In some criminal cases the trial of an accused person is conducted before a judge alone in the absence of a jury. In the majority of these cases the judge who hears the case will publish written reasons for decision. Unless a suppression order is made, the written reasons for decision will be available online.
In some criminal cases a judge is required to make a decision on an application brought by one of the parties under the Criminal Procedure Act 2004 (WA) or the Evidence Act 1906 (WA) before the accused person’s trial takes place. In many of these applications the judge will deliver oral reasons for decision and will not publish written reasons.
However, on occasion the judge will publish written reasons for decision. Unless a suppression order is made, the written reasons will be available online via the eCourts Portal. It is usual for a judge to make an order supressing the publication of written reasons on an application made prior to trial until the trial has taken place.
Last updated: 10-Sep-2019
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