Catchwords:

MENTAL HEALTH – forensic patients – expiry of limiting term – extension of status as forensic patient – whether extension order can be made with respect to a person who has ceased to be a forensic patient

APPEALS – appeal from refusal to make an interim extension order under the Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act 1990 (NSW) – source of right to appeal – whether subject to leave – limited grant of leave

STATUTORY INTERPRETATION – principle of legality – fundamental rights and freedoms – intention to confer power to infringe liberty – application to extension orders under the Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act 1990

STATUTORY INTERPRETATION – use of defined term – whether used as label – whether context and subject matter show intention that definition not apply – application of Interpretation Act 1987 (NSW), s 6

WORDS & PHRASES – “may” – power conferred on Supreme Court to make interim extension order with respect to forensic patient – whether coupled with duty to make order where pre-conditions satisfied – Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act 1990, Sch 1, cl 10