Assumption: "If a judge cuts me off when I try to explain why I need an adjournment, that's just robust case management I have to accept."
1 min readThis content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
What People Expect
A litigant in person may believe that if a judge cuts them off while they're trying to explain why they need an adjournment, that's just robust case management they have to put up with.
Court Reality
An unrepresented party must be given a fair and proportionate opportunity to explain an adjournment application, particularly where the other side is legally represented and they are not. Cutting someone off before they can make their case can amount to a breach of the right to a fair hearing under Article 6, and can be enough to get a decision overturned on appeal.
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The Gap?
"If a judge cuts me off when I try to explain why I need an adjournment, that's just robust case management I have to accept."
Court Reality
An unrepresented party must be given a fair and proportionate opportunity to explain an adjournment application, particularly where the other side is legally represented and they are not. Cutting someone off before they can make their case can amount to a breach of the right to a fair hearing under Article 6, and can be enough to get a decision overturned on appeal.
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