Part 3 E+W Magistrates' courts

Civil jurisdiction and procedure E+W

48 Power to transfer civil proceedings (other than family proceedings) E+W

After section 57 of the 1980 Act insert—

“Transfer of civil proceedings (other than family proceedings) E+W

57A Power to transfer civil proceedings (other than family proceedings)

(1) A magistrates' court may at any time, whether before or after beginning to hear a complaint, transfer the hearing to another magistrates' court.

(2) But if the court transfers the matter after it has begun to hear the evidence and the parties, the court to which the matter is transferred must begin hearing the evidence and the parties again.

(3) This section does not apply to family proceedings.

(4) The power of the court under this section to transfer a hearing must be exercised in accordance with any directions given under section 30(3) of the Courts Act 2003.”