A Court mention is referred to at section 53 of the Criminal Procedure Act, but it is not defined there. Section 53 just tells you what you can do at a mention hearing. To mention something is defined in the dictionary as to “refer to (something) briefly and without going into detail”. This defines exactly what a mention hearing is: an opportunity to tell the Court what is happening with the matter without going into any great detail.
What can happen at a mention?
- The matter can proceed as a plea of guilty or plea hearing.
- The charges can be struck-out.
- The matter can be adjourned for a further mention or case conference.
- The matter can be adjourned for a contest mention.
- The matter can be adjourned for a contested hearing.
- The matter can be adjourned for a sentence indication.
- The matter can be adjourned for a plea hearing.
- The matter can be adjourned for a diversion hearing.
- The matter can be adjourned for a bail application.
These are just some of the things that can occur at a mention hearing in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria. If you have to attend a mention in the Magistrates’ Court, you should seek the advice of a lawyer so you are informed about what might happen in relation to your case.
