Statement by the Chief Justice
The Judiciary is the third arm of government, separate from the Legislature, which makes the laws via Acts of Parliament, and the Executive, which administers the laws via the various government departments and other government entities. In a thriving young democracy such as ours, it is the function of the courts to decide on disputes between the State and its
citizens, including the disputes among its citizens and other legal entities.
The highest court in the land, the Supreme Court is based in Suva, and so is the Court of Appeal. The High Courts are based in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa. A High Court will be open when the new Ba Courthouse is open. As of now, we have approximately 20 High Court judges in the country. The Magistrates Courts, the judicial workhorse in the judiciary, are based in Suva, Navua, Sigatoka, Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Tavua, Rakiraki, Korovou, Levuka, Vunidawa, Nausori, Nasinu, Labasa, Nabouwalu, Savusavu and Taveuni. The Magistrates Court also presides in the Island Courts of Rotuma, Lau and Lomaiviti approximately 3 times a year.
Small Claims Tribunals are based in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa, and Small Claims Tribunal Referees travel to other districts to preside in cases, when the need arises.
With the rise in the economic development of the country, we have seen a corresponding rise in the cases that come before the courts. The challenge in the next four years is to dispose off cases within a reasonable time, as mandated by section 15(3) of the 2013 Constitution. At the moment, we are re-examining the High Court Rules 2016 to bring it into par with modern
case management techniques.
Our judicial officers go through two organized workshops per year to assist them update and upskill themselves on the law.The officers are also encouraged to attend sponsored legal workshops and training overseas. Continued training are also extended to court staff and officials to assist them in enhancing their services to the public through the Courts.
We are working closely with government on the building of new courthouses. On 6 December 2023, two new Civil High Court courtrooms and chambers were opened at Tagimoucia Street, in Lautoka. The new Court House in Ba will soon be open to deliver justice to the people of Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki. It will have 3 new Courtrooms. The new Nasinu Courtrooms are already been used, and they have four new courtrooms. The Nasinu Magistrates Court is the biggest Magistrates Court in the country. We intend, with government support, to build a new multi-storey High Court house in Lautoka.
In any event, I look forward to working on the initiatives outlined in the Strategic Plan to ensure and enhance access to justice for the people of Fiji.
