Acting Chief Justice Urges New Lawyers To Promote Unity and Peace

Be a force of unity and peace wherever you go.

This was the message from Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo to newly admitted graduate lawyers, from the University of Fiji on Thursday.

He told lawyers that their achieve­ment so far was on the theory of law that they had learnt at univer­sity.

Concept of the rule of law

“You are about to experience the practical meaning of the concept of the rule of law and its impact on the lives of the people of Fiji and those who visit it,” he said.

“You will be challenged in your life as a legal practitioner, but I ad­vise you to stand firm and honestly and courageously meet those chal­lenges head on.

“Some of you just can’t wait to fight in the courtroom, be it the Magistrates Court, High Court, Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court.

“To succeed in court work, you are expected to work hard, know the facts of the case, the relevant law, the procedural law, the law of evidence and the particular law rel­evant to your case.”

Acting Chief Justice Temo re­minded lawyers not to be an aggres­sive and combative lawyer.

He said the most dangerous law­yers were the polite ones because they often got what they wanted.

He reminded lawyers to be fair to their clients and be honest and up­front with them.

“Do not steal from them,” Acting Chief Justice Temo said.

“You will see that a number of lawyers had been struck off as Bar­risters and Solicitors for stealing from clients.

“Some are lucky not to be report­ed to the Police; otherwise they will be serving time now.

“Learn from their experience and don’t follow them.

“As lawyers you will be working with the community in various roles. Remember you are the am­bassadors for the legal profession.

“Use your skills and personality as a force and source of fair play and justice.

“Most members of the community look up to lawyers to guide and as­sist them resolve their problems with the law.

“Take up the challenge and in de­serving cases, you can do pro bono cases,” Acting Chief Justice Temo said.

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Story By: ashna.kumar@fijisun.com.fj