Article 14 Power to bring, intervene in or assist in legal proceedings

(1)

Subject to the following provisions of this Article, the Commissioner may in any court or tribunal—

(a)

bring proceedings (other than criminal proceedings) involving law or practice concerning the rights or welfare of children or young persons;

(b)

intervene in any proceedings involving law or practice concerning the rights or welfare of children or young persons;

(c)

act as amicus curiae in any such proceedings.

(2)

An intervention under paragraph (1)(b) shall not be made except—

(a)

with the leave of the court or tribunal; and

(b)

in accordance with any such provision as may be made by the rules regulating the practice and procedure of the court or tribunal.

(3)

The Commissioner shall not bring or apply to intervene in proceedings unless he is satisfied that—

(a)

the case raises a question of principle; or

(b)

there are other special circumstances which make it appropriate for the Commissioner to do so.