Judge Dunbar announced that the $3,000.00 and over rule is staying, but changing.
As the rule now stands, if a case is over $3,000.00 and it is on for the first time, it will be automatically adjourned if and only if both parties consent. If both sides do not consent or one side consents and the other doesn’t, it will be treated as a normal application and a reasonable reason for the adjournment will have to be provided. Those that have appeared in front of Judge Dunbar in room 101 know that his definition of reasonable is more narrow than Judge Gottlieb’s was and should prepare accordingly.
To be clear, if both sides do not agree the adjournment is not a sure thing, even if the case is over $3,000.00.
This was announced in room 101 before the calendar call today (1/3/07).