Courts Act 1971

57 Interpretation of this Act and rules of construction of other Acts. U.K.

(1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—

• the “appointed day” means the commencement of this Act which, as provided by this Act, may be a different date for different purposes,

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F1

• “sentence”, in relation to an offence, includes any order made by a court when dealing with an offender including—

  (a)

  a hospital order under [F2 Part III of the Mental Health Act 1983], with or without an order restricting discharge, and

  (b)

  a recommendation for deportation made when dealing with an offender.

(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F3

(3) Except where the context otherwise requires, in this or any other Act—

(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F4

(b) any reference to the courts abolished by this Act shall include a reference to the Lancaster Palatine Court and the Durham Palatine Court (which are abolished on merger with the High Court).

(4) Except where the context otherwise requires, in any Act passed after this Act the expression “recorder” shall not include the Recorder of London or an honorary recorder of a borough.

(5) Any power of making orders contained in any provision of this Act shall include power to vary or revoke an order made under that provision.

(6) It is hereby declared that any power conferred by this Act on the Lord Chancellor or any other authority to give directions includes a power to vary or rescind any direction so given.

(7) Any reference in this Act to any other enactment is a reference thereto as amended, and includes a reference thereto as extended or applied, by or under any other enactment, including this Act.

Textual Amendments

F1 Definition of “the Judicature Act 1925” repealed by Supreme Court Act 1981 (c. 54, SIF 37), s. 152(4), Sch. 7

F2 Words substituted by Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20, SIF 85), s. 148(1), Sch. 4 para. 28

F3 S. 57(2) repealed by Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45), Sch. 13

F4 S. 57(3)(a) repealed by Supreme Court Act 1981 (c. 54, SIF 37), s. 152(4), Sch. 7