Section 178 - Application

(1) This Act applies in an action, whether civil or criminal, and to privileges as provided in section 87.

(2) In applying this Act, and in particular in determining whether and to what extent to exercise its power under section 8, the Court shall have special regard to the fair application of this Act in respect of a party not represented by a lawyer.

(3) A rule of law which provides that acts in derogation of the common law shall be narrowly construed does not apply to this Act.

(4) This Act shall be interpreted and applied so as to achieve a consistent law of evidence and the most just, expeditious and least costly administration of the law.