Judgment Reviews Law at Kiribati
Kiribati's judicial landscape in 2024 has been marked by significant challenges to judicial independence and the rule of law. A notable case is the removal of Australian-born High Court Judge David Lambourne, which has drawn international concern.
⚖️ Key Legal Developments
1. Removal of Judge David Lambourne
In April 2024, the Kiribati Parliament voted to remove Judge David Lambourne from the High Court, citing allegations of misbehavior. The tribunal's report accused Lambourne of delaying a judgment due to COVID-19-related border closures. Lambourne, who has lived in Kiribati for over 30 years and is married to the opposition leader, contends that the process was politically motivated and undermines judicial independence. The United Nations has expressed concern over the fairness of the tribunal and the broader impact on the judiciary
2. Suspension of Court of Appeal Judges
Following a Court of Appeal ruling that upheld Judge Lambourne's right to resume his duties, the Kiribati government suspended all three Court of Appeal judges in September 2022. This action has left the country without a functioning appeals court system, raising serious concerns about access to justice
🧑⚖️ Impact on Judicial Independence
The removal of Judge Lambourne and the suspension of appellate judges have been widely criticized as attacks on the independence of the judiciary Legal experts and international bodies, including the United Nations, have warned that such actions set a dangerous precedent for the rule of law in Kiribati
📌 Conclusion
The ongoing judicial crisis in Kiribati underscores the critical importance of an independent judiciary in upholding the rule of law and democratic governanc. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, advocating for the restoration of judicial independence and due process in the countr.
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