An overview of what is going to happen in the hearing. - Introductions - Introduce yourself to the Magistrate - State: "The prosecution case is ready to proceed." - Entering of Plea/s - If unrepresented, Magistrate must read out the charge. At contested hearings even if represented, they still normally read out the charge. (s. 62 CPA) - Order for witnesses out of court - s. 127 Magistrates' Court Act 1989 - Observe who leaves the court upon making this order; good indicator who the defence might call. - Charge amendments - Fox v DPP - Agreed Facts - Not in contention or are agreed by defence and prosecution. - Can be pro-forma document or written in free-text. - Must be signed by defence and prosecution. - Tendered to the court as a preliminary matter. - Anything that isn't contentious, try and get defence to agree. - Be careful as well what you do agree to, whatever is agreed to, you cannot ask questions about, even to 'qualify' it. - Time: "At 7:30pm on Friday the 1st of January 2025..." - Identity: "Bill Smith, born 1 June 2000, was present at LOCATION/FACT when this occurred." - It should be a summary of the agreed facts. - You can also agree to exhibits. - Cannot agree to things that are law issues; can only agree on facts. - e.g. Cannot agree that someone is unavailable and then tender a statement via hearsay exceptions. "Your Honour, there are two charges before the court. Theft and resisting arrest. There are 3 prosecution witnesses. It is a factual dispute. I expect it will take 2 hours, as it is only a single issue."