What Is a Mckenzie Friend?

What is a McKenzie Friend 

The role of a ‘McKenzie Friend’ was established following the 1970 case McKenzie v. McKenzie.

The Court agreed that a “litigant in person” should be allowed to bring a companion to support them.

It is not a legal right and has to be applied for to allow the McKenzie Friend into Court using a ‘McKenzie Friend form given by the usher and then presented to the Court by the usher.

A McKenzie Friend is not an Officer of the Court. 

Anyone can have a McKenzie Friend support them in Court. 

But a Magistrate or Judge has to give permission in Court. 

They can reject if the McKenzie Friend is related or has an interest in the case. 

An opposing side can object to the McKenzie Friend but in the end, it is for the Magistrate or Judge. 

Every McKenzie Friend must follow the: 

McKenzie Friend Practice Guidance of July 2010

If a McKenzie Friend sends documents to Court or the other party both the Litigant in Person and the McKenzie Friend can be subject to Contempt of Court.