Thursday, 17 September 2009
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One Eye to Oversee Fiji Bush Lawyer Complaints
The interim military regime in Fiji has named former High Court judge, John Connors, as its first independent legal services commissioner.
His role will be to investigate complaints against lawyers—an undertaking previously carried out by the Fiji Law Society. The interim attorney-general and minister for justice, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, said that members of the public can now lodge complaints with the chief registrar, who will make an initial judgement on problems. However, if they are dissatisfied with the decision, they can approach the commissioner directly.
Significance: Under the regime’s Legal Practitioner’s Decree brought in last May, membership of the Law Society was made voluntary and it also lost its power to issue practising certificates. This was seen as a disturbing development, raising concerns about the future independence of the legal profession in the Pacific Island nation.
Despite Connor’s appointment, concerns remain over the government’s attempts to control the country’s legal profession while fueling unease that Fijians will not be able to receive independent legal advice and representation. There are currently 348 outstanding complaints against lawyers in Fiji, including allegations of unprofessional conduct as well as abuse of trust funds and fraud.
Source: IHS Global Insight Daily Analysis 09-16-09
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