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\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5600502 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI AT SUVA
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 CRIMINAL JURISDICTION
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5600502 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107 (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 
Criminal Action No. HAM 008 of 2002}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13779262\charrsid12602107 and N}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 
o. HAM 010 of 2002}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107 )}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 
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\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 THE STATE
\par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5600502 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 (Respondent)
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12599616 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 AND:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 RATU TIMOCI SILATOLU
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\par (First Applicant)
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 JOSEFA NATA
\par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5600502 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 Second Accused
\par (Second Applicant)
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\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 Counsel:
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13779262\charrsid12602107 Mr. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 P. Ridgeway for the State
\par Mr. K Vuataki for the First Accused
\par Ms. M. Waqavonovono and Ms. P. Narayan for the Second Accused
\par 
\par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 Date of Judgment:
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 31}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  May 2002
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5600502 {\caps\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1604253\charrsid12602107 re
asons for judgment for the honourable mr. justice Wilson in relation to the validity or otherwise of the immunity decree}{\caps\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5600502 {\caps\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1604253\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1604253\charrsid12602107 PART A
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1604253\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 The plea of pardon
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1604253\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Each applicant is an accused person against whom an information has been filed alleging that he committed the crime of treason pursua}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1604253\charrsid12602107 nt to section 279 of the Crimin}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
al Procedure Code, the applicants have the right, before being required to plead to the information in the ordinary way, to enter a plea of autrefois acquit or autrefois convict or pardon}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1604253\charrsid12602107 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1604253\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13779262\charrsid12602107 Section 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 79 provides}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1604253\charrsid12602107 :}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1604253\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1604253 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 279. Any accused person against whom an information is filed may plead }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1604253\charrsid12602107 \endash }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
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\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1604253 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (a)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 that he has been previously convicted or acquitted, as the case may be, of the same offence; or
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1604253 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1604253\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1604253 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 that he has obt}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1656769\charrsid12602107 ained the Queen's pardon for hi}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 s offence.
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\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1604253 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
If either of such pleas are pleaded in any case and denied to be true in fact, the court shall try whether such plea is true in fact or not.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1604253 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1604253\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1604253 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 If the court holds that the facts alleged by the accused do not prove the plea, or if it fin}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13779262\charrsid12602107 ds that it is false in fact, th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 e accused shall be required to plead to the information.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1604253 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1604253\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 The word "pardon" has a wide meaning and it includes immunity, amnesty, ind
emnity and like aspects of what used to be known as the prerogative. The legal authorities to be referred to later in these reasons for judgment make that proposition of law clear.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1604253\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 In the context of the Republic of the Fiji Islands at this time, "the Queen's pardon" is to be taken as a reference to "the president's pardon" }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  see th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107 e Interpretation Act (Cap. 7) an}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 d the interpretation (Amendment) Decree, 1989 (Section 3).
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1604253\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Each applicant has pleaded that he has obtained a pardon for his alleged offence or offences. Each applicant relies upon the immunity Decree No}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 18 of 2000, which he maintains is valid and grants him, along with others, a pardon in the form of immunity from}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10050946\charrsid12602107  prosecution under the P}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 enal Code.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1604253\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 The Immunity Decree No.18 of 2000 (called "the Immunity Decree") was in the following terms:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5600502 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107 I}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 MM}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107 UNI}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 TY DECREE 2000}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1910844 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1910844\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5600502 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 DECREE NO.}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107  }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 18 OF 2000
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5600502 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107 WHEREAS as the result o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
f the attempted illegal takeover of the Government of the Fiji Islands elected under the 1997}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10050946\charrsid12602107  Constitution by Ilikini Naitin}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 i also known as George Speight [hereinafte}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107 r referred to as George Speight]}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  and his Group, a state of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107  emergency was declared by the P}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 resident with effect from 7.00 p.m. on Friday the 19th day of May, 2000;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5600502 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 AND WHEREAS the }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Bose Levu }
{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11747901\charrsid12602107 V}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 akaturaga}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 having met in a special meet}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107 ing over three days from the 23}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107 r}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 d}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107  day of May, 2000 to the 25}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107 th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
day of May, 2000 to consider the state of emergency and the grave political unrest in the Fiji Islands, and passed ten resolutions in its endeavours to find a practical and lawful solution to the deepening national crisis;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5600502 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 AND WHEREAS the national crisis 
has caused and continues to cause serious adverse effect and implications on the national security and the people in relation to their daily lives and welfare including the national economy, the employment situation, the education system, public transport
 and national security and i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107 t is incumbent upon me to seek }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
and adopt the best practical and lawful means available to me of averting a potentially catastrophic political situation;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5600502 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107 AND WHEREAS having regard to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
the aforesaid resolutions by the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15080327\charrsid12602107 Bose Levu V}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 akaturaga}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  and the very precarious state of the nation, it is}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107  my sincere and firm belief that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  I shall be acting in the best and wider interests of preserving and maintaining la
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107 w}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  and order and returning our beloved country to normalcy;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5600502 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5600502 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 NOW THEREFORE, given th
e immediate objectives of the Interim Military Government to secure the release of the hostages at the Parliament Complex and for the surrender and return of all weapons, ordnance and stores in the possession and}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 control of George Speight and his Group; AND }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 in exercise of the powers vested in me under section 9 of the Interim Civilian Government}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (Establishment}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3739948\charrsid12602107 )}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 Decree No 10 of 2000 and acting on the advice of the Cabinet, I hereby make the following Decree}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 -}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5600502 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Short Title and commencement
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15294083 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107 1.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 This Decree may be cited as the Immunity Decree 2000 and shall come into force on the 13}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 th}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 day of}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 July, 2000}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 .
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5600502 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107 Interpretation}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5600502\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15294083 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 2.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9914308\charrsid12602107 I}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 n t}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9914308\charrsid12602107 his Decree, unless the context 
}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 otherwise }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9914308\charrsid12602107 requires "pol}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
itical offence" means an offence allegedly committed by any person or persons between the}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9914308\charrsid12602107  19}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid9914308\charrsid12602107 th}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9914308\charrsid12602107  of May}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 , 2000 and the 13}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 th}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107  day of July, 2}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 000 (both dates inclusive), such offence bei}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 ng either directly or indirectly }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 prom}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13258914\charrsid12602107 p}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ted and motivated by the attempted illegal takeov}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10619503\charrsid12602107 er of the Government on the 19}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid10619503\charrsid12602107 th}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  day of May}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3150960\charrsid12602107 ,}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9320181\charrsid12602107 
 2000 and the political developments }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 dur}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 ing that period and including any offence, }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 which has bee}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9320181\charrsid12602107 n subject of police complaint, w}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 hich was prompted or motivated by th}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9320181\charrsid12602107 e political developments during}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  the relevant period}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 .
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11955080 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Grant of}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107  I}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 mmunity
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15294083 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10886785\charrsid12602107 3.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10886785\charrsid12602107 -}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 1)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10886785\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10886785\charrsid12602107 Notwithstanding Section}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107  14(2) of the State Services }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Decree 2000 (No.6 of 2000) Geor}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 ge}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 Speight the Leader of the Taukei Civilian Group (sic), and members of hi}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 s Group who took part in the un}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
lawful takeover of the Government democratically elected under t}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 he 1997 Constitution on the 19}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 th}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 day of May, 2000 and the }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 
subsequent holding of the hostages until the 13}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 th}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107  day of July}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8389834\charrsid12602107 ,}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107  2000 shall be immune from crimin}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
al prosecution under the Penal Code or the breach of any law of Fiji and civil liabili}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 ty in respect of any
 damage or injury to property or person connected with the unlawful seizure of Government powers, the unlawful }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1603930\charrsid12602107 detention }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 of certain members of the House}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
of Representatives and any other person and no court}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107  shall entertain any action or p}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 roceedin}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 g }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6175876\charrsid12602107 or }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 
make any decision or order, or grant any remedy or relief in any proceedings instituted against George Speight }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 or}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107  any member of his Group}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15294083 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 (2) }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 S}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ub}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 section (1}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 )}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107  also applies}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  to any other person who acted under the directions, orders or instructions of George
 Speight or any member of the Taukei Civilian Government as a result of the unlawful seizure of Gove}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 rnment powers and unlawful deten}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 tion of the Prime Minister}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 and}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 certain Cabi}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 
net Ministers and Members of th}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 e House of R}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 epresentativ}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 es and other persons}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 .
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15294083 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15294083 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 (3) }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Subject to section }
{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 (4), this Decree does not extend to }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 an}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 y}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  other person who committed an offence under }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 an}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 y law within and outside the }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 P}
{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 arliament Complex be}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 tween the 19}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 th}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107  day of May, 2000 and the 13}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 th}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 day of July, 2}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107 000 in respect of any act done w}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ithout the}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11955080\charrsid12602107  directions,}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  orders or ins}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2779402\charrsid12602107 
tructions of George Speight or any member }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 of the Taukei Civilian Government}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 .
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15294083 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2779402\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15294083 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2779402\charrsid12602107 (4) }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2779402\charrsid12602107 Any person who com}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 mits a political offence within the me}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2779402\charrsid12602107 aning }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 of this Decree}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2779402\charrsid12602107  shall be immune from criminal p}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 rosecution under the}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2779402\charrsid12602107  Penal Code or the breach of any}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  law of Fiji}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 .
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15294083 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2779402\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \qc \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15294083 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2779402\charrsid12602107 Miscellaneous}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15294083 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2779402\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15294083 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12722377\charrsid12602107 4.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 -}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (1) }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 No compensation shall be payable by the State to any person in respect}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13241369\charrsid12602107  of any injury to person or dam}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 age to property }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14329\charrsid12602107 caused by or consequent upon any}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  conduct for whic}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7276703\charrsid12602107 h immunity has been granted und}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 er this Decree}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 .
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15294083 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2779402\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15294083 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (2) }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 This De}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2779402\charrsid12602107 cree shall not be amended or repealed by Parliament or any}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  other Decree}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 .
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15294083 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2779402\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15294083 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2779402\charrsid12602107 Made at Suva this 9}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid2779402\charrsid12602107 th}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2779402\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 day of July 2000.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15294083 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2779402\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2779402 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 COMMODORE J.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16521740\charrsid12602107 V. BAI}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 NIMARAMA}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2779402\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Comma}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2779402\charrsid12602107 nder and Head of Governme}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 nt
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2779402\charrsid12602107 The m}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ain issues arising for consideration during the hearing and determination of these appli}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6112510\charrsid12602107 cations (and the trials or }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6112510\charrsid12602107 voir }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 dire}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  hearings of the issues of whether each plea of pardon is true in fact or not) all depend upon the question of the validity or otherwise of the Immunity Decree.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 That question is of constitutional significance and practical importance to each applicant and to the respondent.

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2779402\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 If the Immunity Decree is held to be valid, it will mean that each applicant, although he may have "taken part in the unlawful takeover of the Government democratically elected under }
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13385052\charrsid12602107 the 1997 Constitution on the 19}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid13385052\charrsid12602107 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 day of May, 2000 and the subsequent holding of the hostages until the 13}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 day of July 2000" or may have "acted under the directions, orders or instruc
tions of George Speight or any member of the Taukei Civilian Government as a result of the unlawful seizure of Government powers and unlawful detention of the Prime Minister and certain Cabinet Ministers and Members of the House of Representatives and oth
er perso}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2779402\charrsid12602107 ns" (see the terms of the Immu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 nity Decree itself), will }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 inter ali}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16084555\charrsid12602107 a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 be immune from prosecution under the Penal Code (for treason or otherwise) or for the breach of any law of Fiji. It will also mean that each applicant could expect to be discharged from the information and to have his freedom.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2779402\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 If, on the other hand, each application fails, then it will mean that each applicant will, as a matter of procedur}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2779402\charrsid12602107 e, }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2779402\charrsid12602107 be required to plead to the i}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
nformation}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  (section 279) and, if he pleads not guilty, he will face the prospect of his trial proceeding}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2779402\charrsid12602107 .}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  It would be fair and just, if that situation were to arise, for these proceedings to be adjourned (after this Court's decision is announced and before each applicant is }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 required to plead}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
) to enable each applicant to consider his position and be advised in relation to the plea to the information he will enter upon his arraignment 
and in relation to the consequences that may flow from the entering of a plea of not guilty, including the possible forfeiture of an entitlement to a sentencing discount or a recommendation for the exercise of mercy (that might be included in a report of 
the trial judge pursuant to section 115(4) of the 1997 Constitution), as the case may be, that might be acc}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107 epted as a mitigating factor in}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 dicating remorse.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 The grounds relied upon to establish the invalidity of the Immunity Decree
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 The grounds relied upon by the respondent (expres}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10565510\charrsid12602107 sly or by necessary implication}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ) in order to establish the invalidity of the Immunity Decree are}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107 :
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3551375 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8654241\charrsid12602107 (a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107 ) that the Com}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 mander of the Fiji military forces did not hold or possess any lawful authority to promulgate the Immunity Decree and that, therefore, it is invalid.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3551375 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 that the Immunity Decree was not made pursuant to the legislative power vested in the Parliament under the 1997 Constitution and was, ther}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107 efore, invalid for want of form}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  and power.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3551375 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107 (c) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
that under the 1997 Constitution, which, according to }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Republic of Fiji and Atto}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107 r}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ne}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10309917\charrsid12602107 y General of Fiji v.}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107  Chandr}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ika Prasad}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 , unreported decision of th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107 
e Fiji Court of Appeal dated 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
March 2001 (ca}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107 lled "}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107 Chandrika Prasad's}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107 
 case")}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5197179\charrsid12602107 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
has not been abrogated, the power of pardon can only be exercised by the President on the advice of the Commission on the Prerogative of Mercy, and such advice was neither given nor received.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3551375 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (d)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 that, under the 1997 Constitution, the power of pardon is limited to the gra}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13465858\charrsid12602107 n}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ting of a pardon or a conditional pardon or a respite or a substitution of a less severe form of punishment or a remission to persons convicte}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107 d of an offence under the law of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  the State and to the granting of immunity from prosecution, spe
cifically, to the leader of the mi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107 litary coup(s) d'}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 etat w}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107 hich took place in Fiji on 14}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 May 1987 and on 26}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 September 1987 and members of the Republic of Fiji Milita}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107 ry Forces (including the Naval }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Division), the Police Force and the Fiji Prison Services and others, and such conditions precedent have not occurred.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3551375 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107 (e) t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
hat the Immunity Decree relates in part to offences not yet committed, that is to say, offences committed between the date of th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107 e Immunity Decree, vi}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13465858\charrsid12602107 z.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107  the 9}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107 th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13465858\charrsid12602107 July 2000 and 13}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid13465858\charrsid12602107 th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13465858\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 July 2000, and, as such, is invalid.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13465858 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (f)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1011032\charrsid12602107 that the Immunity }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Decree did not purport to be a pardon.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3551375\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13465858 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13465858\charrsid12602107 (g}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 )}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 that th
e grant of immunity from prosecution was unconstitutional, the power to grant such immunity resting exclusively with the Director of Public Prosecutions pursuant to section 114 of the 1997 Constitution and section 96 of the 1990 Constitution and the commo
n law.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13465858\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13465858\charrsid12602107 Th}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11227253\charrsid12602107 e importance of the Ch}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13465858\charrsid12602107 
andrika}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  Prasad case
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13465858\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
Of fundamental importance to the determination of the question of the validity or otherwise of the Immunity Decree and standing firmly at the gateway to any discussion of the issues that arise in this case is }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Chandrika Prasad's}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  case }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 supra}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 , which is binding upon this Court. In that important case it was decided that the 1997 Constitution had not been abrogated, that the Parliament had not been dissolved but was merely}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107  prorogued for six months on 27}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107 t}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
May 2000, and that the office of President did not become vacant until the effective date of the retirement of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107  Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara on 15}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 December 2000, whereupon the Vice
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107 President took}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  office.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 T}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107 he power to gran}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 t a pardon

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 If authority exists to grant a pardon, then that authority is derived from sections 115 and 195 of the 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107 
997 Constitution (and Chapter XI}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 V of the Constitution of 1990), which provide as follows:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15163922 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Part 5 }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 -}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107  PREROG}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ATIVE OF }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107 M}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ERCY
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10774821 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10774821\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15163922 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107 Prerogative of Mercy}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 115.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 -}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (1)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 The President may:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (a)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 grant to a person convicted of an offence under the law of the State a pardon or a conditional pardon;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 grant to such a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107  person a respite, either indefinitely}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  or for a specified period, o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10774821\charrsid12602107 f }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
the execution of the punishment imposed for the offence;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (c)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 substitute a less severe form of punishment for the punishment imposed; or
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (d)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 remit the whole or part of:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li2160\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107 (i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 )}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 the punishment imposed; or
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li2160\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (ii)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 a penalty or forfeiture otherwise due to the State in respect of the offence.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (2)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 This subsection establishes a Commission on the Prerogative of Mercy consisting of:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (a)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 the Attorney}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
General who is to be its chairperson; and
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 2 other members appointed by the President, acting in his or her own judgment.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (3)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 In the exercise of his or her powers under subsection (1), the President acts on the advice of the Commission.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (4)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 [Not relevant to these applications]
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \qc \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107 Repeats and transitional}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15163922\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15337238\charrsid12602107 195.-(1) The following Acts are repealed:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15337238\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid15337238 {\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Constit}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15337238\charrsid12602107 ution }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 of the Sovereign Democratic}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1271647\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
Republic of Fiji}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15337238\charrsid12602107  (Promulgation) Decree 1990
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Suppression of Terrorism Decree 1991}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11234972\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Ombudsman Decree 1987
\par Fiji}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15337238\charrsid12602107  Citizenship}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  Act
\par Fiji}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15337238\charrsid12602107  Citizenship Decree 1987
\par In}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ternal Security Decree 1988}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15337238\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Internal Security (Suspension) Decree 1988
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid13655145 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13655145\charrsid12602107 In}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
dustrial Associations Act (Amendment) Decree 1991
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13655145\charrsid12602107 T}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 rade Unions (Recognition) Act (Amendment) Decree 1991
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13655145\charrsid12602107 Trade Unions Act (Amendment}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ) Decree 1991
\par Sugar Industry }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13655145\charrsid12602107 (Special Protection) (Amendment}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ) (No.3) Decree 1991 Protection of the National Economy Decree 1
991
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13655145\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13655145 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (2)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Despite the repeal of the Constitution of the Sovereign Democratic Republic }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13655145\charrsid12602107 of Fiji (Promulgation) Decree 1}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 990:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13655145\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid13655145 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (a)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Chapter XIV of the Constitution of 1990 continues in force in accordance with its }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13655145\charrsid12602107 ten}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 or}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13655145 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13655145\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid13655145 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13655145\charrsid12602107 (b) to (j}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 )}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 [Not}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11234972\charrsid12602107  relevant to these applications]}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid475832 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13655145\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7539243 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (3)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 [Not}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11234972\charrsid12602107  relevant to these applications]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7539243 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7539243\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11933823 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (The emphasis is mine)
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7539243 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7539243\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11933823 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Chapter XIV of the Constitution of 1990 provides}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7539243\charrsid12602107 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7539243 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7539243\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \qc \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7539243 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 CHA}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7539243\charrsid12602107 PTER XI}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 V}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7539243\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid475832 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid475832\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \qc \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7539243 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7539243\charrsid12602107 I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid475832\charrsid12602107 MMUNI}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 TY PROVISIONS
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7539243 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7539243\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7539243 {\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Immunity of }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7539243\charrsid12602107 
Members of the Republic of Fiji }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Militar}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7539243\charrsid12602107 y Forces i}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ncludin}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7539243\charrsid12602107 g}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  the Naval Division)}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7539243\charrsid12602107 , the Police Force an}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 d the Fiji Prison Services and others
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7539243 {\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15337238\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7539243 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 164}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5926978\charrsid12602107 -}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7539243\charrsid12602107 )}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 The leader of the military coup(s) d'etat which took place i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16458745\charrsid12602107 n Fiji on fourteenth of May, 198}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 7 and on twenty}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7539243\charrsid12602107 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
fifth of September, 1987 shall be immune from cri}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3015815\charrsid12602107 minal and civil responsibility in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1903903\charrsid12602107 
 respect of the commission of an}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14233537\charrsid12602107 y offence under the P}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
enal Code or the breach of any law of Fiji and in respect of any damage or injury to property or person resulting either directly or indirectly from the two military coup(s) d'etat.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7539243\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7539243 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (2)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7539243\charrsid12602107 All m}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 embers of
 the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (including the Naval Division), the Fiji Police Force and the Prison Services who during the two military coup(s) d'e}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9708851\charrsid12602107 
tat referred to in subsection (1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ) of this section and up to the fifth of December, 1987, had shown allegiance to the coup lead}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7539243\charrsid12602107 er and obediently carried out instructions}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 and orders of the Fiji Military Government established by the coop leader, shall be immune from criminal and civil responsibility in respect of the commission of any offence under the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7539243\charrsid12602107 
 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14432635\charrsid12602107 P}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7539243\charrsid12602107 enal Code or the breach of an}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 y la}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5070269\charrsid12602107 w of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7539243\charrsid12602107 Fiji and in respect of an}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
y damage or injury to property or person resulting either directly or indirectly from the two military coup d'etat and no court shall entertain any action or make any decision or order, or grant any remedy or relief in any proceedings instituted }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7539243\charrsid12602107 a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 gainst any member aforesaid i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7817393\charrsid12602107 n}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  relation thereto.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7539243\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3154369 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (3)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Any person who during the two military coup}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1315355\charrsid12602107 (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
s)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 d'etat referred to in subsection (1)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1315355\charrsid12602107 
 of this section and up to the fif}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 th of December, 1987, acted under the direction of a member of the Republic of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7539243\charrsid12602107 
Fiji Military Forces (including }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 the Naval Division), the Fiji Police Force and the Fiji Prison Services s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7539243\charrsid12602107 
hall be immune from criminal an}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 d civil responsibility in respect of the commission of any offence under the Penal Code or the b}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7539243\charrsid12602107 reach of any law of Fiji and in }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
respect of any damage or injury to property or person resulting either directly or indirectly from so acting and no court shall entert
ain any action or make any decision or order, or grant any remedy or relief in any proceedings instituted against that person in relation thereto.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3154369 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7539243\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3154369 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3154369\charrsid12602107 (4) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Fo}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3154369\charrsid12602107 r the avoidance of doubt}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2820802\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3154369\charrsid12602107 -}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7539243\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3154369 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (a)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 No court shall entertain any action or make any decision or order, or grant any remedy or relief i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2820802\charrsid12602107 n}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  any proceedings whether criminal or civil instituted against any member of the Republi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2820802\charrsid12602107 c of Fiji Mili}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3154369\charrsid12602107 tary Forces (includin}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 g the Naval Division), the Fiji Police Force and the Fiji Prison Servi}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3154369\charrsid12602107 ces or against any person actin}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 g under the direction }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3154369\charrsid12602107 of any member of such Forces and }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Services in respect of damage or injury to property or perso}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3154369\charrsid12602107 n arising either directly or in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 directly from the two military coup(s) d'etat up to fifth December 1987.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3154369\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3154369 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 No compensation shall be payab}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3154369\charrsid12602107 le by the State to any person in }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 respect of any damage or }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3154369\charrsid12602107 injury to h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
is property or person caused by or conseque}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3154369\charrsid12602107 nt upon any conduct for which im}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
munity has been granted under this section.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3154369\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3154369 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (5) This section shall not be reviewed or amended by Parliament.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par Those sections do not empower the President to grant a pardon to a person who may have committed an offence but who has not been convicted of an offence, save and except the leader of the military coups d'etat which took place in Fiji on}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515051\charrsid12602107  14}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid9515051\charrsid12602107 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3154369\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 May, 1987 and on 25}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid3154369\charrsid12602107 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3154369\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 September, 1987 and others (to whom immunity was purportedly given) who }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3154369\charrsid12602107 m}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ay have committed an offence but were never convicted of an offence. Prior to The 1997 Constitution there was already power to grant a pardon (see sections 99 and 164 of the 199
0 Constitution and, before that, section 88 of the 1970 Constitution), but there was no power to grant immunity.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3154369\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 The terms of the pardon were as set out in the Immunity Decree }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 supra}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  and emphasised by me.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3154369\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
As previously indicated, if authority exists to grant a pardon so expressed, then that authority is derived, partly and importantly, from section 115 of the 1997 Constitution, which is set out in full earlier in these reasons for judgment.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 A condition precedent to the exercise of that power is that the person to receive a pardon must have been }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 convicted under the law of the State.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3154369\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Section 115 of the 1997 Constitution (which Constitution, it must be remembered, was not abrogated) has to be compared with the
 power, which the people exercised when section 195 of the 1997 Constitution came into effect, to pardon (in the form of th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1005490\charrsid12602107 e grant of immunity to) certain}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  persons witho}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3154369\charrsid12602107 ut them either having an informa}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
tion filed against them or being convicted of an offence under the law of the State. Prior to the 1997 Constitution there was, as previously indicated, power to grant a pardon, but only after conviction. The power implied in section 195 (before an informa
tion has been filed and before conviction) was created for the first time by the 1997 Constitution. The validity or otherwise of that constitutional enactment (section 195) does not arise for consideration in these proceedings.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3154369\charrsid12602107 
\par In }{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3154369\charrsid12602107 Attorney}{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  General of Trinidad and Tobago}{
\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5120013\charrsid12602107  v.}{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  Phillip}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 (1995) 1 All ER 93 [(1995) 1 AC 396], a decision of the highest persuasive value, the Board of the Privy Council, said, when the Board was emphasising the formal nature of a pardon at common law, (at p.102):
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3154369\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3154369 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12738554\charrsid12602107 (A pardon)}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  is an }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12738554\charrsid12602107 executive act of the State. Bo}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 t}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12738554\charrsid12602107 h}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  under English law and under the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago a pardon should not be treated as analogous to a contract}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12530470\charrsid12602107 .}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  It does not d}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12738554\charrsid12602107 
erive its authority from agreeme}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 nt. It is not dependent upon acceptance of the subject 
of the pardon. In England its authority is derived from the prerogative and in Trinidad and Tobago its authority is dependent upon the Constitution.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par The factual situation which gave rise to that impo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12738554\charrsid12602107 rtant case is similar in some }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 respects to the situation 
in Fiji in May to July }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12738554\charrsid12602107 2000. The 114 respondents, mem}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 bers of a religious sect known as the Jamaa}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12738554\charrsid12602107 t al Muslimeen, had taken part in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  an armed}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12738554\charrsid12602107 
 insurrection between 27}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid12738554\charrsid12602107 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12738554\charrsid12602107  July and 1}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid12738554\charrsid12602107 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12738554\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
August 1990. About 70 of the group stormed the television building while a second group of about 40 stormed the Parliament building. Politicians, including the Prime Minister and other Ministers and others, were held at gum point as }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12530470\charrsid12602107 hostages. The insurrection was i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
ntended to overthrow the lawful government of Trinidad and Tobago. During the course of the insurrection the acting President granted a pardon in the form of a general amnesty to the respondents in return for the safe release of all the hostages. After th
e insurrection had come to an end the respondents were arrested. The pardon in the form of a general amnesty, which was relied upon by the respondents, was ultimately held to be invalid.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12738554\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Lord Woolf, who delivered the judgment of the Board of the Privy Council in that most instructiv}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12738554\charrsid12602107 
e decision, went on to state (at }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 p.102)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12738554\charrsid12602107 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12738554\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12738554 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5460311\charrsid12602107 A pardon must in the ordinary way only relate to offences which have already been committed }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5460311 ....}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5460311\charrsid12602107  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
However, while a pardon can expunge past offences, a power to pardo}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12738554\charrsid12602107 n cannot be used to dispense with}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 criminal responsibility for an offence which has not yet been committed}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6510876\charrsid12602107 .}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 This is a principle of general application which is of the greatest importance. The State cannot be allowed to use a power to pardon to enable the law to be set aside by permitting it to be contravened with impunity.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12738554\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 In accordance with that princi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14163828\charrsid12602107 ple, section 115 of the 1997 Con}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 stitution limits the power of the President to grant a pardon to any person in respect of any offences of which he has been convicted. It does not apply to offences not yet committed,}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14163828\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 and it does not even apply to offences of which, although he has committed them, he has not been convicted.

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14163828\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14364822\charrsid12602107 Unlike the situation in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  Trinidad and Tobago in the period since 1976, the President of Fiji was not}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14163828\charrsid12602107  given, when the 1997 Constitution cam}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
e into effect, the power to grant any person a pardon, either free or subject to lawful conditions, respecting any offences that he might have committed whether or not he had been charged with any offence and whether or not he had been convicted thereof.

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14163828\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11611702 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 The power given to the president of Trinidad and Tobago to grant a pardon }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 before}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  a person is charged with any offence and }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 before}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  he is convicted is a relatively new power modelled on the pardoning power given in the United State
s Constitution to the President of the United States }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  see }{
\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 P}{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14163828\charrsid12602107 hil}{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
ip v. Director of Public Prosecutions of Trinidad and Tobago}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14622591\charrsid12602107  (1992) 1 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14163828\charrsid12602107 All ER 665. In }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14163828\charrsid12602107 at Privy Council case, Lord Ackn}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
er, in deliv}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14163828\charrsid12602107 ering the judgment of the Board}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 , said (at p.668)}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14163828\charrsid12602107 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14163828 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 It is interesting to observe that }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14163828\charrsid12602107 in the American case of }{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14163828\charrsid12602107 Murphy v}{
\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 . Ford}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  (197}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15626322\charrsid12602107 5}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10764397\charrsid12602107 ) 390 F Supp 1372 at 1}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 373 decided in the United States District Cou}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14163828\charrsid12602107 rt for the Western Division of }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
Michigan, in which the validity of a pardon granted by President Ford to former President Ni}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14163828\charrsid12602107 x}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
on was challenged, there is quoted the following observatio}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14163828\charrsid12602107 n of Alexander Hamilton in }{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14163828\charrsid12602107 The Federalist No.
}{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1010913\charrsid12602107  }{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14163828\charrsid12602107 74}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14163828\charrsid12602107  (1}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 788) explaining why the founding fathers gave the President a discretionary power to pardon
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14163828\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14163828 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14163828\charrsid12602107 "The }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
principal argument for reposing }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14163828\charrsid12602107 the power of pardoning... [in] the }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Chief Magistrate,}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14163828\charrsid12602107 "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14354457\charrsid12602107  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12083991\charrsid12602107 Hamilton wrote, "is this}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 : in seasons of insurrections or rebellion, there are often critical moments, when a well}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 -}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14163828\charrsid12602107 timed offer of pardon to the insu}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 r}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14163828\charrsid12602107 g}
{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ents or rebels may restore the tranquillity of the commonwea}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12527105\charrsid12602107 lth; and which, if suffered to pa}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ss unimproved, it may never be}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10448034\charrsid12602107  possible afterwards to recall"}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10448034 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14163828\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 It occurs to me that, when the }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
people of the Fi}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14163828\charrsid12602107 j}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 i islands}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 gave themselves the 1997 Constitution, they may have missed an opportunity to give to the President a discretionary power to pardon insurgents or rebels in the event of a future Fijian armed insurrection or coup d'etat.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Such a power, if given and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 used sensitively, expeditiously, and with good intentions, might be seen as being an important part of the Presidential armoury.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14163828\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Commendable as the objective of the Immunity Decree may have been in seeking to bring peacefully to an end the alleged insurrection or
 rebellion of May to July 2000, those who promulgated it and those who sought to rely upon it made the wrong choice or, as the Fiji Court of Appeal put it in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Chandrika Prasad's case
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 , "chose}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 , }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
(the wrong) path" (at p.28). They chose to adopt and rely upon a procedure which involved turning their backs on the 1997 Constitution.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1251775\charrsid12602107 But, even if they had }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 attempted to comply with the 1997 Constitution, the obtai}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 ning of a grant of pardon in the form of an immun}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
ity from prosecution may have, in the absence of an alteration to the 1997 Constitution, been beyond reach. The nature of the powers and position of the President can be determined only by a consideration of the Constitution itself }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  (see, in the context of the Constitution of Vanuatu, }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Government of the Republic of Vanuatu v. President of the Republic of Vanuatu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
, unreported decision of the Supreme Court of Vanuatu in Civil Case No. 124 of 1994, the judgment of Sir Harry Gibbs, the former Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia (at p.8).
\par 
\par Looking simply at the Immunity Decree, and no further, it is clear that, in the context of the criminal law, no more was intended than a conditional undertaking or promise (whether valid or otherwi}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid616896\charrsid12602107 se) not to prosecute under the P}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 enal Code or for breach for any law of Fiji.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 It was given by Commodore Bai}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 n}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 imarama as "Commander and Head" of the Interim Civilian Go}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 vernment with the backing of "th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 e Cabinet" of that Government. The President was not involved in the matt
er and it was apparently not intended that he should be, because that would have only been necessary if this was to be a solemn pardon under the 1997 Constitution, or, at least, the offer of a pardon, and that is not what the proponents of the Immunity De
cree evidently intended.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 The finding}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 s in relation to section 279
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 
\par For all these reasons I }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 hold that neither the facts alleged by each applicant nor the submissions made on his behalf }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 prove the plea}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
that he has obtained (a) pardon for his (alleged) offence}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 . I find that it is }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 false in fact}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  that each applicant has been pardoned. Subject to the question of a grant of an adjournment previously referred to, each applicant will be}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 required to plead to the inform}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ation}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  (section 279 of the Criminal Procedure Code).
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13316198 {\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 P}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ART B
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 What follows is subject to a suppression order "until further order" made on 31}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid13316198\charrsid12602107 st}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  May 2002)
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9118740\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Possible directions to the assessors
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
The Immunity Decree giving no support to the pleas of pardon that have been put forward by the applicants, it seems to me that, unless further evidence is brought forward to cast a different light on the matter at a trial before assessors, I should direct
 the asses}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 sors, with respect to the Immunit}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
y Decree along the lines I have already indicated and along the lines of the conclusions set out in the remainder of these reasons for judgment.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 It follows that, in my judgment, the only sort of pardon that can support either }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 applicant's plea is a solemn form
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 al act }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 of the President}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 by which, absolutely or conditionally, he forgives or remits,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107  for the ben}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ef}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 t of the person to whom it is granted, the legal consequences of a crime }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 of which}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107  he has been convicted}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 . In post}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12597626\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 1997 Fiji that prerogative power is exercised by the }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 President, acting on the advice of the Commission}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 . That is the way th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15932676\charrsid12602107 at I will need to direct and sum}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  up to the assessors.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 
\par It is clear that, on}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  the material before this Court, no person in authority in this case (not }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 
even the Commander, Commodore J.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 V. Bainimarama, or the Ministers }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1927864\charrsid12602107 in "the Cabinet" of the Interim}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  Civilian Government) contemplated or authorised anything more than an undertaking not to prosecute. It has not been proven that the matter wa
s ever considered by the Commission, and it has not been proven that any relevant act on the part of the President took place. In short, neither applicant was granted a pardon.
\par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 The }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 gravi}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 t}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 y}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  of the}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Court's decision and a remedy
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
I am conscious of the gravity of a decision on my part that the respondent's submission should be upheld. It may have the effect of stopping the applicants putting their case based on the Immunity Decree to the assessors, but that would be a matter for ea
ch of them. However, in my opinion, the case is a clear one. If I am right about the nature of a pardon as understood by the law, the result is really inevitabl}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 e that the Immunity }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Decree be held to be invalid}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 If I am wrong about that, each applicant wi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 ll have his remedy elsewhere if}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
, at the end of his trial, he is found guilty of treason.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 The alternative plea of immunity
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 If I should be held to have fallen into er}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 ror in concluding that the Immuni}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ty Decree purports to gra}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 nt a pardon in the form of an im}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 munity from prosecution, (and,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
therefore, something more than simply immunity from, prosecution), a question then arises as to the validity of an immunity (as distinct from a pardon) which relates in part to offences not yet committed. It was made on 9}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 July 2000 but it related, by necessary implication arising from its terms, not only to offences committed between 19}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
May 2000 and the date of the Immunity Decree (9}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 July) but also to offences}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107  committed between that date (9}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 July) and 13}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 July 2000.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Expressed in the terms used, the Immunity Decree opened the way for persons to whom it applied [assuming that they had acted unlawfully prior to 9}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
July in "(taking) part in the unlawful takeover of the Government democratically elected}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 under t}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 he 1997 Constitution on the 19}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 day of May, 2000" or h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 ad acted unlawfully prior to 9}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
July "(acting) under the directions, orders or instructions of George Speight or any member }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12789694\charrsid12602107 of the Taukei Civilian Governm}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ent as a result of the unlawful seizure of Government powers and unlawful detention of the Prime M}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 
inister and certain Cabinet Min}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12789694\charrsid12602107 isters }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12789694\charrsid12602107 n
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 d Members o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12789694\charrsid12602107 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 the House of Representatives and other persons''] acting unlawfully thereafter. Indeed, the proponents of the Immunity Decree would have solicited or incited them to do so or it would have constituted an attempt to procure them to do so.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid743131\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Counsel appearing for the applicants did not cite any authority to support the lawfulness of the action in promulgating it in terms embracing immunity from p
rosecution for both past and }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 future }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 offences.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12789694\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 In }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12789694\charrsid12602107 D'Arrig}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 o}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 (1991) 58 A Crim R 71, a decision the Court of Criminal Appeal in Queensland, Australia, where a witness against the appellant had been granted an indemnity not to be prosecuted for future offences
 committed in the course of a specific police undercover operation, it was held that the prerogative which supports the use of indemnities against prosecution in respect }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12849984\charrsid12602107 
of past acts does not extend to}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  support the issue of licences to break the law in respect of acts which are merely in cont}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12789694\charrsid12602107 e}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 mplation. Ministers of State are not, so it was held, above the law an}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14879140\charrsid12602107 d they are not possessed of the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  dispensing power which the terms of the immunities would generally imply.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12789694\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 De}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4786623\charrsid12602107 J}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ersey J (as he then was) said (at p.76)
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12789694\charrsid12602107 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12789694\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12789694 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 It is, however, repugnant to }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4786623\charrsid12602107 th}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 e rule of law to c}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4786623\charrsid12602107 
onceive of (a Minister of State) granting,}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  in advance, are indemnity in respect of as yet unknown crimin}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4786623\charrsid12602107 
al conduct which }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 may occur in the future. As pointed out by Dowsett J, indicating an intention not t
o prosecute for past breaches of the law may be justified in certain special circumstances, but}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12789694\charrsid12602107  using an indemnity to encourag}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 e future breaches of the law is quite a}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12789694\charrsid12602107  different matter }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12789694\charrsid12602107 ......}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12789694\charrsid12602107 T}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
he granting of the indemnity probably amounted to counselling within s}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16255496\charrsid12602107 . }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
7(d) of the Code (although not with respect}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12789694\charrsid12602107  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 to a specific offence), and, however well}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 -}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 motivated, therefore simply could not be justified by reference to prerogative power. If otherwise
 ample enough to extend to the granting of an indemnity in respect of possible future criminal a}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16255496\charrsid12602107 cts, which I would not accept in}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  any event, the prerogative power must be taken to have been cut down statutorily by the implicit prohibition on aiding, counselling and procuring in s. 7 of the Codes
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12789694 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12789694\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 The similar (but not identical) provision in the Penal Code of Fiji is section 383.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12789694\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Dowsett J said (at p.78)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12789694\charrsid12602107 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12789694\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12789694 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12789694\charrsid12602107 I}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
t is impossible, consistent with the rule of}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12789694\charrsid12602107  law, is conceive of the executiv}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 e}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12789694\charrsid12602107  excusing anticipated criminal m}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
isconduct. Such a course is quite different from indicating an intention not to prosecute for prior }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4798554\charrsid12602107 misconduc}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
t}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14492726\charrsid12602107 .}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3817627\charrsid12602107  T}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
he latter course does not encourage breaches of the law }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 .....}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2363427 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12789694\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3998600\charrsid12602107 D'Arrigo'}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 s}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  case, in which, curiously, t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12932778\charrsid12602107 here was no express mention of "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 pardon", was followed a year later in what was then}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3998600\charrsid12602107  known as the Court of Appeal in}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  Queensland, in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Stead}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11216847\charrsid12602107  (1992) 62 A Crim}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  R 40. The judgment of the Court was delivered by a strong Court comprising Davies and Pincus JJA and McPherson SPJ. The clear implicat
ion from a reading of that judgment is that immunity from prosecution or indemnity or amnesty are but different ways of characterising the prerogative of pardon. Such a conclusion is, importantly, also implicit from a reading of the judgment of the Board 
of the Privy Council in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago v. Philli}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3998600\charrsid12602107 p}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 supra}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 .
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3998600\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 In }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Stead's}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 case the Court traced the history of the prerogative of pardon and applied it to a situation in which the appellant had been granted an indemnity in advance of crimes to be committed, and said (at p.44)}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3998600\charrsid12602107 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3998600\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid671643 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
The common law recognised the existence of a power to pardon as an aspect of the royal prerogative and one that was capable of being delegated}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6488178\charrsid12602107 .}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  What was disputed over a long period was the wider claim by the Crown 
to exercise a power of pardoning an offence before its commission. It implied an authority in the Crown to dispense with the application of the law to a particular individual or to suspend the operation of laws in general. Attempts to}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3998600\charrsid12602107  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 invoke such a power led to the Revolution of 1688 and the adoption of the Declaration of Right}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13046698\charrsid12602107 .}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  Articles I and 2 condemned as "illegal" the purported exercise of the powe}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3998600\charrsid12602107 r of suspending or dispensing w}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ith laws, "as it hath b}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3998600\charrsid12602107 een assumed and exercised of lat}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 e". It was the in}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3998600\charrsid12602107 sertion}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 of these qualifying words that is said to have preserved the prerogative of the Crown to pardon offences after they had been commuted: }{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4683476\charrsid12602107 Taswell-}{
\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11298875\charrsid12602107 L}{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 an}{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11298875\charrsid12602107 g}{
\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 mead's English Constitutional History}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  (9}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid6886372\charrsid12602107 th}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  e}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid671643\charrsid12602107 d}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 , }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid671643\charrsid12602107 1929), p 601, }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3998600\charrsid12602107 n (o). Enacted by }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Parliament as}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid671643\charrsid12602107  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
s 1 of the statute I Will &}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3998600\charrsid12602107  Mary, sess 2, c 2, the }{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13045952\charrsid12602107 Bill}{
\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3998600\charrsid12602107  of }{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Rights}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 1688 contained in s 2 the further provi}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12203918\charrsid12602107 sion that "no dispensation ... o}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
f or to any statute or any part thereof shall be allowed, but that th}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7156336\charrsid12602107 e same shall be held void and}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 of no effect..."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3998600\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid671643 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid671643\charrsid12602107 T}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
he prerogatives or powers of her Majesty are now exercisable in respect}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid671643\charrsid12602107  of Queensland in general by th}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
e Governor on the advice of the Premier of the State: see s 7(2) and (5) of the }{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Australia Act }{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid671643\charrsid12602107 1986}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid671643\charrsid12602107  (Cth) and of the }{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid671643\charrsid12602107 Australia Act 1986 (UK)}{
\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ,}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  incorporated in the second sched}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid671643\charrsid12602107 
ule to the }{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid671643\charrsid12602107 Australia Acts (Request}{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 )Act 1985}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5471846\charrsid12602107  (Q}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ld). It is true that s 8(b) of the }{
\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Constitutio}{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid671643\charrsid12602107 n }{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (Office}{
\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid671643\charrsid12602107  }{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 of Governor) Act 1987}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  (}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2036733\charrsid12602107 Q}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ld) authorises the Governor to grant a pardon to an "offender" in respect of an o}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13309370\charrsid12602107 ffence; but the words "pardon ",}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 "offender" and "offence" imply that the offence is one that has already been comm}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5918635\charrsid12602107 it}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ted and }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5918635\charrsid12602107 n}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ot one to be committed in the future}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2973849\charrsid12602107 .
}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 In any event, any claim in right of the Crown in Great Britain to dispense with laws, whether by pardoning in advance or otherwise, was brought to an end in 1689, and it is not possible for such a power to have been transmitted to the Crown in respect of
 Queensland by le}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid671643\charrsid12602107 g}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 islation, su}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid671643\charrsid12602107 c}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 h as that we have mentioned, enacted only in 1985, 1986 or 1987.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid671643\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid671643 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
It follows that, while the Governor acting on the advice of the Premier has power to grant a pardon in respect of a past offence, neither the Governor, nor any delegate from h}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12140591\charrsid12602107 im}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  or her, has power to suspend or dispense with the laws or their execution, or with any statute: cf }{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
Fitzgerald v. Muldoon}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  [1976}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid671643\charrsid12602107 ] }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 2 NZL}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid671643\charrsid12602107 R}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  615 at 622}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 -}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 623. The attempt to do so by what purported to be an indemnity against prosecution for}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3998600\charrsid12602107  }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 future offences granted by the for}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid671643\charrsid12602107 m}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 er }
{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid671643\charrsid12602107 Attorney-}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
General in favour of Reisenweber on 5 October 1989 therefore was, to use the words in ss 1 and 2 of the Bill of Rights, "illegal" and "void and o}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5930217\charrsid12602107 f no effect." Hence the indemnit}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 y was incapable of prevailing against the provisions of s 7 of the Criminal Code making a}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10031278\charrsid12602107  }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 person criminally responsible for an offence committed by another that was counselled or procured or assisted by that person.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7960535 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 The history of the prerogative of pardon had also been traced by Cox J and referred to by Wells }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6296476\charrsid12602107 J}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 R v Milnes and Green}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 (1983) 33 SASR 211, per Cox J at pp}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6296476\charrsid12602107 . 215}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
216, and per Wells J at pp.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid201014\charrsid12602107  233}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid201014\charrsid12602107 235}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 . That South Australian Supreme Court decision had been }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4218415\charrsid12602107 referred}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid671643\charrsid12602107  to by the Privy Council in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Attorney}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 -}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 General of Trinidad and Tobago v. Philli}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11754032\charrsid12602107 p}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 supra}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9906782\charrsid12602107  at p.108}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 .
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 It was for the reasons quoted }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 supra}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 that the Court of Appeal in Queensland (in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Stead's}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  case)}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid671643\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid671643\charrsid12602107 e}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ld
 that the indemnity (or pardon) was invalid. Applying the same reasoning in the present case, .I conclude that the prerogatives or powers previously exercised by her Majesty are now exercisable in respect of Fiji by the President }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8212261\charrsid12602107 on the advice of the Commission:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  see the 1997 Co}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2629205\charrsid12602107 nstitution, w}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid671643\charrsid12602107 hich, I repeat once}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 more, has not been abrogated. It is true that section 115 of the 1997 Constitution empowers the President to grant a pardon to a person in respect of offences of which he has been convicted}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1721075\charrsid12602107 ;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  but the wo
rds "pardon" and "offence" imply that the offences are ones that have already been committed and not ones some (or all) of which are to be committed in the future. The consequence in law is that, for political offences committed and for acts done in respe
ct of which immunity was purportedly granted under the Immunity Decree, the applicants deri}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid671643\charrsid12602107 ve no immunity from that Decree.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  The Immunity Decree did not have the effect of depriving any o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 f}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  the acts done of their criminal character. It simply promised, albeit
 invalidly, that the applicants (and others) would not be prosecuted for what they may have done in the course of the events of May to July 2000.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Parliamentar}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid671643\charrsid12602107 y}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  sovereignty
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid671643\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Another ground upon which the Immunity Decree may be said to be invalid was mentioned by the Chief Justice o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14441733\charrsid12602107 
f New Zealand, Wild}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107  CJ, in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 Fitzg}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
erald v. Muldoon}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  (1976) 2 NZLR 615, referred to in the passage quoted from }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Stead's}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  case }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 supra}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
. That is what counsel for the Prosecution may have been saying in paragraph}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107  67 of their written submissions}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 .

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 I am }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 persuaded to hold that, in signing and publishing the Immun}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ity Decree, the "Commander and Head of Government", in purported exercise of the powers under sec}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 
tion 9 of the Interim Civilian Government (Establishment) Decree }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 No.10 of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14441733\charrsid12602107  2000, was acting illegally in seek}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ing to suspend the Penal Code without}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
the consent of Parliament. Parliament had made the law. The law could be amended or suspended only by Parliament or with the authority of Parliament.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 If I may adopt and adapt (to the situation in Fiji in the year 2000) the words of Dicey}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 
's Law of the Constitution (10}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
edition) 39 set out in the passage cited by Wild CJ in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Fitzgerald v. Muldoon}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 supra}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  at p.62, the principle of Parliamentary sovereignty mea}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 ns neither more nor less that th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 is, namely, that Parliament has, under the 1997 Constitution of Fij}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14441733\charrsid12602107 i, the right to make or unmake any law whatever; and,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 further, that no person or body is recognised by the law of Fiji as having a right to override or set aside the legislation of Parliament.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 For these reasons also the Immunity Decree may be said to be invalid.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 The right to equality before the law and constitutionality
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par The 1997 Constitution incorporates a Bill of Rights (chapter 4).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 The Commander (Commodore J}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 V. Bainimaram
a), as a person purporting to perform the functions of the public office of "Head of Government" and perhaps purporting to act }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 on behalf of "the executive branch of gover}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 nment ... at the central level" [section 21(1)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13718385\charrsid12602107 ]}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 , was bound inter alia by the Bill of Rights and, in particular, section 38 which guarantees to every person the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10441353\charrsid12602107 r
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ight to equality before the law and provides protection from any purported "law (or) administrative action" which "directly or indirectly imposes a disability or restriction ... on 
a prohibited ground."
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
Regardless of the motives behind the issuing of the Immunity Decree, whether the commendable one of securing the release of the hostages and bringing peacefully to an end the insurrection or rebellion or otherwise, }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 the immunity Decree, by its terms}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
, places the persons in whose favour it was brought into existence in a privileged position compared with that of ordinary persons committin}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 g}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  offences or breaking the law. It also restricts the victims of the alleged crimes (no doubt many in
 number) and the persons who might otherwise have civil claims or be entitled to seek a remedy or relief in legal proceedings (no doubt some having incurred substantial losses) from pursuing such claims or entitlements.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 The idea of legal equality is funda
mental to the rule of law; everyone, whatever his or her rank or condition, is under the same responsibility for an illegal act as that of any other citizen}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11884705\charrsid12602107 -s}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ee }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 A}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11884705\charrsid12602107 .}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  Dicey, An Introduction to the Study of the}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107  Law}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  of the Constitution}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  (10th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 edition, Macmillan, 1965) 193 and }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 The Law of Human Rights by Clayton and Tomlinson}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 , at p}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11884705\charrsid12602107 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  1207.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 
\par 1n. }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 Matadeen v.}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  Pointu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 (1998) 3 WLR 18, an appeal to the Privy Council from a decision of the Supreme Court of Mauritius which involved the construction of the Constitution of Mauritius, the Board of the Privy Council said (at p.26):
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7960535 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
Their Lordships do not doubt that such a principle ("equality before the law requires that persons should be uniformly treated, unless there is some valid reason to treat them differently") is one}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10113776\charrsid12602107  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
of the building blocks of democracy and necessarily permeates any democratic Constitution. Indeed, their Lordships would go further and say that treating like cases alike and unlike cases differently is a general axiom of rational behaviour }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ...}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4218415\charrsid12602107 and went on to set out (at p.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4218415  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4218415\charrsid12602107 
27) some further principles, all of which, in my judgment, form part of the law of Fiji:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7960535 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 A}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  self}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 -}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
confident democracy may feel that it can give the last word, even in respect of the most fundamental rights, to the popularly}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 -}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 elected organs of its Constitution}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 . The United K}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ingdom has traditionally done so ... (As) experience in ma}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10113776\charrsid12602107 n}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 y countries }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 [incl}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 uding }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 Fiji] has shown ... certain fun}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 damental rights need to be protected a}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 gainst being }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4218415\charrsid12602107 overridden}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107  by the m}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10113776\charrsid12602107 ajority [or,}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  I would add, by any group of rebels exercising de facto power]}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10113776\charrsid12602107 .}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
No one has yet thought of a better form of protection than by entrenching them in a written Constituti}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 on enforced by independent judges}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 I would be acting contr}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 ary to the judicial oath which }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 requires of a judge to "uphold the Constitution and ... do right to all manner of people in accordance with the laws and usages of the Republic without fear or favour, affection or ill}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2228486\charrsid12602107 will" if I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 purported to allow a power of granting immunity from prosecution to be exercised by the Interim Civilian Gove}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 rnm}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
ent with unfair discrimination in the enforcement of the criminal and civil laws of Fiji.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 In }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Edwards v}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7960535\charrsid12602107 .}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  Society of }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 G}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
raphical and Allied Trades}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  (1971) Ch 354, Lord Denning said in England (at p.376)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 :}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5458102 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 The}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 courts of this country will not allow ... power to be exercised arbitrarily or capriciously or with unfair discrimination, neither in the making of rules, nor in the enforcement of them ... If the (authority purporting to exercise power) should assume to
 make a rule which destroys a right or p}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10368655\charrsid12602107 u}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ts it in jeopardy }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 -}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  or is a gratuitous and oppressive interference with it }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 -}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  then (the authority) exceeds its powers. The rule is ultra vires and invalid
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 
\par F}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 or these reasons also the Immunity Decree may be said to be unconstitutional, void and of no effect. The assessors may need}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107  to be directed that the Immunit}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 y Decree infringes a protected human right.
\par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 
\par Other grounds relied u}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 pon b}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 y}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 the prosecution
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 In these reasons I have attempted to deal with all the grounds relied upon by the respondent (or implied by counsel) in order to establish the invalidity of the Immunity Decree, sa}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 ve and except grounds (f) and (g}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ).
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Regarding those two grounds, I conclude that it is not to the point that the Immunity Decree "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 
did not purport to be a pardon.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
" It is what it is and not what it purports to be that is important. The intention of those who published it (or of those who sought to rely upon it) is of no moment. Further, I am not persuaded that the power to grant immuni
ty from prosecution rests exclusively with the Director of Public Prosecutions; the constitutional provisions relied upon (including section 114 of the 1997 Constitution) do not deal expressly with the power to grant such immunity, and the common law prov
ides, I think, no more to a person holding a valid promise not to prosecute granted by lawful authority than an opportunity to seek a stay of proceedings in the event of a prosecution.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 Some observations regarding}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  the applicants' s}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 ubmissions}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 It follows that I am not persuaded by the arguments advanced on behalf of both applicants}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid946879\charrsid12602107 .}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  However, out of respect for counsel for each accused and for the submissions they each made, I make a number of observations which may be of some assistance if, in due course I am
 looking to counsel for their assistance towards the end of a trial proper as to the form of any charge (or direction in a summing}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11014378\charrsid12602107 -}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 up) to the assessors a possible defence of immunity might take.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9315078 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 (a)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 The doctrine of necessity
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Both applicants re}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 lied heavily upon the Lord Pearce}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  formulation of the doctrine of necessity which, was adopted as an expression of the law in Fiji (see }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
Chandrika Prasad's}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  case }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 supra}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  at p.48)

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5458102 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 In }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 Chandrika Prasad's}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  case the Court said (at p}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 27):
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5458102 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5458102 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 The doctrine of necessity e}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 nables those in de facto control}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2306316\charrsid12602107 ,}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 
 such as the mil}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
itary, to respond to and deal with a sudden and stark crisis in circumstances which had not been provided for in the written Constitution or where the emergency powers machinery in that Constitution was}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107  inade}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7480989\charrsid12602107 quate fo}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 r the occasion. T}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 he extra}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 -}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
constitutional action authorised by that doctrine is essentially of a temporary character and it ceases to apply once the crisis has passed.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4144956\charrsid12602107 a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10493871\charrsid12602107 nd (at p.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 28):
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5458102 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 The doctrine would have authorised (the Commander) to have
 taken all necessary steps, whether authorised by the text of the 1997 Constitution or not, to have restored }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8084616\charrsid12602107 l}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 aw and order, to have secured the release of the hostages, and then, when the emergency had abated}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1146018\charrsid12602107 ,}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  t}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 o have reverted to the Constituti}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
on. Had the Commander chosen this path, his actions could have validated by the doctrine of necessity. Instead, he chose a different path, that of constitutional abrogation ...
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 
\par Their Lordships, Casey JA(presiding}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ) and }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16471171\charrsid12602107 Barker, Kapi, Ward and Handley J}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 JA, in a section of their reasons for judgment headed "Legality of Intervening Acts", concluded their references to passages from both the majority and the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 dissenting judgments }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 in }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 Madzimbamuto v. Lardner}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5054358\charrsid12602107 -}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Burke}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  (1969) 1 AC 645 with Lord Pearce's dictum}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5458102 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 I}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  
accept the existence of the principle that acts done by those actually in control without lawful validity may be recognised as valid or acted upon by the courts, with certain limitations namely (a) so far as they are directed to and reasonably required fo
r ordinary orderly running of the State, and (b) so far as they do no impair the rights of citizens under the lawful ... Constitution, and (c) so far as they are not intended to and do not in fact direct}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2509612\charrsid12602107 ly help the usurpation ...(p.732}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 )
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5458102\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1533333\charrsid12602107 a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5244411\charrsid12602107 nd then said (at p. 48):
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5244411 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 We respectfully adopt this statement as an expression of the }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5244411\charrsid12602107 law applicable in Fiji.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5244411\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Although, it might be argued that the principle accepted by Lord Pearce is not st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7285887\charrsid12602107 r}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ictly part of the }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ratio decidendi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  of }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Chandrika Prasad's}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  case and is no more than }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 obiter dictum}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  because it goes much further than a consideration of the validity o}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5244411\charrsid12602107 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  the 1997 Constitution itself (and purports to consider }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 "the extent to which the decrees, executive acts and decisions of the administration since 19 May 2000 are to be recognised as valid"}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14101092\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5244411\charrsid12602107  see p. 47), I deem it r}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ight and proper to treat it as a }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 judicial dictum}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  and, therefore, of the greatest persuasive value}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5244411\charrsid12602107 .}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  Whilst it may not have formed an integral part of the train of reasoning directed to the real question}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5244411\charrsid12602107 
 that was decided [}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5244411\charrsid12602107 Cornelius v. Phillip}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 s}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  (1918) AC 199 per Viscount Haldane at p.211}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5244411\charrsid12602107 ]}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 , it was a considered enunciation of their Lordships' op}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11290842\charrsid12602107 inion of the law}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5244411\charrsid12602107  on the point [}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5244411\charrsid12602107 Ri}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
chard West and Partners v. Dick}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14899892\charrsid12602107  (1969) 2 Ch 424 per Megarry J}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  at p.431}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5244411\charrsid12602107 ]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  and it}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5244411\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 was a deliberate expression of opinion given after consideration [}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Slack v. Leeds}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5244411\charrsid12602107  Industrial}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  Co}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 -}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 operative Society Ltd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8090258\charrsid12602107  (1923}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13331867\charrsid12602107 
) 1 Ch 431 per Lord Sterndale M.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8090258\charrsid12602107 R. at p 451]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 . I am conte
nt (indeed, I am, bound) to proceed upon the basis that the Pearce formulation represents the law in Fiji today.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5244411\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Applying the Pear}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6507537\charrsid12602107 c}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
e formulation to the facts of this case, the two applicants, as members of the Taukei Civilian Government or as persons acti
ng under the directions, orders or instructions of George Speight or a member of the Taukei Civilian Government cannot bring themselves within that formulation. I so conclude because, on the evidence before me in this }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 voir dire }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 hearing, although (a) the Im
munity Decree may have been "reasonably required for ordinary orderly running of the State, nevertheless (b) the Immunity Decree "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6507537\charrsid12602107 Im}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 paired (or restricted) the rights of citizens under the lawful Constitution" (see these reasons for judgment under the headi
ng "The right to equality before the law and constitutionality") and, in particular, "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6507537\charrsid12602107 im}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
paired the rights" of the victims and (c) the }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6507537\charrsid12602107 Immu}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 nity Decree}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 , whatever its true intentions, did, in fact, purport "directly to help or entrench the usurpation" in that
 it purported to remove criminal and civil liability from the alleged usurpers, thereby assisting them personally to avoid responsibility for their actions, and it did "run contrary to the policy of the lawful (President)." I have there used the additiona
l words of Lord Pearce that immediately followed the passage cited from his Lordship's dissenting judgment which the Court of Appeal had adopted as an expression of the law applicable in Fiji. It is implicit in the words of the President, Ratu Sir }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6507537\charrsid12602107 K}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 amisese 
Mara, in his Address to the Nation on 20th May 2000 that, as a matter of public policy, the coup leaders would never be treated as being above the law. The President said }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 inter alia}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 :
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6507537\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6507537 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 The perpetrators should not underestimate my unshakable determination to
 maintain the integrity and stability of the State and to protect the rights and interests of the people.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6507537\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6507537 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Let me assure you that the Constitution of the F}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5462510\charrsid12602107 iji}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  Islands and the institutions of the State remain intact.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6507537\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Events subsequent to the coup of May to July 2000 would seem to show that the stance adopted by the President was vindicated, and there is }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5462510\charrsid12602107 n}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 o reason to suppose that the "public policy of the lawful (State of the Republic of Fiji)" ever changed thereafter
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5462510\charrsid12602107 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  
In addition, the Immunity Decree was "hostile, in its mode of enforcement, to the authority of the (lawful) Government" [see }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Horn v. Lockhart }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5462510\charrsid12602107 (1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 873) 17 Wallace 570, 580 (84 U.S.) cited without disapproval by the Fiji Court o}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5462510\charrsid12602107 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  Appeal in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Chandrika Prasad's}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  case }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 supra}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  at p.48].
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6105168\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 I hav}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6105168\charrsid12602107 e not been persuaded that }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6105168\charrsid12602107 Chandr}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ika Prasad's}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  case, whether in relian}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6105168\charrsid12602107 
ce upon }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6105168\charrsid12602107 Madzimbamuto v. Lardner-}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Burke}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  or otherwise, decided that the doctrine of necessity can, in any unqualified way, be "prayed in aid of measures purportedly 
introduced by a usurper," to use the words used in paragraph 40 of the written}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6105168\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
submissions filed on behalf of the State. I have nevertheless been persuaded that in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Chandrika Prasad's}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 case it was "acknowledged that certain decrees, executive acts }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6105168\charrsid12602107 and decisions of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 the administration since May 19, 2000 may be valid under the doctrine of necessity," to use the words }{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  HYPERLINK http://used.in }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8347167\charrsid12602107 {\*\datafield 
00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000003000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b2000000068007400740070003a002f002f0075007300650064002e0069006e002f000000000000000000ff0000000000}}}{\fldrslt {
\cs15\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 used in}}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  paragraph 4.3 of the written Submissions filed on behalf of the applicant Josefa Nata.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6105168\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
If there be ambiguity in what the Court of Appeal meant when it said that it adopted, "as an expression of the law applicable to Fiji," the statement of principle that "acts done by those actually in control without lawful validity may be recognised as va
lid or acted upon by the courts with a certain limitation" namely }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 inter alia}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9924073\charrsid12602107 \'85}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 "(b) }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 so far as they do }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9924073\charrsid12602107 n}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ot impair the }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9924073\charrsid12602107 
the rights of citizens}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  under the lawful Constitution}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
," it is legitimate to have regard to the fact that the Constitution does not operate in a vacuum. It speaks from the people and to the people of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9924073\charrsid12602107 Fi}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ji. It also speaks to the international community as the basic law of the independent Republic of the Fiji Islands which is a member of that community }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  see the High Court of Australia decision in }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Ka}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9924073\charrsid12602107 r}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 tinveri v. The Commonwealth}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  (1998) 72 ALJR 7}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9924073\charrsid12602107 22}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 . To adopt (with only mi}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9924073\charrsid12602107 n}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
or modifications) the sentiments so passionately expressed by Kirby J in that case (at p.766) and to apply them to Fiji at this time, "if there is one subject upon which the internat
ional law of fundamental rights resonates with a single voice," it is the right to equality before the law [section 38(1)] and the closely}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 -}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 related "prohibition of detrimental distinctions on the basis of race, ethnic origin etc." [section 38(2)].
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9924073\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 What I am persuaded about is that }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Madzimbamuto's}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 case is authority for the proposition that, unless and until it is clear that a usurping regime has succeeded in ousting a rival claim to authority from the preceding regime, the usurping regime will be regarded as i}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9924073\charrsid12602107 lleg}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 al and the operation of the doctrine of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9924073\charrsid12602107  
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 nec}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9924073\charrsid12602107 e}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
ssity to give force of law to measures enacted by a usurper is, except to a limited extent, to be seen as excluded [see }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Asma Jilani v. Government of the }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9924073\charrsid12602107 P}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 un}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9924073\charrsid12602107 j}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ab}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  [1972] PLD SC 242}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 -}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 243].
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9924073\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 In any event, I am in no doubt that that doctrine does }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 not}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  apply i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1912678\charrsid12602107 n}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 the circumstances here. The Lord Pearce formulation, if applied, does not assist the applicants.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1912678\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9315078 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1912678\charrsid12602107 (b) }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Ostensible authority

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1912678\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 With all due respect to both Mr. Vuata}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1912678\charrsid12602107 ki}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 and Ms. Waqavonovono, I do not see how a principle of ostensible authority has any application i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6820559\charrsid12602107 n}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 the context of a purported grant of pardon. In any event, neither cited any authority to support a submission in that respect.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6820559\charrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9315078 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6820559\charrsid12602107 (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 c)}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Abuse of process
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9905530 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6820559\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 In so f
ar as each applicant alluded to abuse of process, a situation calling for a stay of proceedings on that ground would only arise if the State were, notwithstanding a finding that the }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
Immunity Decree}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  was valid, to continue to prosecute and rely upon certain overt acts said to have oc}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7823885\charrsid12602107 curred}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
 during the period covered by the immunity. I respectfully agree with the position adopted by each applicant in this regard. However, the Immunity Decree cannot properly be said to be valid. Except to the extent just }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9315078\charrsid12602107 indicated, neither applicant rel}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
ied upon a claim that there had been an abuse of process and no application for a stay of proceedings on that ground was made.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7823885\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Attachme}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7823885\charrsid12602107 n}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ts
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7823885\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 I attach, as appendix A to these reasons for judgment, 
a photocopy of paragraphs 2 to 35 inclusive of the written submissions of Mr. Gerard McCoy QC and Mr. Peter Ridgway and Mr. Raymond Pierce relied upon on behalf o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15942458\charrsid12602107 f}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  the State. Those paragraphs set out important matters of history. Neither Mr. Vuata}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9188090\charrsid12602107 ki}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15942458\charrsid12602107 (except to the extent referred t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
o in paragraph 2 of his written submission in reply) nor Ms. Waqavonovono dispute anything set out therein, and so appendix A is to be taken as a guide to the constitutional events between 10}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid9188090\charrsid12602107 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9188090\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 October 1970, when Fiji gained i}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9188090\charrsid12602107 n}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 depende}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9188090\charrsid12602107 n}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 ce, and more particularly, between 9}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid9188090\charrsid12602107 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9188090\charrsid12602107 
 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 October 1987, when Fiji}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7823885\charrsid12602107  was declared a Republic, and 1}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid7823885\charrsid12602107 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7823885\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 March 2001, when }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Republic of Fiji and Attorney General}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9188090\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 of Fiji v. Chandrika }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7823885\charrsid12602107 P}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 rasad}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 supra }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
was decided. I make findings of fact in accordance with }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7823885\charrsid12602107 appendix A}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9188090\charrsid12602107 .}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7823885\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 I also attach, as appendix B to these reasons for judgment, a photocopy of pages 17 to 20 of the reasons for judgment of Gates J in }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Chandrika Prasad v. Republic of Fiji and Ano}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14694343\charrsid12602107 r}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 . }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9905530\charrsid12602107 - }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 High Court of Fiji No. HBC }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7618766\charrsid12602107 021}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 7.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7618766\charrsid12602107 00L}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 , dated 15}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid7618766\charrsid12602107 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7618766\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 November 2000, which set out the facts about which there is no dispute and in accordance with which I make findings for the purposes of this }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 voir dire }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 hearing.
\par 
\par Attached, as appendix C to these reasons for judgment, is a chronology of the steps taken in relation to and in the course of this }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 voir dire }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 hearing.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14033498\charrsid12602107 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 Appendix D, also attached to these reasons for judgment, is a list of the exhibits tendered during this }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 v
oir dire }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 hearing. It is not necessary for the purpose of determining whether it is }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
true to fact or nor that each applicant has attained a pardon for his offence }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 that I resolve any disputes of fact arising from a consideration of the affidavits that were te
ndered. I find, importantly, that exhibit A1 was the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14033498\charrsid12602107 Immunity}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107  Decree which was made on 9}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid14033498\charrsid12602107 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14033498\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 July 2000 and published on 13}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid14033498\charrsid12602107 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14033498\charrsid12602107  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 
July 2000. That is the document upon which both applicants rely and which constitutes, so it was submitted on behalf}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14033498\charrsid12602107  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551\charrsid12602107 of each applicant, a pardon and/or provides him with immunity from prosecution.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1639551 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12602107 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12602107 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12602107\charrsid12602107 THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par SUVA
\par }}