Source: http://www.paclii.org/vu/legis/num_act/jsaca2000280/
Timestamp: 2019-06-19 19:54:37
Document Index: 617905965

Matched Legal Cases: ['ART 2', 'ART 3', 'ART 4', 'ART 5', 'ART 9', 'ART 1', 'ART 2', 'ART 3', 'ART 4', 'art 1', 'art 3', 'art 7', 'art 1', 'art 3', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'ART 6', 'ART 7', 'art\n58', 'ART 1', 'ART 4']

Judicial Services and Courts Act 2000
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Commencement: 2 June 2003
PART 2 - JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION
Protection of proceedings and publications
PART 3 - MAGISTRATES COURT AND MAGISTRATES
Division 1 – Magistrates Court and its jurisdiction
Magistrates Courts continue in existence as a single court
Orders for community service
Contempt and concurrent jurisdiction
Vacation of office and discharge
Magistrate may sit after appointment terminated and other paid work
PART 4 - SUPREME COURT AND JUDGES
Unlimited jurisdiction throughout Vanuatu
Review of convictions and reservation of questions of law
Appointment of Chief Justice and Judges
Salaries, benefits and allowances
Judge may sit after appointment terminated and other paid work
Functions of the registrar relating to court personnel
PART 5 - THE COURT OF APPEAL
Appointment of Supreme Court judges and disqualification
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
Establishment of Court Personnel Disciplinary Board
Hearing and confirmation of disciplinary offences
Rights of appeal by court personnel
Powers of Board to summon witnesses etc.
Offence to improperly influence Commission or Board
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	Commencement
PART 9 - REPEAL AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS
Repeal of Courts Act
Judges - Transitional and savings provision
Magistrates - Transitional and savings provision
Court personnel - Transitional and savings provision
Savings of orders, acting appointments and rules of court
Existing proceedings saved
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
SCHEDULE - PART 2 - TABLE OF SALARIES AND BENEFITS OF CHIEF MAGISTRATE, REGISTRAR AND MAGISTRATES
SCHEDULE – PART 3 - DETAILS OF BENEFITS
SCHEDULE – PART 4 – AMENDMENT OF OFFICIAL SALARIES ACT
Assent 29 December 2000
Commencement 2 June 2003
Be it enacted by the President and the Parliament of the Republic of Vanuatu as follows-
“Board” means the Court Personnel Disciplinary Board established under section 59;
“chief magistrate” means the chief magistrate appointed under section 19;
“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
“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, magistrate or master;
“Judicial Service” means the Judicial Service mentioned in subsection (2);
“magistrate” means a magistrate appointed under section 18, and includes:
(b)	any acting magistrate or chief magistrate;
“Magistrates Court” means the Magistrates Court of Vanuatu continued in existence under section 12;
“master” means a person appointed as master under section 42;
“registrar” means a person appointed as registrar under section 40;
“Rules of Court” means the rules made under section 66;
“salary” means basic salary;
“statutory orders” means the statutory orders made under this Act;
“this Act” includes the statutory orders;
“Vanuatu Courts” means:
(c)	the Magistrates Court; and
(d)	the Island Courts established under the Island Courts Act [CAP 167]; and
(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 must 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 subsection 7(3)) if the Chairman is:
(3)	A vacancy in the Commission does not affect the validity of the proceedings or decisions of the Commission.
(1)	The objects of the Commission are:
4	Functions
(1)	The Commission has the following functions:
(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, the master and court personnel, as the case requires;
(b)	to ensure that no improper influencing or victimisation of judicial officers and court personnel takes place;
(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)	is responsible for the management of the administrative affairs of the Judicial Service;
(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 paragraph (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 paragraph (1)(c), the Commission must observe the rules of natural justice.
(4)	In undertaking its functions, the Commission must consult with representatives of the legal profession and other stakeholders at least 2 times per year.
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;
(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 paragraph (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.
(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 paragraph 5(2)(a), (b) or (c).
(1)	The Commission must meet at least 6 times each year at such times and places as the Chairman determines.
(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.
(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 No. 20 of 1998.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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 No. 6 of 1998 applies in relation to the budget for the Commission.
(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
DIVISION 1 - MAGISTRATES COURT AND ITS JURISDICTION
12	Magistrates courts continue in existence as a single court
(1)	The Magistrates 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.
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’ Courts Civil Jurisdiction Act [CAP 130] and any other law.
(2)	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.
(3)	The Magistrates Court must hear and determine criminal proceedings without a preliminary judicial inquiry.
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.
16	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.
DIVISION 2 - MAGISTRATES
18	Appointment
(1)	The President must appoint magistrates on the recommendation of the Commission which must be based on merit.
(a)	holds a degree in law from a recognised tertiary institution; and
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.
(5)	The chief magistrate:
(a)	is responsible for managing 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
(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.
(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).
(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.
(b)	is suspended or removed from office under section 28.
21	Disqualification
(4)	A magistrate who rejects an application for disqualification must give written reasons for the rejection to the applicant.
22	Salaries, allowances and benefits
(1)	A magistrate holds office until he or she reaches the age of 55.
(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 serious misconduct; or
(b)	on account of physical or mental incapacity to carry out his or her duties of office efficiently.
(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:
(7)	A request under paragraph (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 paragraph (6)(a) or (b), the magistrate is entitled to the pension and benefits prescribed by the statutory orders.
(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 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.
(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 the chief magistrate.
The chief 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.
(1)	The Commission may engage on merit such other employees as the Commission considers necessary for the purposes of the Magistrates Court.
DIVISION 1 - THE SUPREME COURT
(b)	in any other proceeding unless an Act or law otherwise provides.
28	Unlimited jurisdiction throughout Vanuatu
(1)	The Supreme Court has:
(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 managing 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
(c)	delays in proceedings are avoided through unnecessary adjournments and reasonable notice is given to parties of changes to hearing dates.
(3)	For the sole purpose of managing 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 managing 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.
(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 Magistrate Court on all or any of the following:
(a)	is to proceed by way of a hearing de novo, unless the appellant and respondent agree otherwise; 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.
(3)	Unless the appellant or respondent objects, the Supreme Court may determine an appeal on the notes of evidence that were recorded in the Magistrates Court without hearing such evidence again. However, the Court may receive further evidence.
(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 reservations 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.
(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.
(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
DIVISION 2 - 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 must have regard to the following:
(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.
34	Acting Chief Justice
(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;
(2)	A judge must not act as the Chief Justice for a period exceeding 2 years.
(3)	Subsection (2) does not apply to a judge who is Acting Chief Justice immediately before commencement.
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 subsection 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:
(b)	is removed under Article 47(3) of the Constitution.
(5)	A person must not be appointed to act as a judge for a period exceeding 2 years.
(6)	Subsection (5) does not apply to a person whose appointment as an acting judge was in force immediately before commencement.
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.
(4)	A request under paragraph (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 paragraph (3)(a) or (b), the judge is entitled to the pension and benefits prescribed by the statutory orders.
37	Salaries, benefits and allowances
(1)	If;
(4)	A judge who rejects an application for disqualification must give written reasons for the rejection to the applicant.
(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.
40	Registrar
(1)	The Commission must appoint on merit a registrar of the Supreme Court.
(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.
(b)	is suspended or removed under Part 7.
41	Functions of the registrar relating to court personnel
(1)	The registrar of the Supreme Court:
(e)	must implement statutory orders relating to court personnel.
(2)	This section does not apply to court personnel of the Magistrates Court.
42	Master
(1)	The Commission must appoint on merit a master of the Supreme Court.
(2)	A person must not be appointed as the master unless the person:
(a)	is admitted as a barrister or solicitor of the Supreme Court or a similar court in another jurisdiction; and
(b)	has sufficient experience and ability to fulfil the duties of the master.
(3)	The master:
(a)	may hear and determine the following:
(i)	applications for directions relating to matters of procedure;
(ii)	taxation of bills of costs;
(iii)	applications for probate;
(iv)	preliminary matters in relation to applications for adoption; and
(b)	may exercise such of the powers, functions and jurisdiction of the Supreme Court as may be prescribed by the Rules of Court; and
(c)	on application of either party or on his or her own motion, may seek to resolve disputes by way of mediation, and in seeking such resolution:
(i)	the master may require the attendance of the parties before him or her; and
(ii)	the parties may make suggestions and concessions without prejudice to their claims and position in the proceedings; and
(iii)	the master may make suggestions for the resolution of disputes without prejudice to any hearing before the Court; and
(iv)	if a settlement is reached, the parties must record it in writing and then sign it, and it must then be signed and dated by the master; and
(v)	any settlement recorded under subparagraph (iv) is enforceable as an order of the Court; and
(vi)	no statements, suggestions or concessions made before the master during any mediation may be used in any hearing of the case or any other case concerning the same facts and issues.
(4)	A person may appeal to a judge of the Supreme Court against a decision of the master. The appeal is to proceed by way of a hearing de novo and the judge’s decision on appeal is final.
(5)	The Commission may appoint a person who has suitable legal training or experience to be an acting master, whether or not an appointment of a person as the master has been made. An acting master, during the time for which he or she is appointed, has the jurisdiction, functions and powers of the master.
(6)	A person holding the office of master or acting as the master 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.
(7)	A person appointed to act as the master must continue to act until the end of the period for which he or she is appointed, unless the person:
(a)	resigns his or her acting appointment; or
(b)	is suspended or removed from it.
(8)	Section 21 and subsections 23(2) to (5) apply to the master as if a reference in those subsections and section to a magistrate were a reference to the master.
43	Other officers
(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.
(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.
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.
(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.
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 of the court
(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.
(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.
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 No. 6 of 1998 applies in relation to the budget for the operations of the Judicial Service and the Vanuatu Courts.
(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.
(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:
(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:
(ii)	pending at the start and end of the year; and
(iii)	registered during the year; and
(iv)	finalised during the year;
(c)	details by type and court, and total of:
(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;
(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:
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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 VT500,000.
(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:
(3)	Subsection (4) applies to a person who:
(a)	is an officer of the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court or the Magistrates Court; or
(4)	The person is not liable to be sued in any court for the execution of any warrant or order if the warrant or order has been issued by another person with the jurisdiction to do so.
(1)	A person must not improperly influence or obstruct a judicial officer in the exercise of his or her functions.
(2)	A person who contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence punishable on conviction by a fine not exceeding VT 500,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.
PART 7 - DISCIPLINE OF COURT PERSONNEL
57	Application of part
58	Disciplinary offences
(e)	uses intoxicating liquors or drugs to excess, or in such manner as to affect adversely the performance of his or her duties, or uses intoxicating liquors during work hours or takes prohibited substances
(k)	is convicted of a criminal offence;
(l)	commits any other offence prescribed by the statutory orders as a disciplinary offence.
(1)	The Court Personnel Disciplinary Board is established.
(2)	The Board consists of 3 members who are to be appointed by the Commission. A person cannot be appointed as a member unless he or she has appropriate qualifications or relevant experience. The members must elect a member to be the Chairperson of the Board.
(3)	The Board may, if in its opinion a case involves a matter of a technical or specialised nature, appoint a person who in its opinion has expert knowledge of the matter to be an assessor for the purposes of the case.
(4)	An assessor must sit with the Board and act in all respects as an extra member of the Board for the hearing and determination of the case. However, the assessor must not vote in the determination of the case.
(5)	A member of the Board is to be paid such allowances as are prescribed by the statutory orders.
(6)	Subject to this Act, the Board is to regulate its own procedures.
(1)	Proceedings for a disciplinary offence are to be instituted before the Board in accordance with the rules prescribed by the Commission and the Board must hear and decide the disciplinary offence in accordance with those rules.
61	Rights of appeal by court personnel
(1)	A person (other than a person who is on probation) to whom a decision of the Board made under section 60 relates may appeal to the Commission against the Board’s decision.
(8)	The Commission may before the hearing, or at any time during the hearing, of an appeal dismiss the appeal on the ground that the appeal is frivolous or vexatious, or should not otherwise have been made.
(1)	For the purpose of carrying out its functions in relation to disciplinary offences, the Board may require by notice in writing any person to appear before it to give evidence and produce any document or thing.
(2)	A person who fails to comply with a notice is guilty of an offence punishable on conviction by a fine not exceeding VT 10,000.
(1)	A person must not improperly influence or obstruct the Commission, the Board or any member in respect of any disciplinary hearing or appeal.
(2)	A person who contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence punishable on conviction by fine not exceeding VT10,000.
(3)	Nothing in this section is to be construed so as to prohibit a person from:
(a)	giving information to the Board or the Commission; or
(b)	making representations in respect of any case or appeal to the Board or the Commission in the following circumstances:
(i)	as a witness;
(ii)	as a defendant or appellant;
The Magistrates Court, the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal must each have an official seal and must use the seal as required. The Commission must approve the design of the seal of each Court.
(1)	The Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal have such inherent powers as are necessary to carry out their functions. The powers are subject to:
(2)	For the purpose of facilitating the application of custom, a provision of any Act or law may provide that it may be construed by the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court or the Magistrates Court with such alterations and adaptations as may be necessary.
(4)	The Magistrates Court has the incidental powers as may reasonably be required in order to apply custom.
(1)	The Judicial Committee established by section 30 of the Courts Act [CAP 122], as in force immediately before commencement, continues in existence on and after commencement as if that Act had not been repealed.
(2)	However, the Committee is to consist of the following 5 members:
(3)	The Judicial Committee may make Rules of Court, not inconsistent with this Act or the statutory orders, for or in relation to the following:
(a)	the practice and procedure of the Magistrates Court, the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal;
(c)	the fees to be paid in respect of proceedings in the Magistrates Court, the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal;
(e)	all matters and things necessary or convenient to be prescribed for the conduct of any business of the Magistrates Court, the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.
(4)	Rules prescribing or affecting the amount of any fees or their recovery do not come into operation unless approved by the Commission.
(5)	The Judicial Committee is to regulate its own procedures, however, a quorum consists of 3 members. A member of the Judicial Committee is entitled to the allowances prescribed by the statutory orders.
(6)	All rules made by the Judicial Committee that were in force immediately before commencement are to continue in force on and after commencement.
Review of salaries and benefits
(1)	The Government Remuneration Tribunal established by the Government Remuneration Tribunal Act No. 20 of 1998 may review the salaries, allowances and benefits of judicial officers and court personnel every 2 years, and following the review, may make recommendations to the Commission.
'I, , do swear that I will well and truly serve in the office of the Supreme Court that I will do right to all manner of people according to law, without fear or favour, affection or ill will, so help me God.'
Continuous service for public servants
(1)	This section applies to an officer or employee in the Public Service within the meaning of the Public Service Act No. 11 of 1998 who is:
(1)	The Commission may make statutory orders, not inconsistent with this Act, prescribing all matters:
(2)	Without limiting subsection (1), the Commission may make statutory orders for and in relation to the following matters:
(3)	Different statutory orders may be made for different classes of judicial officers or court personnel.
(4)	The Minister must table a statutory order made under this section or any other section of this Act in the Parliament within 5 sitting days after the commencement of the next ordinary session following the making of the statutory order.
(6)	A statutory order remains in force unless and until the Parliament by resolution disallows the statutory order in which case the statutory order ceases to have effect from the date specified in the resolution.
(7)	Any statutory order which results in State expenditure must be made with the concurrence of the Minister responsible for finance.
(1)	Subject to subsection (2), this Act commences on the date of its publication in the Gazette.
(2)	Sections 22 and 37, subsections 8(1), 40(4), 42(6) and 47(2) and the Schedule commence on a date determined by Order in writing by the Minister.
(3)	A copy of the Order must be published in the Gazette as soon as practicable after it is made.
(1)	The Courts Act [CAP 122] is repealed.
(2)	To the extent that it is possible, all references in any other Act or law to the Courts Act [CAP 122] is on and after commencement taken to be a reference to this Act.
(3)	All references in any other Act or law to a provision of the Courts Act [CAP 122] is on and after commencement taken to be a reference to the corresponding provision (if any) of this Act.
73	Judges – Transitional and savings provision
(1)	This section applies to a person who immediately before commencement occupied the office of a judge or was an acting judge.
(2)	On and after commencement, the person is taken to be entitled to the same terms and conditions of service, including salary, benefits and allowances, as he or she was entitled to immediately before commencement.
(3)	If, immediately before commencement:
74	Magistrates - transitional and savings provision
(1)	This section applies to a person who immediately before commencement occupied the office of magistrate.
(2)	On and after commencement, the person is taken to have been appointed under this Act on the same terms and conditions of service, including salary, benefits and allowances, as he or she was entitled to immediately before commencement.
75	Court personnel - transitional and savings provision
(1)	This section applies to a person who immediately before commencement was:
(a)	a clerk of the Magistrate’s Court appointed under section 8 of the Courts Act [CAP 122] or an officer of the Court appointed under section 9 of that Act or any other employee of the Court; or
(b)	an officer of the Supreme Court appointed under section 22 of Courts Act [cap] 122 or any other employee of the Court; or
(c)	an officer of the Court of Appeal appointed under section 24 of the Courts Act [CAP] 122.
(2)	On and after commencement, the person is taken to have been appointed or engaged under this Act on the same terms and conditions of service, including salary, benefits and allowances, as he or she was entitled to immediately before commencement.
76	Saving of orders, acting appointments and rules of court
(1)	An Order made under subsection 1(2) of the Courts Act [CAP] 122 that was in force immediately before commencement, continues in force, on and after commencement, as if the Order had been made under this Act.
(2)	An Order made under subsection 5(2) or (3) of the Courts Act [CAP] 122 that was in force immediately before commencement, continues in force, on and after commencement, as if the Order had been made under this Act.
(3)	An Order made under section 13 of the Courts Act [CAP] 122 that was in force immediately before commencement, continues in force, on and after commencement, as if the Order had been made under this Act.
(4)	If an appointment made under subsection 20(1) of the Courts Act [CAP] 122 was in force immediately before commencement, the appointment continues in force, on and after commencement, as if it had been made under this Act.
(5)	Any Rules of Court made under section 30 of the Courts Act [CAP] 122 that were in force immediately before commencement, continue in force, on and after commencement, as if they had been made under this Act.
(6)	If an appointment made under subsection 30(2) of the Courts Act [CAP] 122 was in force immediately before commencement, the appointment continues in force, on and after commencement, as if it had been made under this Act.
77	Existing proceedings saved
(1)	This section applies to any proceedings in the Magistrates Courts, the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeal that had not been finally disposed of immediately before commencement.
(2)	The proceedings continue, on and after commencement, as if the Courts Act [CAP] 122 had not been repealed.
78	Act does not take away or limit jurisdiction
(c)	the Magistrates Courts or one or more magistrates.
SCHEDULE - PART 1
VT2,520,000
VT2,500,000
VT1,832,876
VT6,000 per day
VT5,000 per day
A(ii)+B+C+D+E(i)+F(i)*+G*+H*+I*+J*+K1*
+K2*+L*
A(ii)+C+E(ii)+ F(ii)*+G*+H*+I*+ K1*+K2*+L*
*	If the holder of the office is a not a citizen of the Republic of Vanuatu and is entitled to an allowance under Class “H”, he or she is not entitled to the following:
(a)	a cost of living allowance under Class “G”;
(b)	study leave under Class “J”;
(c)	payment or reimbursement in Class “F”;
(d)	long service leave under Class “I”;
(e)	medical expenses within and outside of Vanuatu under Classes “K1” and “K2”;
*	If the holder of the office and is entitled to an allowance under Class “H”, he or she is not entitled to a costs of living allowance under Class “G” and long service leave under Class “I”.
(i)	Rent-free furnished house;
(ii)	Furnished house at a rental fixed by the Government;
(iii)	Housing allowance to be paid by the Government at a rate to be fixed by the Commission in consultation with the Public Service Commission.
(i)	Use of one car for official use maintained and serviced at the Government’s expense; or
(ii)	Use of transport provided by the Government for official use to and from official place of work.
3.	A child allowance of VT 1,500 a month per child.
A gratuity or bonus payable at the rate of one twelfth of the annual salary, multiplied by 2, for each year during which a person holds the office and pro-rata for each uncompleted year.
(i)	Annual leave at the rate of 42 working days after 12 months of service;
(i)	The payment or the reimbursement of the actual cost of transport between Port-Vila and the home island and return journey by the most direct route on home leave.
(ii)	The reimbursement of 50% percent of the actual cost of transport between Port-Vila and the home island and return journey by the most direct route on home island leave.
(iii)	For the avoidance of doubt, not more than one payment or reimbursement may be made to any officer to whom this benefit applies within any 12 month period.
Cost of living of VT 4,250 a month.
Sixty days leave on full pay or 90 days on half pay after 10 years continuous service.
Subject to the approval of the Commission, study leave not exceeding 2 years on full salary after 5 years continuous service.
(1)	Subject to the approval of the Commission, the Government must pay or reimburse, as the case requires, all reasonable costs of any medical treatment or examination of judicial officers and court personnel and their immediate family incurred at a public health facility.
(2)	Payment or reimbursement must be made to the appropriate person determined by the Director General of Finance upon application in writing to him or her, and the production of receipts or invoices for the medical treatment or examination in question.
(3)	Subject to the approval of the Commission, the Government must pay or reimburse, as the case requires, all reasonable costs of any medical treatment or examination of judicial officers and court personnel and their immediate family upon the production of receipts or invoices from a medical practitioner in private practice.
(4)	However, the registered medical practitioner must certify that the private practice treatment is necessary and is unavailable in a public health facility, and have the approval of the Director-General of Finance to treat the person concerned.
(5)	The cost of any item necessary for medical purposes, including glasses, hearing aids and other medical appliances, that is certified as necessary by a registered medical practitioner or registered optometrist must also be paid for or reimbursed, as the case requires, by the Government.
(1)	Judicial officers and court personnel and their immediate family are eligible for full payment of overseas medical treatment or examination subject to a registered medical practitioner certifying that the treatment is necessary and unavailable in Vanuatu at a reasonable cost.
(5)	The accompanying person must apply in writing to the Director General of Finance attaching receipts, invoices and other documents showing the actual costs incurred in respect of the transport and accommodation for the purpose of having such costs reimbursed.
(1)	If a person who is a judicial officer or a member of court personnel (other than an expatriate contract officer) dies during the course of his or her service, the Government must pay the person’s legal representative the following entitlements:
14.	The Class M benefits are the following:
SCHEDULE - PART 4
AMENDMENT OF OFFICIAL SALARIES ACT
The Schedule to the Official Salaries Act [CAP 168] is amended by deleting the following:
“Member, Judicial Services Commission”
“Member of the Judicial Committee”.
URL: http://www.paclii.org/vu/legis/num_act/jsaca2000280