Dietrich v R

Details

Type: Case

Citation: [1993] 3 LRC 272

Summary: Australian law did not recognise right of indigent accused on trial for serious criminal offence to be provided with counsel at public expense — Although trial judge not bound to accede to application for adjournment or stay by unrepresented accused to secure representation and was not required to appoint counsel judge had discretion to grant adjournment and where crimes serious only in exception cases should adjournment be refused — Judge’s failure to adjourn deprived applicant of right to fair trial and conviction quashed

Author:

Court: High Court of Australia

Jurisdiction: Australia

Date 1993