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Matched Legal Cases: ['ART 1', 'ART 2', 'ART 3', 'ART 4', 'ART 5', 'ART 6', 'ART 7', 'art 58', 'ART 8', 'ART 9', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 4', 'ART 1', 'ART 2', 'art 1', 'art 3', 'ART 3', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'ART 4', 'art 1', 'art 3', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'ART 5', 'art 1', 'art 3', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'ART 6']

Judicial Services and Courts Act [Cap 270] - PDF Free Download
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1 Judicial Services and Courts Act [Cap 270] Commencement: 2 June 2003, except s.22, 37, 8(1), 40(4), 42(6), 47(2) and the Schedule which commenced 12 August 2003 CHAPTER 270 JUDICIAL SERVICES AND COURTS Act 54 of 2000 Act 4 of 2003 ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS PART 1 PRELIMINARY 1. Definitions PART 2 JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 2. Constitution of the Commission 3. Objects 4. Functions 5. Powers 6. Committees 7. Meetings and procedure 8. Remuneration and expenses of members 9. Secretary 10. Funding 11. Protection of proceedings and publications PART 3 MAGISTRATES COURT AND MAGISTRATES Division 1 Magistrates Court and its jurisdiction
2 12. Magistrate s Courts continue in existence as a single court 13. Constitution 14. Criminal and civil jurisdiction 15. Orders for community service 16. Contempt and concurrent jurisdiction 17. Reservation of questions of law Division 2 Magistrates 18. Appointment 19. Chief magistrate 20. Acting appointments 21. Disqualification 22. Salaries, allowances and benefits 23. Vacation of office and discharge 24. Magistrate may sit after appointment terminated and other paid work Division 3 Clerks and employees 25. Clerks of court 26. Other employees PART 4 SUPREME COURT AND JUDGES Division 1 The Supreme Court 27. Constitution 28. Unlimited jurisdiction throughout Vanuatu 29. Administration 30. Appeals from Magistrates Court 31. Review of convictions and reservation of questions of law 32. Contempt Division 2 Judges 33. Appointment of Chief Justice and judges 34. Acting Chief Justice 35. Acting judges 36. Vacation of office and discharge 37. Salaries, benefits and allowances 38. Disqualification 39. Judge may sit after appointment terminated and other paid work
3 Division 3 Officers and employees 40. Registrar 41. Functions of the registrar relating to court personnel 42. (Repealed) 43. Other officers 44. Other employees PART 5 THE COURT OF APPEAL 45. Appointment of Supreme Court judges and disqualification 46. Administration 47. Registrar and other officers 48. Appellate jurisdiction PART 6 FUNDING, PROTECTION AND ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE JUDICIAL SERVICE AND THE COURTS 49. Funding of the Judicial Service and the Vanuatu Courts 50. Management improvement plan 51. Annual report and financial statements 52. Proper accounts to be kept 53. Audit 54. Proceedings arising out of administration 55. Protection of judges, magistrates and other officers 56. Improper influence and obstruction of judicial officers PART 7 DISCIPLINE OF COURT PERSONNEL 57. Application of Part 58. Disciplinary offences 59. Establishment of Court Personnel Disciplinary Board 60. Hearing and confirmation of disciplinary offences 61. Rights of appeal by court personnel 62. Powers of Board to summon witnesses etc. 63. Offence to improperly influence Commission or Board PART 8 MISCELLANEOUS 64. Seals 65. Inherent powers of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, and custom 66. Judicial Committee and Rules of Court 67. Review of salaries and benefits 68. Oath or affirmation of office 69. Continuous service for public servants 70. Statutory orders 71. (Omitted) PART 9 REPEAL AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS 72. Repeal of Courts Act
4 73. Judges Transitional and savings provision 74. Magistrates Transitional and savings provision 75. Court personnel Transitional and savings provision 76. Savings of orders, acting appointments and Rules of Court 77. Existing proceedings saved 78. Act does not take away or limit jurisdiction SCHEDULE Part 1 Table of Salaries, Allowances and Benefits of Judges, Master and Members of the Commission Part 2 Table of Salaries and Benefits of Chief Magistrate, Registrar and Magistrates Part 3 Details Of Benefits Part 4 (Omitted) JUDICIAL SERVICES AND COURTS An Act to provide for the independence of the Judicial Service, the functions and powers of the Judicial Service Commission in addition to those in the Constitution, the Courts of the Republic of Vanuatu, and for related purposes. PART 1 PRELIMINARY 1. Definitions (1) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears: Board means the Court Personnel Disciplinary Board established under section 59; chief magistrate means the chief magistrate appointed under section 19; commencement means the commencement of this Act; Commission means the Judicial Service Commission referred to in Article 48 of the Constitution; committee means a committee established by the Commission under section 6; court personnel means: (a) a clerk of the Magistrates Court appointed under section 25; or (b) an employee of the Magistrates Court engaged under section 26; or (c) the registrar or any other officer of the Supreme Court appointed under section 40 or 43; or (d) an employee of the Supreme Court engaged under section 44; or (e) the registrar or any other officer of the Court of Appeal appointed under section 47;
5 immediate family of a person means the person s spouse and any child of the person and/or the person s spouse; judge means a person appointed as a member of the judiciary under Article 47(2) of the Constitution or as an acting judge under Article 47(5) of the Constitution and includes the Chief Justice; judicial officer means a judge or magistrate; Judicial Service means the Judicial Service mentioned in subsection (2); magistrate means a magistrate appointed under section 18, and includes: (a) the chief magistrate; and (b) any senior magistrate; and (c) any acting magistrate, senior magistrate or chief magistrate; Magistrates Court means the Magistrates Court of Vanuatu continued in existence under section 12; Minister means the Minister responsible for justice; registrar means a person appointed as registrar under section 40; Rules of Court means the rules made under section 66; salary means basic salary; senior magistrate means a magistrate appointed as a senior magistrate under section 18; statutory orders means the statutory orders made under this Act; this Act includes the statutory orders; Vanuatu Courts means: (a) the Court of Appeal; and (b) the Supreme Court; and (c) the Magistrates Court; and (d) the Island Courts established under the Island Courts Act [Cap. 167]; and (e) any office or service associated with any of these Courts, including translations, interpretation, libraries and archives. (2) The Judicial Service is constituted by: (a) judges; and (b) magistrates; and (c) other judicial officers; and (d) court personnel. PART 2 JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION 2. Constitution of the Commission
6 (1) The Commission consists of: (a) the Minister responsible for Justice, as chairman; and (b) the Chief Justice; and (c) the chairman of the Public Service Commission; and (d) a representative of the National Council of Chiefs appointed by the Council. (2) The Commission may elect one of its members to be the Deputy Chairman of the Commission. The Deputy Chairman must perform the functions of the Chairman (including those under section 7(3)) if the Chairman is: (a) absent from Vanuatu; or (b) unable for any reason to perform the functions of the Chairman. (3) A vacancy in the Commission does not affect the validity of the proceedings or decisions of the Commission. 3. Objects (1) The objects of the Commission are: (a) to promote and protect the independence and the efficiency of the Judicial Service; and (b) to promote the operation of the rule of law; and (c) to promote and monitor generally the performance and accountability of the Judicial Service. (2) The Minister must not act so as to interfere with the independence of the Judicial Service in performing his or her functions: (a) as the Minister responsible for justice; and (b) as the Chairman of the Commission 4. Functions (1) The Commission has the following functions: (a) to ensure that: (i) the appointment and promotion of judicial officers and court personnel is undertaken in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Constitution and this Act; and (ii) the appointment, promotion, transfer and discharge of, and disciplinary steps against, judicial officers and court personnel takes place without favour or prejudice; and (iii) the law and administrative procedures that are applicable to the matters mentioned in subparagraphs (i) and (ii) are applied uniformly and correctly to judges, magistrates and court personnel, as the case requires; (b) to ensure that no improper influencing or victimisation of judicial officers and court personnel takes place;
7 (c) to carry out or cause to be carried out the investigations that it considers necessary for the purposes of this Act; (d) to promote the training of judicial officers and court personnel; (e) to compile a code of conduct for judicial officers and keep it up to date; (f) to inform the Minister about: (i) administrative matters which are applicable to judicial officers and court personnel, including salaries, allowances and other conditions of service; and (ii) the general maintenance and upkeep of the courts in Vanuatu, including buildings, libraries, furniture and furnishings, and plant and equipment; (g) to prepare a report for each year about: (i) any matter that is relevant to the independence and efficiency of the administration of justice; and (ii) any action needed to be taken to strengthen the operation of law; and (iii) reforms that may be needed to any laws; (h) (repealed) (i) such other functions as are conferred on it by this Act or any other Act; (j) to do anything else that is incidental or conducive to the performance of any of the preceding functions. (2) The report referred to in subsection (1)(g) must be prepared within 3 months after the end of the relevant year and the Minister must table in the Parliament a copy of the report within 5 sitting days after the commencement of the next ordinary session. (3) In undertaking an investigation under subsection (1)(c), the Commission must observe the rules of natural justice. (4) In undertaking its functions, the Commission may consult with representatives of the legal profession and any other person in its discretion. 5. Powers (1) The Commission has power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done for or in connection with the performance of its functions. (2) Without limiting subsection (1), the powers of the Commission include the following: (a) subject to any other Act or law, to obtain access to information or documents (other than classified material within the meaning of the Official Secrets Act [Cap. 111]) for the purposes of an investigation; (b) to require any person by notice in writing to appear before it to give evidence and to produce any document or thing; (c) subject to subsection (5), to publish any finding, opinion or recommendation of the Commission.
8 (3) A person who obstructs or improperly influences the Commission or a committee of the Commission in the execution of the Commission s powers under subsection (1) is guilty of an offence punishable on conviction by a fine not exceeding VT 100,000 or imprisonment for a term of not more than 6 months, or both. (4) A person who is required to appear before the Commission under subsection (2)(b) may be represented by a qualified legal practitioner. (5) The Commission cannot publish any information or document that is commercial in confidence and the disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to prejudice substantially the commercial interests of a person. 6. Committees (1) The Commission may establish committees to assist and advise the Commission on any matter relating to the administration of this Act. (2) A committee may, subject to the directions of the Commission, exercise any of the powers referred to in section 5(2)(a), (b) or (c). (3) The Commission is to determine the composition of a committee. A committee may include persons who are not members of the Commission. 7. Meetings and procedure (1) The Commission must meet at least 6 times each year at such times and places as the Chairman determines. (2) A quorum of the Commission consists of 3 members. (3) The Chairman of the Commission must: (a) preside at a meeting of the Commission; and (b) regulate the proceedings of the meeting; and (c) cause minutes to be kept of the meeting. (4) The meetings of the Commission are to take place in private unless the Chairman of the Commission directs otherwise. (5) Subject to this Act and the Constitution, the Commission is to regulate its own procedures. 8. Remuneration and expenses of members (1) A person holding the office of Chairman or member of the Commission is entitled to the salary, allowances and benefits applicable to that office as set out in the table in Part 1 of the Schedule. The benefits are described in detail in Part 3 of the Schedule.
9 (2) Subsections (3) to (6) apply to a member of a committee of the Commission. (3) The rate of remuneration payable to the member is the rate determined under the Government Remuneration Tribunal Act [Cap. 250]. (4) If a rate of remuneration has not been determined under that Act, the member is to be paid such remuneration as the Commission determines in writing. (5) The member is to be paid such allowances, including for travelling and subsistence expenses incurred by him or her in the performance of his or her duties, as the Commission determines in writing. (6) A determination made under subsection (4) or (5) is a statutory order. 9. Secretary (1) The Commission must appoint a Secretary of the Commission who will be the administrative head of the Commission. The Secretary may be appointed on a part time basis and may hold another office. (2) The Secretary must provide administrative support services and a secretariat to the Commission. (3) The Secretary is subject to the direction of the Commission. (4) The Commission may appoint such other employees as are necessary for the purposes of the Commission. (5) The Secretary and any other employee must be appointed on merit. (6) The Commission must determine the terms and conditions of appointment of the Secretary and any other employees of the Commission. A determination must be in writing and is a statutory order. 10. Funding (1) The Government must ensure that there is a sufficient budget allocated to the Commission to enable it to perform its functions and exercise its powers. (2) The operations of the Commission are to be funded by monies appropriated by Parliament for that purpose. (3) To avoid doubt, the budget procedure provided for by the Public Finance and Economic Management Act [Cap. 244] applies in relation to the budget for the Commission.
10 (4) The Commission must keep proper accounting records in relation to its financial affairs and must cause to be prepared annual statements of account for each financial year. (5) The Commission s accounts for each financial year must be audited within 3 months after the end of that financial year by the Auditor-General or a person authorised by the Auditor-General. 11. Protection of proceedings and publications All proceedings and publications of the Commission are protected as if they were proceedings and publications of the Supreme Court. PART 3 MAGISTRATES COURT AND MAGISTRATES Division 1 Magistrates Court and its jurisdiction 12. Magistrates Courts continue in existence as a single court (1) The Magistrate s Courts established by section 1 of the Courts Act [Cap. 122] continue in existence on and after commencement as the Magistrates Court of Vanuatu. (2) The Magistrates Court has jurisdiction throughout the whole of Vanuatu. (3) The Commission may by statutory order prescribe districts and registries for the administration of the Magistrates Court. 13. Constitution (1) The Magistrates Court is to be presided over by a single magistrate. (2) A magistrate must perform the functions and exercise the powers that are conferred on him or her by or under this Act and any other law. 14. Criminal and civil jurisdiction (1) The Magistrates Court has jurisdiction to hear and determine in a summary way civil proceedings as provided for by the Magistrates Court (Civil Jurisdiction) Act [Cap. 130] and any other law. Subject to the provisions of any other Act or law, the Magistrates Court has jurisdiction to hear and determine in a summary way criminal proceedings for an offence for which the maximum punishment does not exceed imprisonment for 2 years. A magistrate must not impose a sentence greater than imprisonment for 2 years. (3) The Magistrates Court must hear and determine criminal proceedings without a preliminary judicial inquiry.
11 (4) A senior magistrate may on application or at his or her discretion hear and determine in a summary way criminal proceedings for an offence for which the maximum punishment does not exceed imprisonment for 10 years. However, a senior magistrate must not impose a sentence greater than imprisonment for 5 years. (5) Despite subsections (2) and (4), a magistrate may sentence consecutively an offender in respect of 2 or more offences to a term of imprisonment exceeding 2 years, but not exceeding 4 years. (6) The Supreme Court may, by order made under its seal, invest the Magistrates Court with jurisdiction to try any proceeding in respect of a particular class of offence or proceeding or a particular case. 15. Orders for community service (1) If the Magistrates Court sentences a person to a term of imprisonment of 6 months or less, the Court may as an alternative order the person to perform specified work for community purposes for a specified period not exceeding 100 hours subject to specified conditions. (2) A person undergoing community work who is absent from such community work without a lawful excuse is guilty of an offence and is punishable on conviction by a term of imprisonment not exceeding one month or a fine not exceeding VT 20,000 and the order is to continue. In the alternative, the person is to be sentenced for the original offence and the order discharged Contempt and concurrent jurisdiction (1) The Magistrates Court has the power to punish summarily a person for contempt of court by imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 months or a fine not exceeding VT 20,000. (2) The jurisdiction conferred on the Magistrates Court does not in any way restrict or affect the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. 17. Reservation of questions of law (1) A magistrate may reserve for the consideration of the Supreme Court on a case to be stated by the magistrate any question of law which may arise on the hearing of any criminal or civil proceedings. (2) The magistrate must not deliver judgement in the proceedings until he or she has received the opinion of the Supreme Court. (3) The Supreme Court has power to determine every such question after hearing argument. Division 2 Magistrates 18. Appointment
12 (1) The President must appoint magistrates on the recommendation of the Commission which must be based on merit. (2) The Commission must not recommend a person for appointment as a magistrate unless the person: (a) holds a degree in law from a recognised tertiary institution; or (b) has suitable legal training or experience. (3) Each magistrate is to be appointed for the whole of Vanuatu. (4) The President must appoint senior magistrates on the recommendation of the Commission which must be based on merit. (5) The Commission must not recommend a person for appointment as a senior magistrate unless the person has at least 3 years experience as a magistrate. (6) A senior magistrate may, with the written approval of the Commission, resign as a senior magistrate, but remain a magistrate. 19. Chief magistrate (1) The President must appoint a magistrate to be the chief magistrate on the recommendation of the Commission which must be based on merit. (2) The Commission must not recommend a person for appointment as the chief magistrate unless the person has at least 5 years experience as a magistrate. (3) The chief magistrate holds office for a period of 5 years and is eligible for reappointment. (4) With the approval of the Commission, the chief magistrate may resign as chief magistrate but remain a magistrate. (5) The chief magistrate, subject to prior consultation with the Chief Justice and the Registrar: (a) is responsible for the management of the administrative affairs of the Magistrates Court; and (b) may issue directions with respect to practices and procedures of Magistrates Court, however, such directions must not be inconsistent with the Rules of Court; and (c) must identify training programmes for magistrates; and (d) must bring to the notice of the Commission any matter which affects the employment of magistrates; and (e) may discipline magistrates by way of counselling; and (f) is responsible for the efficient management and control of court personnel of the Magistrates Court; and (g) must implement statutory orders relating to magistrates.
13 (6) The chief magistrate is responsible for the orderly and expeditious exercise of the Magistrates Court s jurisdiction and power, and must ensure that: (a) the business of the Magistrates Court is undertaken in a just and fair manner at a reasonable cost; and (b) all cases are listed, brought on for hearing and determined as soon as possible; and (c) delays in proceedings are avoided through unnecessary adjournments and that reasonable notice is given to parties of changes to hearing dates. (7) For the sole purpose of managing the administrative affairs of the Magistrates Court, the chief magistrate has power to do all things that are necessary or convenient to be done. The chief magistrate must liaise with the Chief Justice about administrative matters common to the Magistrates Court and the Supreme Court (for example, accommodation). 20. Acting appointments (1) The President must appoint a person as an acting magistrate or as the acting chief magistrate if the Commission recommends that the appointment of the person is necessary for transacting the business of the Magistrates Court, whether or not an appointment has been made to that office. (2) The Commission must not recommend a person for an acting appointment unless the person has the qualifications necessary for appointment on a permanent basis. (3) A person appointed to act must continue to act until the end of the period for which he or she is appointed unless the person: (a) earlier resigns his or her acting appointment; or (b) is suspended or removed from office under section Disqualification (1) If: (a) a magistrate has a personal interest in any proceedings; or (b) there is actual bias or an apprehension of bias by the magistrate in the proceedings; he or she must disqualify himself or herself from hearing the proceedings and direct that the proceedings be heard by another magistrate. (2) A party to any proceedings may apply to a magistrate to disqualify himself or herself from hearing the proceedings. (3) If a magistrate rejects an application for disqualification, the applicant may appeal to the Supreme Court against the rejection. If an appeal is made, the magistrate must adjourn the proceedings until the appeal has been heard and determined.
14 (4) A magistrate who rejects an application for disqualification must give written reasons for the rejection to the applicant. 22. Salaries, allowances and benefits A person holding the office of magistrate or chief magistrate, or a person acting in that office, is entitled to the salary, allowances and benefits applicable to that office as set out in the table in Part 2 of the Schedule. The benefits are described in detail in Part 3 of the Schedule. 23. Vacation of office and discharge (1) A magistrate holds office until he or she reaches the age of 55. (2) A magistrate must not be suspended or removed from office except in accordance with the provisions of this section. (3) The President must suspend or remove a magistrate from office on the recommendation of the Commission. (4) The Commission may recommend the suspension or removal of a magistrate: (a) for gross misconduct; or (b) on account of physical or mental incapacity to carry out his or her duties of office efficiently; or (c) if the magistrate is convicted and sentenced on a criminal charge; or (d) for professional incompetence. (5) A magistrate who is suspended from office is to be paid his or her full salary during the period of the suspension. (6) The Commission may, at the request of a magistrate, allow the magistrate to vacate his or her office: (a) on account of continued ill-health; or (b) for any other reason which the Commission considers sufficient. (7) A request under subsection (6)(b) must be made to the Commission at least 6 months before the date on which the magistrate wishes to vacate his or her office, unless the Commission approves a shorter period in a particular case. (8) If a magistrate is allowed to vacate his or her office under subsection (6)(a) or (6)(b), the magistrate is entitled to the pension and benefits prescribed by the statutory orders. 24. Magistrate may sit after appointment terminated and other paid work (1) A magistrate whose appointment has terminated (otherwise than by reason of his or her removal from office) may sit as a magistrate for the purpose of hearing, giving judgement in or
15 otherwise finishing any proceedings which were commenced before the termination of his or her appointment. (2) A magistrate must not perform any paid work outside his or her duties of office without the consent of the Commission. Division 3 Clerks of court and employees 25. Clerks of court (1) The Commission may appoint one or more clerks of court to be attached to the Magistrates Court. An appointment must be made on merit. (2) A clerk of court is under the direction and control of a magistrate. (3) A magistrate may direct a person to perform the duties of a clerk of court if an appointment has not been made or the clerk is not available for any reason. (4) The duties of a clerk of court are to be prescribed by the Rules of Court, and a clerk of court is entitled to the salary, benefits and allowances as are prescribed by the statutory orders. 26. Other employees (1) The Commission may engage on merit such other employees as the Commission considers necessary for the purposes of the Magistrates Court. (2) An employee is entitled to the salary, benefits and allowances as are prescribed by the statutory orders. PART 4 SUPREME COURT AND JUDGES Division 1 The Supreme Court 27. Constitution The Supreme Court must be constituted by a judge sitting alone: (a) in the exercise of its jurisdiction under Articles 6, 16(4), 39(3), 53 and 54 of the Constitution; and (b) in any other proceeding unless an Act or law otherwise provides.
16 28. Unlimited jurisdiction throughout Vanuatu (1) The Supreme Court has: (a) unlimited jurisdiction throughout Vanuatu to hear and determine any civil or criminal proceedings in Vanuatu, including matters of custom; and (b) all jurisdiction that is necessary for the administration of justice in Vanuatu. (2) Subject to the Rules of Court, a judgement of the Supreme Court has effect and may be executed in any part of Vanuatu. (3) To avoid doubt, subsection (2) does not limit the effect of a judgement of the Supreme Court in any other country. 29. Administration (1) Subject to and in accordance with this Act, the Supreme Court is to administer its own affairs and the Chief Justice is responsible for the management of the administrative affairs of the Court. (2) Without limiting subsection (1), the Chief Justice is responsible for the orderly and expeditious exercise of the Supreme Court s jurisdiction and power, and must ensure that: (a) the business of the Court is undertaken in a just and fair manner at a reasonable cost; and (b) all cases are listed, brought on for hearing and determined as soon as possible; and (c) delays in proceedings are avoided through unnecessary adjournments and reasonable notice is given to parties of changes to hearing dates. (3) For the purpose of the management of the administrative affairs of the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice has power to do all things that are necessary or convenient to be done. (4) Without limiting subsection (3), the Chief Justice has the power on behalf of the State to: (a) to enter into contracts; and (b) to acquire, hold and dispose of personal property; and (c) to take on hire, to exchange, and to accept on deposit or loan, library material, and also furnishings, equipment and goods needed for the purposes of the Supreme Court. (5) Subsection (4) does not authorise the Chief Justice to acquire any interest or right in land, or to enter into a contract under which the State is to pay or receive an amount exceeding VT 1,000,000 without the approval of the Commission. (6) The Chief Justice may appoint committees consisting of judges, or of judges and other persons, for the purpose of assisting him or her in the management of the administrative affairs of the Supreme Court. (7) The Chief Justice may, in writing, delegate all or any of his or her powers associated with administration of the affairs of the Supreme Court under subsection (1) to any one or more of the judges.
17 (8) Any judicial or other proceeding relating to a matter arising out of the management of the administrative affairs of the Supreme Court may be instituted by or against the State, as the case requires. (9) The Commission may by statutory order prescribe districts and registries for the administration of the Supreme Court. 30. Appeals from Magistrates Court (1) Subject to the provisions of any other Act, the Supreme Court has jurisdiction to hear and determine appeals from judgements of the Magistrates Court on all or any of the following: (a) a question of law; (b) a question of fact; (c) a question of mixed law and fact. (2) The Supreme Court in hearing an appeal: (a) is to proceed on the face of the record of the Magistrates Court; and (b) may exercise such powers as may be prescribed by or under this Act or any other law; and (c) has the powers and jurisdiction of the Magistrates Court; and (d) may review the procedures and the findings (whether of fact or law) of the Magistrates Court; and (e) may substitute its own judgement for the judgement of the Magistrates Court; and (f) may receive evidence. (3) (Repealed) (4) The Supreme Court is the final court of appeal for the determination of questions of fact. However, an appeal lies to the Court of Appeal from the Supreme Court on a question of law if the Court of Appeal grants leave. 31. Review of convictions and reservation of questions of law (1) The Supreme Court has power at any time to review the conviction of a person by the Magistrates Court, whether or not there has been an appeal against the conviction. (2) The Supreme Court may exercise the power: (a) on its own motion; or (b) upon the petition of the Public Prosecutor; or (c) upon the petition of the defendant or any other interested person. (3) If the Supreme Court reviews a conviction and is of the opinion, by reason of new evidence or otherwise, that a miscarriage of justice has or may have occurred, the Supreme Court may do all or any of the following: (a) set aside the conviction;
18 (b) order a new trial before the Magistrates Court that made the conviction; (c) make such other orders in the interest of justice and give all necessary and consequential directions. (4) If the Supreme Court makes an order setting aside a conviction, the convicted person: (a) if he or she is imprisoned must be released immediately; or (b) if he or she has paid a fine must be refunded the amount paid. (5) A judge may reserve for the consideration of the Court of Appeal on a case to be stated by the judge any question of law which may arise on the hearing of any criminal or civil proceedings. (6) The judge must not deliver judgement in the proceedings until he or she has received the opinion of the Court of Appeal. (7) The Court of Appeal has power to determine every such question after hearing argument. 32. Contempt The Supreme Court has power to punish summarily a person for contempt of court by imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or a fine not exceeding VT 100,000. Division 2 Judges 33. Appointment of Chief Justice and judges (1) The Chief Justice must be appointed in accordance with Articles 47 and 49 of the Constitution. (2) A judge must be appointed in accordance with Articles 47(2) and 49(4) of the Constitution. (3) In preparing advice in relation to the appointment of a judge under Article 47(2) of the Constitution, the Commission may have regard to the following: (a) whether the person has sufficient experience and ability to fulfil the duties of a judge; (b) whether the person has public confidence and standing in the community in which he or she usually resides, and is a person of good character; (c) in the case of a person from outside Vanuatu is or was a judge of a superior court in another jurisdiction. (4) A judge is to be appointed for the whole of Vanuatu. (5) The judges, other than the Chief Justice, have seniority according to the dates of their appointment unless the Commission otherwise directs. 34. Acting Chief Justice
19 (1) If: (a) the Chief Justice is absent from Vanuatu or is unable or unavailable to perform the duties of his or her office; or (b) there is a vacancy in the office of Chief Justice; the next senior judge who is able and willing to do so must perform the duties of the Chief Justice. That judge may exercise the powers of the Chief Justice and is to be designated Acting Chief Justice. (2) (Repealed) (3) (Repealed) 35. Acting judges (1) The President must appoint a person as an acting judge if the Commission recommends the appointment of the person is necessary for transacting the business of the Supreme Court. (2) A person must not be appointed as an acting judge unless he or she is qualified for appointment in accordance with Article 49(4) of the Constitution. (3) In recommending a person for appointment, the Commission must have regard to the matters in section 33(3). (4) A person appointed to act must continue to act until the end of the period for which he or she is appointed, unless the person: (a) resigns from his or her acting appointment; or (b) is removed under Article 47(3) of the Constitution. (5) (Repealed) (6) (Repealed) 36. Vacation of office and discharge (1) A judge holds office until he or she reaches the age of 60. (2) A judge must not be removed from office except in accordance with Article 47(3)(a) or (b) of the Constitution. (3) The Commission may, at the request of a judge, allow the judge to vacate his or her office: (a) on account of continued ill-health; or (b) for any other reason which the Commission considers sufficient.
20 (4) A request under subsection (3)(b) must be made to the Commission in writing at least 6 months before the date on which the judge wishes to vacate his or her office, unless the Commission approves a shorter period in a particular case. (5) If a judge is allowed to vacate his or her office under subsection (3)(a) or (3)(b), the judge is entitled to the pension and benefits prescribed by the statutory orders. 37. Salaries, benefits and allowances A person holding the office of Chief Justice or judge, or acting in that office, is entitled to the salary, allowances and benefits applicable to that office as set out in the table in Part 1 of the Schedule. The benefits are described in detail in Part 3 of the Schedule. 38. Disqualification (1) If: (a) a judge has a personal interest in any proceedings; or (b) there is actual bias or an apprehension of bias by the judge in the proceedings; he or she must disqualify himself or herself from hearing the proceedings and direct that the proceedings be heard by another judge. (2) A party to any proceedings may apply to a judge to disqualify himself or herself from hearing the proceedings. (3) If a judge rejects an application for disqualification, the applicant may appeal to the Court of Appeal against the rejection. If an appeal is made, the judge must adjourn the proceedings until the appeal has been heard and determined. (4) A judge who rejects an application for disqualification must give written reasons for the rejection to the applicant. 39. Judge may sit after appointment terminated and other paid work (1) A judge whose appointment has terminated (otherwise than by reason of his or her removal from office) may sit as a judge for the purpose of hearing, giving judgement in or otherwise finishing any proceedings that were commenced before the termination of his or her appointment. (2) A judge must not perform any paid work outside his or her duties of office without the consent of the Commission. Division 3 Officers and employees 40. Registrar (1) The Commission must appoint on merit a registrar of the Supreme Court.
21 (2) The registrar: (a) is to assist the Chief Justice in the management of the administrative affairs of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, and the chief magistrate in the management of the administrative affairs of the Magistrates Court; and (b) is to assist the Chief Justice and the chief magistrate in ensuring the orderly and expeditious exercise of the jurisdiction of those courts; and (c) may act on behalf of the Chief Justice and the chief magistrate for the purposes of paragraphs (a) and (b); and (d) has power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done for the purpose of assisting the Chief Justice and the chief magistrate under paragraphs (a) and (b); and (e) is to assist the Chief Justice in undertaking his or her duties under section 52; and (f) is responsible for the efficient operation of the Supreme Court registry; and (g) must discharge such other duties as may be prescribed by the statutory orders or the Rules of Court. (3) The Commission may appoint a person to be an acting registrar. An acting registrar, during the time for which he or she is appointed, must perform the duties of the registrar. (4) A person holding the office of registrar or acting as the registrar is entitled to the salary, allowances and benefits applicable to that office as set out in the table in Part 2 of the Schedule. The benefits are described in detail in Part 3 of the Schedule. (5) A person appointed to act as the registrar must continue to act until the end of the period for which he or she is appointed unless the person: (a) resigns from his or her acting appointment; or (b) is suspended or removed under Part Functions of the registrar relating to court personnel (1) The registrar of the Supreme Court: (a) is responsible for the efficient management and control of court personnel; and (b) must advise the Chief Justice on the salaries and salary scales of court personnel; and (c) must identify, after consultation with the Chief Justice, training programs for court personnel; and (d) must bring to the notice of the Chief Justice any matter which affects the employment of court personnel; and (e) must implement statutory orders relating to court personnel. (2) (Repealed) 42. (Repealed) 43. Other officers
22 (1) The Commission may appoint on merit such assistant registrars, sheriffs and other officers of the Supreme Court as the Commission considers necessary for the efficient operation of the Court. (2) An assistant registrar, sheriff or other officer must discharge such duties as may be prescribed by the statutory orders or the Rules of Court, or as a judge of the Court or the registrar may direct. (3) The Commission may appoint a person to act as an assistant registrar or other officer of the Court. (4) An officer appointed under this section or a person acting as an officer is entitled to the salary, benefits and allowances prescribed by the statutory orders. (5) The sheriff is responsible for the service and execution of all writs, summonses, rules, orders, warrants and processes of the Supreme Court directed to the sheriff. (6) The sheriff is also responsible for: (a) taking, receiving and detaining all persons committed to his or her custody by the Supreme Court; and (b) discharging such persons when so directed by the Court or otherwise required by law. (7) An officer appointed under this section may authorise persons to assist him or her in the exercise of any of his or her powers or the performance of any of his or her functions. 44. Other employees (1) The Commission may engage on merit such other employees as the Commission considers necessary for the purposes of the Supreme Court. (2) An employee is entitled to the salary, benefits and allowances as are prescribed by the statutory orders. PART 5 THE COURT OF APPEAL 45. Appointment of Supreme Court judges and disqualification (1) A judge of the Supreme Court may sit as a judge of the Court of Appeal in accordance with Article 50 of the Constitution. (2) A judge so acting is entitled to the allowances and benefits as set out in the table in Part 1 of the Schedule. The benefits are described in detail in Part 3 of the Schedule. (3) A judge of the Supreme Court whose judgement is under consideration in any proceeding before the Court of Appeal must not sit as a member of the Court of Appeal in that proceeding.
23 46. Administration (1) The Chief Justice is responsible for the administration of the Court of Appeal and for ensuring the orderly and expeditious exercise of the jurisdiction and powers of the Court of Appeal. (2) Subject to this Act, the Chief Justice has power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done for ensuring the orderly and expeditious exercise of the jurisdiction and powers of the Court of Appeal. 47. Registrar and other officers (1) The Commission may appoint on merit a registrar and such other officers as are necessary to administer the Court of Appeal. (2) A person holding the office of registrar is entitled to the salary, allowances and benefits applicable to that office as set out in the table in Part 2 of the Schedule, unless he or she also holds the office of the registrar of the Supreme Court. The benefits are described in detail in Part 3 of the Schedule. (3) The Commission may appoint any officer of the Supreme Court to undertake similar duties in the Court of Appeal. (4) The registry of the Court of Appeal established under section 24 of the Courts Act [Cap. 122] continues in existence on and after commencement as if that Act had not been repealed. 48. Appellate jurisdiction (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act and any other Act, the Court of Appeal has jurisdiction to hear and determine appeals from judgements of the Supreme Court. (2) The Chief Justice must, in consultation with the other judges of the Supreme Court, decide the composition of the Court of Appeal for the hearing of proceedings before the Court. (3) For the purpose of hearing and determining an appeal from the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal: (a) may exercise such powers as may be prescribed by or under this Act or any other law; and (b) has the powers and jurisdiction of the Supreme Court; and (c) may review the procedure and the findings (whether of fact or law) of the Supreme Court; and (d) may substitute its own judgement for the judgement of the Supreme Court. (4) The Court of Appeal may deal with the appeal on the notes of evidence that were recorded in the Supreme Court without hearing the evidence again. However, the Court of Appeal may receive further evidence.
24 (5) In the exercise of the appellate jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal, any judgement of the Court of Appeal has full force and effect, and may be executed and enforced, as if it were an original judgement of the Supreme Court. PART 6 FUNDING, PROTECTION AND ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE JUDICIAL SERVICE AND THE COURTS 49. Funding of the Judicial Service and the Vanuatu Courts (1) The Government must ensure that there is a sufficient budget allocated for the operations of the Judicial Service and the Vanuatu Courts to enable the Judicial Service to perform its functions and each of the Courts to exercise its jurisdiction and powers as provided for under the Constitution, this Act and any other law. (2) The operations of the Judicial Service and the Vanuatu Courts are to be funded by monies appropriated by Parliament for that purpose. (3) To avoid doubt, the budget procedure provided for by the Public Finance and Economic Management Act [Cap. 244] applies in relation to the budget for the operations of the Judicial Service and the Vanuatu Courts. 50. Management improvement plan (1) The Chief Justice must, with the assistance of the registrar and the chief magistrate, prepare a management improvement plan for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the operations of the Judicial Service and the Vanuatu Courts. (2) A management improvement plan must be prepared for each year and must be submitted to the Commission within 2 months after the start of the year to which the plan relates. 51. Annual report and financial statements (1) As soon as practicable after the end of each financial year and not later than 3 months after the end of that year, the Chief Justice must submit to the Minister: (a) a report of the management of the administrative affairs of the Judicial Service and the Vanuatu Courts during the financial year; and (b) financial statements in respect of that financial year. (2) The report must also include the following: (a) details of all the positions in the Judicial Service, indicating which were filled and for which parts of the year; (b) details of the number of cases by type and court, and total: (i) at the start and end of the year; and (ii) pending at the start and end of the year; and
25 (iii) registered during the year; and (iv) finalised during the year; (c) details by type and court, and total of: (i) the average time from registration to finalisation for cases finalised during the year, whenever they commenced; and (ii) the average costing per case. (d) a list of relevant committees and bodies active during the year together with details of their membership and a summary of their work; (e) a summary of the most important cases finalised during the year; (f) details of the implementation of the management improvement plan. (3) Before submitting the financial statements to the Minister, the Chief Justice must submit them to the Auditor-General who must report to the Minister: (a) whether in the opinion of the Auditor-General the statements are based on proper accounts and reports; and (b) whether the statements are in agreement with the accounts and records of the Judicial Service and the Vanuatu Courts; and (c) whether in the opinion of the Auditor-General the receipt, expenditure and investment of moneys, and the acquisition and disposal of assets, during the year have been in accordance with this Act and any other relevant law; and (d) as to such other matters arising out of the statements as the Auditor-General considers should be reported to the Minister. (4) The Minister must cause a copy of the annual report and the financial statements together with a copy of the report of the Auditor-General to be laid before Parliament within 7 days after their receipt by the Minister, or within 7 sitting days after the commencement of the next ordinary session. 52. Proper accounts to be kept (1) The Chief Justice must ensure that proper accounts and records of the transactions and affairs relating to the administration of the Judicial Service and the Vanuatu Courts are kept. (2) The Chief Justice is to do all things necessary to ensure that: (a) all payments out of the money appropriated for the purposes of the Judicial Service and the Vanuatu Courts are correctly made and properly authorised; and (b) adequate control is maintained over assets held by, or in the custody of, the Chief Justice on behalf of the State and over the incurring of liabilities on behalf of the State under this Act. 53. Audit
26 (1) The Auditor-General must, within 2 months after the end of each financial year, inspect and audit the accounts and records of financial transactions relating to the administration of the affairs of the Judicial Service and the Vanuatu Courts for that year, including records relating to any assets held by, or in the custody of, the Chief Justice on behalf of the State. (2) The Auditor-General must immediately draw to the attention of the Minister any irregularity disclosed by the inspection and audit that, in the opinion of the Auditor-General, is of sufficient importance to justify his or her so doing. (3) The Auditor-General may, at his or her discretion, dispense with all or any part of the detailed inspection and audit of the accounts or records. (4) The Auditor-General is to report to the Minister the results of the inspection and audit carried out. (5) The Auditor-General or a person authorised by him or her is entitled at all reasonable times to full and free access to all accounts and records maintained under section 52, and any other accounts and records, relating directly or indirectly to the receipt or payment of moneys, or to the acquisition, receipt, custody or disposal of assets, by the Chief Justice on behalf of the State. (6) The Auditor-General or a person authorised by him or her may make copies of, or take extracts from, any such accounts and records. (7) The Auditor-General or a person authorised by him or her may require any person to give him or her information in the person s possession or to which the person has access which the Auditor-General or authorised person considers necessary for the purposes of the functions of the Auditor-General under this Act, and the person must comply with the requirement. (8) A person who, without reasonable excuse, contravenes subsection (7) is guilty of an offence and is punishable on conviction by a fine not exceeding VT 500, Proceedings arising out of administration Any judicial or other proceedings relating to a matter arising out of the management of the administrative affairs of the Judicial Service or the Vanuatu Courts may be instituted by or against the State, as the case requires. 55. Protection of judges, magistrates and other officers (1) Subsection (2) applies to person who is a judicial officer, or an officer of the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court or the Magistrates Court who is acting in a judicial capacity. (2) The person is not liable to be sued in any court for any act done, or ordered to be done, by the person in the discharge of his or her judicial duty if the person: (a) acted in good faith in doing or ordering the act; and (b) believed that he or she had the jurisdiction to do or order the act; whether or not the act was within the limits of his or her jurisdiction.
LIMPOPO TRADITIONAL LEADERSHIP AND INSTITUTIONS ACT 6 OF (Signed by the Premier) [DATE OF COMMENCEMENT: 1 APRIL 2006]
LIMPOPO TRADITIONAL LEADERSHIP AND INSTITUTIONS ACT 6 OF 2005 (Signed by the Premier) [DATE OF COMMENCEMENT: 1 APRIL 2006] As amended by Act 4 of 2011 ACT To provide for the recognition of traditional