Time out over the festive season

The concept of dies non is defined as a day on which no legal business can be done, or which does not count for legal purposes. What this means is that certain legal documents may not be delivered during this time.

For example, Rule 19(1) of the High Court Rules provides for dies non only in respect of a notice of intention to defend. During this time, from 16 December 2015 to 15 January 2016, the usual period of ten business days after receipt of summons is suspended.

The Constitutional Court has also directed that its dies non will run from 16 December 2015 until 1 January 2016. During this period no applications, responses or notices or processes may be filed, unless specifically permitted by the Registrar.