Rules Board for Courts of Law Act, 1985 (Act No. 107 of 1985)RulesThe Children's Courts Rules of South AfricaChapter 3 : Clerk7. Additional functions, powers and duties of clerk |
| (1) | In addition to the functions provided for in the justice regulations, a clerk must inform a party that— |
| (a) | if not represented by a legal practitioner, such party is entitled to be legally represented; |
| (b) | if unable to afford legal representation, such party may approach Legal Aid South Africa, a law clinic, or the Legal Practice Council for pro bono legal representation; |
| (c) | such party may apply for reasonable accommodation if needed as provided for in rule 4; |
| (d) | such party may request that an interpreter be arranged as provided for in sub-rule (7) of this rule; and |
| (e) | such party may apply to appear using an audio-visual facility. |
| (2) | The clerk must accept and submit all applications to the presiding officer and may not refuse to accept an application for any reason. |
| (3) | The offices of the clerk are open during 07h45 to 16h15 every day of the week except on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday. |
| (4) | The clerk who attends the proceedings as contemplated in section 73 of the Act may not participate in the proceedings, except to render administrative support to the court. |
| (5) | Where any party will be appearing using an audio-visual facility, the clerk must arrange for the link to be created and forwarded to the relevant party at least three days prior to the date of the hearing, unless a shorter period is agreed to with such party. |
| (6) | The clerk must, on the direction of the court, summons a suitably qualified intermediary to attend the hearing. |
| (7) | The clerk must, on the direction of the court, arrange for an interpreter, including a sign language or tactile sign language interpreter, if required, to attend the hearing. |