Chief Justice Anthony Gates

There is an increase number of locals being appointed as Magistrate and Judge in both the Magistrate and High Court.

Chief Justice Anthony Gates says while this is much appreciative, there is a need to be efficient when dealing with court cases.

Gates says he is pleased with the effort made by the local judicial officers as well as expatriates and is hoping for a legal institution to be established to ensure more Fijians are absorbed into this employment opportunity.

“In fact I would like to see the creation of an institute for judicial and legal studies whether it’s attached university I cannot says but I think that is the body that would appropriately and if it has the right finance could provide more specialist training for the bar on a continuous basis .I think that what probably what we need”

The Chief Justice says judicial officers are being provided with training to enhance their responsibility on a daily basis.