Hypnotherapist dies in Court

Casey Chua, a defendant in the Small Claims Court, died suddenly in the court. He was being sued by for $60,000 by 11 claimants over his claims that he had a doctorate in hypnotherapy and 25 years' practice in this field. The claimants were suing for return of their course fees and their associate fees to his hypnotherapy centre.

Mr Chua had earlier refused to show proof of his qualifications but later stated that he received his doctorate from a university (East View University) that does not appear to be accredited in the United States of America.

It is unclear if the lawsuits against him would carry on. The general rule is that the death of a defendant does not terminate a lawsuit. The claims could thus continue against Mr Chua's estate. In this case, those handling his assets (his personal representatives) would have to pay off his debts against court judgments against him before they can distribute his assets. However, the procedure is slightly complicated (for more on this area, see the Probate and Administration Act).