) details of any action under sub-paragraph (2)(a) or (b)—

(a) during the period within which an appeal against—

(i) the decision to take the action,

(ii) in the case of action under sub-paragraph (2)(b), the amount of the penalty, or

(iii) the decision to publish the details,

may be made under paragraph 14C, or

(b) if such an appeal has been made, until such time as it is determined or withdrawn.

(7) The Society must make rules—

(a) prescribing the circumstances in which the Society may decide to take action under sub-paragraph (2)(a) or (b);

(b) about the practice and procedure to be followed by the Society in relation to such action;

(c) governing the publication under sub-paragraph (3) of details of action taken under sub-paragraph (2)(a) or (b);

and the Society may make such other rules in connection with the exercise of its powers under this paragraph as it considers appropriate.

(8) Before making rules under sub-paragraph (7), the Society must consult the Tribunal.

(9) A penalty under this paragraph may be recovered as a debt due to the Society, and is to be forfeited to Her Majesty.

(10) The Lord Chancellor may, by order, amend paragraph (b) of sub-paragraph (2) so as to substitute for the amount for the time being specified in that paragraph such other amount as may be specified in the order.

(11) Before making an order under sub-paragraph (10), the Lord Chancellor must consult the Society.

(12) An order under sub-paragraph (10) is to be made by statutory instrument subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(13) This paragraph is without prejudice to any power conferred on the Society, or any other person, to make an application or complaint to the Tribunal.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Sch. 2 paras. 14B, 14C and preceding cross-heading inserted (31.3.2009) by Legal Services Act 2007 (c. 29), ss. 177, 211, Sch. 16 para. 103 (with ss. 29, 192, 193); S.I. 2009/503, art. 2(b)(ii) (subject to art. 4)