Former Fijian High Court judge speaks to law students

Document Type

Media Release

Publication Date

Winter 11-8-2009

Publisher Name

The University of Notre Dame, Sydney Campus

Publication Place

Sydney

Abstract

A lecturer from the School of Law at The University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney recently spoke to staff and students about his experience as a former judge in the Fijian High court.

Mr Ian Lloyd QC, was a Justice of the Fiji Court of Appeal during the recent constitutional crisis.

On April 9 2009 a decision was made by the Court declaring the Fijian Government illegal and recommending a caretaker Prime Minister be appointed.

Mr Lloyd talked about the political ramifications stemming from this and the dismissal of all judicial appointees in Fiji.

“The Rule of Law in Fiji has broken down. The President has abrogated the Constitution and sacked the judiciary. The country remains in a legal vacuum.

“A necessary result of the abrogation on the Constitution is that the current regime is arguable wholly illegal. The offices of the President, the Prime Minister and the Judiciary are all creatures of the Constitution. If this is abrogated then these offices disappear.

“All persons acting in similar positions outside the terms of the Constitution are arguable performing their roles illegally in breach of the Rule of Law,” said Mr Lloyd.

Dean of Law, Professor Gerard Ryan, commented on the lecture, “The work of many Australian lawyers in assisting the rule of law in Fiji is quite inspiring.

“It is great for such people to be able to be a part of our staff at Notre Dame and for them to share their experiences with our students,” said Professor Ryan.

Media contact:

Moira Saunders 02 8204 4407

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