Chief Justice urges new lawyers to stand up against State power

Chief Justice Salesi Temo has urged newly-admitted lawyers to courageously stand up for their clients, even when facing powerful opponents like the State.

Justice Temo told 24 new legal practitioners from the University of Fiji (UniFiji), who were admitted to the Bar at the High Court in Suva yesterday.

He said lawyers needed special courage to defend citizens against government institutions.

“Just because the State has got all the powers that there are, in terms of finance, resources, etc., doesn’t mean you have to be overburdened by them,” Justice Temo said.

“You need a special breed of law to stand up for your clients, to fight the State.”

He said State instruments such as the Fiji Police Force and prosecutors were not always right, and lawyers must fight for their clients in murder and corruption cases.

“We in the profession know that sometimes they are not right, and it is important to fight for them in these courts,” he said.

Social media criticisms

The Chief Justice, who is also the Acting President, warned new lawyers about social media criticisms when defending unpopular clients.

“In these days of social media, which at times can be very destructive, you are supposed to rise above it and fight for your right,” he said.

“Do not be discouraged because you’ve got to have that special courage to fight and go ahead in promoting human rights.” Justice Temo advised the graduates to regularly consult the code of ethics, which outlined duties to clients, colleagues, the profession and community.

He reminded them that being admitted as a law practitioner automatically made them officers of the High Court with special responsibilities. “You have the right to come before the court, make an application for you to access the powers that the court has,” Justice Temo said.

Acting Prime Minister Filimoni Vosarogo attended the ceremony.

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