S.L. 9.11 Art. 8Leave of absence. Cap. 9.

(1) Except where a Judge is away from Malta on a visit, or to attend a seminar, conference or other similar meeting, as approved by the Chief Justice or by the Judicial Studies Committee, he shall apply to the Senior Administrative Judge for leave of absence, including where necessary leave to be away from Malta, at least three days before such leave is required. The Senior Administrative Judge shall, before granting such leave, ensure that adequate arrangements have been made for urgent matters, which may arise in the court to which that Judge is assigned, to be dealt with by another Judge and, where the Judge seeking such leave ordinarily sits in a collegial court, the Senior Administrative Judge shall consult with the president of that court.

(2) Without prejudice to the provisions of article 547(2) of the Criminal Code, except where a Magistrate is away from the Islands on a visit, or to attend a seminar, conference or other similar meeting, as approved by the Chief Justice or by the Judicial Studies Committee, he shall apply to the Senior Magistrate for leave of absence, including where necessary leave to be away from Malta, at least three days before such leave is required. The Senior Magistrate shall, before granting such leave, ensure that adequate arrangements have been made for urgent matters, which may arise in the court to which that Magistrate is assigned, to be dealt with by another Magistrate.

(3) The provisions of the foregoing sub-rules, shall, mutatis mutandis, apply to the Senior Administrative Judge and the Senior Magistrate, sohowever that in their case they shall apply to the Chief Justice.