Fiji and Fiji's Supreme
p. 25 · Read in the full issue
Notice Of Appeal
In Libel Case
Fiji and Fiji's Supreme Court
1 ANNOUNCED, in the May issue of Pacific Islands Monthly, that I was preparing, for early publication, an article in which the future Constitution of Fiji would be critically examined and discussed, in view of the changing situation created by the steady and rapid growth of some of Fiji’s com munities.
It was indicated that, in that connection, the quality and history of the Supreme Court of Fiji would be discussed.
Since then, as a result of further advice and information being made available to me, I have decided to appeal against the verdict given by the Fiji Supreme Court on May 10, in the claim for libel brought against me by Mr. J. Thornton. (The Court found in favour of the plaintiff, and the jury awarded him £lO damages.) A Notice of Appeal has been filed.
It is possible, therefore, that a discussion of the constitution and history of the Supreme Court would be sub judice, in some way, and even be regarded as contempt of court.
It is not practicable to examine the Constitution of Fiji, in the way proposed, without some reference to the Supreme Court. In the circum stances, it has been decided to postpone the publication of the article referred to, until after the appeal has been dealt with.