Section 2: Interpretation

2. Interpretation “Appellate Court” means the Court of Criminal Appeal or the Supreme Court in the exercise of its appellate jurisdiction in criminal matters; “application” means an application for legal aid or legal assistance; “applicant” means a person who makes an application for legal aid or legal assistance; “assets” means – (a) money, in any currency, in local banks and foreign banks; (b) money deposited in a non-bank deposit taking institution licensed by the Bank of Mauritius; (c) cash in hand in any currency accepted as legal tender in any country; (d) securities, including stocks, bonds, treasury bills or other units held in Mauritius or abroad; (e) shares or any interest in a company, société or partnership; (f) trust property; (g) any virtual asset; (h) any freehold or leasehold immovable property registered in Mauritius or abroad; (i) any motor vehicle; “average monthly household income”, in respect of an applicant – (a) means his average monthly earnings and, if applicable, the average monthly earnings of his spouse or partner; but (b) does not include – (i) his average monthly expenses and, if applicable, the average monthly expenses of his spouse or partner and his dependents; (ii) any loan contracted by him; “civil proceedings” includes proceedings in extrajudicial matters; “Court” means – (a) in respect of civil or criminal proceedings before the Supreme Court or a Court of Appeal, the Chief Justice or a Judge designated by him; (b) in respect of civil or criminal proceedings before any other court, a Magistrate of that court; “earnings” means any source of income; “juvenile” means a child aged 14 or above but below the age of 18; “subordinate court” means the Supreme Court in the exercise of its original jurisdiction, the District Court, the Intermediate Court, the Industrial Court or the Criminal Division of the Children’s Court, as the case may be.