Judiciary of Kiribati

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The Judiciary of Kiribati is the branch of the Government of Kiribati which interprets and applies the laws of the country.[1] In addition to the Constitution, the laws of Kiribati include customary law, which the courts must take into account when considering specified matters in criminal and civil proceedings.

Some 20 Magistrates Courts, composed of seven Magistrates and a clerk, deal with less-serious civil, criminal, and land cases on a district basis.

The High Court hears more serious civil and criminal cases referred to it by the Magistrates Courts, and also hears appeals from the lower court. Appeals relating to land, divorce, and inheritance are dealt with by the High Court's Land Division. Prior to 2014 there was only the one High Court judge, but in that year a second (puisne) judge was appointed. The Chief Justice of Kiribati is the Head of the Judiciary in Kiribati.

Appeals from the High Court are heard by the Court of Appeal. There are presently (2015) five Judges appointed to the Court of Appeal.

The president is responsible for all judicial appointments.

Chief Justices[]

From 1877 to 1962, the Chief Justice of Fiji was ex officio the Chief Judicial Commissioner for the Western Pacific including the Gilbert Islands (as Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony).


High Court of the Western Pacific (including the Gilbert Islands from 1962-1976)

Gilbert Islands (from 1977)

Kiribati (from 1979)

References[]

  • "Annual Address, 2015". Chief Justice's Chambers, Kiribati. Retrieved 20 February 2016.
  1. ^ "The Judicial System of Kiribati". Commonwealth Governance. Retrieved 20 February 2016.
  2. ^ The International Who's Who 2004
  3. ^ The International Who's Who 2004
  4. ^ Kiribati Chief Justice Appointed, 10 August 2021


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