Section 17: When defendant resists the claim

17. When defendant resists the claim (1) (a) Where the defendant appears and does not admit the demand, his plea or defence shall be recorded. D12 – 5 [Issue 1] District and Intermediate Courts (Civil Jurisdiction) Act (b) The Court shall then proceed to hear such witnesses as the plaintiff may call and such other proof as he may adduce in support of his plaint, and hear such witnesses as the defendant may call and such other proof as he may adduce in his defence. (c) When the Court has heard what each party has to say, it shall give such judgment as justice may require and may award costs to the successful party. (2) The clerk shall take minutes of the proceedings and shall also take down in writing the depositions of witnesses.