{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}
{\f2\fmodern\fcharset0\fprq1{\*\panose 02070309020205020404}Courier New;}{\f35\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0604030504040204}Tahoma;}{\f36\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}{\f37\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}
{\f39\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f40\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f41\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}{\f42\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}
{\f43\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f44\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}{\f56\fmodern\fcharset238\fprq1 Courier New CE;}{\f57\fmodern\fcharset204\fprq1 Courier New Cyr;}
{\f59\fmodern\fcharset161\fprq1 Courier New Greek;}{\f60\fmodern\fcharset162\fprq1 Courier New Tur;}{\f61\fmodern\fcharset177\fprq1 Courier New (Hebrew);}{\f62\fmodern\fcharset178\fprq1 Courier New (Arabic);}
{\f63\fmodern\fcharset186\fprq1 Courier New Baltic;}{\f64\fmodern\fcharset163\fprq1 Courier New (Vietnamese);}{\f386\fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Tahoma CE;}{\f387\fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Tahoma Cyr;}{\f389\fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Tahoma Greek;}
{\f390\fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Tahoma Tur;}{\f391\fswiss\fcharset177\fprq2 Tahoma (Hebrew);}{\f392\fswiss\fcharset178\fprq2 Tahoma (Arabic);}{\f393\fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 Tahoma Baltic;}{\f394\fswiss\fcharset163\fprq2 Tahoma (Vietnamese);}
{\f395\fswiss\fcharset222\fprq2 Tahoma (Thai);}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255;\red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;
\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0;\red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 Normal;}{\s1\ql \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1
\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 1;}{\s2\qc \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1
\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 2;}{\s3\qc \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1
\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel2\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f2\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 3;}{\s4\qj \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1
\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel3\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f2\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 4;}{
\s5\qc \li4320\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel4\adjustright\rin0\lin4320\itap0 \b\f2\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 5;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}
{\*\ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\trcbpat1\trcfpat1\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \cbpat9 
\f35\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 \ssemihidden Document Map;}{\s16\qj \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext16 Body Text;}{\s17\qj \li1440\ri720\sl480\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin1440\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 
\sbasedon0 \snext17 Block Text;}{\s18\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext18 header;}{\*\cs19 \additive \sbasedon10 
page number;}}{\*\listtable{\list\listtemplateid-1661673806\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'00);}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fbias0 \fi-720\li2160
\jclisttab\tx2160\lin2160 }{\listname ;}\listid472677442}{\list\listtemplateid1931485196\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'03(\'00);}{\levelnumbers\'02;}\fbias0 
\fi-720\li1440\jclisttab\tx1440\lin1440 }{\listname ;}\listid1822191934}}{\*\listoverridetable{\listoverride\listid472677442\listoverridecount0\ls1}{\listoverride\listid1822191934\listoverridecount0\ls2}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid8653062\rsid12650852\rsid15271409
\rsid16467253}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6764;}{\info{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\author Information Technology Unit}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2005\mo12\dy1\hr9\min25}{\revtim\yr2005\mo12\dy1\hr9\min25}
{\printim\yr2004\mo8\dy4\hr8\min38}{\version2}{\edmins1}{\nofpages9}{\nofwords3418}{\nofchars19484}{\*\company Judicial Department}{\nofcharsws22857}{\vern16391}}
\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow0\jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot8653062 
\fet0\sectd \linex0\endnhere\titlepg\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\header \pard\plain \s18\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\pvpara\phmrg\posxc\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs19\insrsid12650852 PAGE  }}{\fldrslt {\cs19\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid12650852 9}}}{\cs19\insrsid12650852 
\par }\pard \s18\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid12650852 
\par }}{\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}
{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8
\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \s16\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 
\f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par CRIMINAL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \s16\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
\par }\pard \s16\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062\charrsid8653062 CRIMINAL CASE NO: HAC0}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 028 OF 2003S
\par }\pard \s16\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
\par }\pard \s16\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 STATE
\par }\pard \s16\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
\par }\pard \s16\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 v.
\par }\pard \s16\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
\par }\pard \s16\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 RATU J}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062\charrsid8653062 O}{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 PE SENILOLI
\par RATU RAKUITA VAKALALABURE
\par VILIAME VOLAVOLA
\par ISIRELI LEWENIQILA
\par PECELI RINAKAMA
\par VILIAME SAVU
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
\par Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 19th July 2004
\par Ruling:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 27th July 2004
\par 
\par Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 Mr. M. Tedeschi, G. Allan, A. Prasad for State
\par Mr. M. Raza for 1st Accused
\par Mr. A.K. Singh for 2nd Accused
\par Mr. S. Naqase for 3rd & 6th Accused
\par Mr. D. Sharma for 4th Accused
\par Mr. A. Seru for 5th Accused
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s16\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\caps\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
Ruling on Section 293
\par of the Criminal Procedure Code
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
The prosecution have now closed their case.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
The accused persons submit that there is no case for them to answer, and counsel have made several legal submissions on the law.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
This is an opportune time to deal with them, and then to rule on Section 293 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
The elements of the offence
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
\par There is no dispute that the following elements must be proved by the prosecution:
\par 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1)\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta )}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8653062 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 The Accused;
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2)\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta )}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8653062 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 Took an engagement in the nature of an oath;
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 3)\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta )}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8653062 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 Purporting to bind the accused;
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 4)\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta )}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8653062 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 To commit treason.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
\par There is an additional element of \'93not being compelled to do so\'94 which the prosecution says is a negative averment, but which the defence says, is just another element to be proved by the prosecution, the evidential basis for which must be raised 
by the defence.
\par 
\par There is no dispute that each accused took part in the ceremony depicted in the footage the court saw, nor that each accused said the words we heard on video and saw on the printed oath forms exhibited by SP Waisea Tabakau. There is no dis
pute that treason includes the armed takeover of a government, \'93with intent to levy war.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 Section 50 of the Penal Code provides:

\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8653062 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 \'93
Any person who compasses, imagines, invents, devises or intends any act, matter or theory, the compassing, imagining, inventin
g, devising or intending whereof is treason by the law of England for the time being in force, and expresses, utters or declares such compassing, imagining, inventing, devising or intending by publishing any printing or writing or by any overt acts or doe
s any act which if done in England, would be deemed to be treason according to the law of England for the time being in force, is guilty of the offence termed treason and shall be sentenced to death.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
\par The charges against all accused persons are in identical terms.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
They say that each accused person, on the 20th of May 2000 at Veiuto in Suva, not being a person compelled to do so, took an engagement in the nature of an oath purporting to bind the said accused to commit an offence namely treason.
\par 
\par The common law on treason shows that the definition of treason expanded over the years.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 In the case of }{
\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 State v. Viliame Savu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062  HAC}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062 0}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 010.02S, Gates J said that the words \'93to levy war against our Lord the King in his realm\'94 has been given a wide interpretation.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  He said}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 -:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8653062 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 \'93 \lquote 
War\rquote 
 has been interpreted to extend constructively to include forcible resistance to authority of the government in some public or general respect, or by an armed force whose purpose is to usurp the government in matters of a public or general nature.\'94

\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
\par In }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 State v. Ratu Timoci Silatolu & Anr.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  HAM0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
002 of 2002S, Wilson J summarised the law on treason thus:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8653062 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 \'93
In the light of those authorities, it may be concluded that, if there was a conspiracy to overthrow the Government of England and if the conspirators,
 for that purpose and in furtherance therefore, did use unlawful force and other unlawful means, and, in particular, did a number of acts, including:- the taking over of the House of Commons at Westminster and the unlawful detention of the British Prime M
i
nister, various members of his Cabinet and various other Members of the House of Commons and others for the purpose of, and with intent to, overthrow the lawful Government of England; the seizure, taking, detaining of hostages; the formation of an illegal
 Government, the abrogation of the Constitution and other laws of England; and the purported appointment of a Head of State other than the Monarch, a Prime Minister and others under a rebel Government, then that would constitute treason in England.\'94

\par }\pard \s17\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 It fol
lows that such acts would constitute treason in Fiji.
\par 
\par There appears to be no dispute as to the definition of treason.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
The real dispute at this stage of the trial is as to the meaning of the words \'93purporting to bind the accused\'94 and as to whether these words refer to a mens rea of specific intent, that is of an intent to bind oneself to commit treason.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 The other area of dispute is as to the scope of the defence of compulsion in this case.
\par 
\par As for the submissions made as to sufficiency of evidence beyond reasonable doubt, they are submissions properly made to the assessors.
\par 
\par Counsel for the 4th accused submitted also that there was no evidence to go before the assessors of \'93an engagement in the nature of an oath\'94 because the entire ceremony was illegal and n
on-binding, the 4th accused had not been appointed as a Minister properly under the Constitution, and the \'93oaths\'94 could not have been binding.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 If he means that there is no evidence that engagements were taken in the nature of an oath, then I cannot agree.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 The words used in the oath ceremony closely resemble the Constitutional oaths and the offence requires proof of the taking of an engagement }{
\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 in the nature of an oath}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 The lawfulness of the oath or the legal correctness of it is not relevant and it is not op
en to the defence to suggest to the assessors that because the Speight government was illegal per see, then no one can be prosecuted or convicted to agreeing to take an engagement in it.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 There is evidence to put before the assessors that words which appeared to be an oath, relating to engagements in the illegal government, were read by each accused person.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
The question of whether the words of the oaths themselves in the context of the events at Parliament, appeared to bind the accused is relevant however, to the next element of the offence, the \'93purporting.\'94
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15271409 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid15271409 Purporting
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
\par There is no statutory definition of this word.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 Mr. Sharma suggests that it means \'93
with intent to bind the accused person to commit treason.\'94
\par 
\par He referred me to the case of }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 Steane v. R}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062  (1947)
 to suggest that the prosecution should prove a specific intent to be bound to commit treason.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
However the offence charged in that case included a specific definition of an intent to assist the enemy, and the court held that it is not enough for the prosecution to rely on a general presumption of intent as to the natural consequences of one\rquote 
s act. That case cannot assist in this trial, because there is no reference in section 5(b) of the Public Order Act to an intent to be bound to commit treason.
\par 
\par The other defence counsel submit that the word \'93purporting\'94 means \'93intending.\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 Mr. Singh and Mr. Raza referred me to }
{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 He Kaw Teh v. The Queen}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062  (1985) 157 CLR, }{
\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 Proudman v. Dayman}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062  (1941) 67 CLR 536 and }{
\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 Hawthorne v. Morcam Pty. Ltd.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062  29 NSWR 120 and submitted that some 
proof of an intention to bind oneself to treason was necessary.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
In particular they relied on these cases to say that an honest and reasonable mistake of fact was available to all charges whether or not the statute specifically provided for mens rea.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 I accept these submissions, and the dicta in all the cases cited.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
I do not consider the offences charged in this case to be offences of strict or absolute liability and I consider that the prosecution must prove that the accused intentionally took the oaths alleged.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 Further, the prosecution must prove that the oaths taken, purported to bind each accused to commit treason.
\par 
\par State counsel has referred me to several dictionary definitions of the word \'93purport.\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 Black\rquote 
s Law Dictionary (6th Ed) defines purport as, inter alia, \'93meaning, import, substantial meaning, substance, legal effect.\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
It further states:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 \'93The \'93purport\'94
 of an instrument means the substance of it as it appears on the face of the instrument, and is distinguished from \'93tenor\'94 which means an exact copy.\'94
\par 
\par Stroud\rquote s Judicial Dictionary defines the word in relation to a criminal offence as \'93pretending.\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 It states \endash  
\'93An instrument purports to be that which, on the face of the instrument, it more or less accurately resembles.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
The definition of \'93purporting\'94 is the same whether applicable to the whole or to a part of an instrument.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
There must be a resemblance more or less accurate.\'94 (per Coleridge J, }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 R v. Keith}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
 24 L.J.M.C. 110) which case shows that proof that a forged engraving \'93purports\'94 to be what it is not is furnished by comparing it with a genuine one.\'94
\par 
\par The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Current English (5th Ed) defines \'93purport\'94 as \'93meaning, sense, tenor of document or speech\'94 and \'93have as its meaning, convey, state, profess, be intended to seem (to do).\'94
\par 
\par In }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 The King v. John Eadon}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
 (1813) ER 1064 the defendant was charged with administering an oath intended to bind the person taking it, to be of an association, society and confederacy formed to disturb the public peace, and to bind that person not to give ev
idence against that association.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 Since the statute under which the defendant was charged specifically used the word \'93
intended to bind\'94 in addition to \'93purporting to bind\'94 the decision is not precisely on point.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
Further in that case, the person taking the oath, one Richard Howells, was not charged, and his evidence was that he had no intention of being bound by the oath he took.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 In his summing up to the jury the presiding judge (Justice Le Blanc) said that the jury had to be satisfied firstly that the defend
ant administered the oath, and secondly that he should have intended to bind Howells who took it.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 He said \endash 
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15271409 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 \'93
Whether the man who took it meant to be bound by it, is not material to the charge against the prisoner, if he who gave it intended it should be considered obligatory.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
\par The case of \'93}{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 Trial of William Edgar}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 \'94
 (1817) ER 145 concerns a trial on charges of taking oaths or engagements purporting or intending to bind the person taking the oaths to commit treason.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 The report contains extensive definitions of the word \'93purporting\'94 but since they all appear in counsels\rquote  speeches, they are not as helpful as they might be.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 The indictment was subsequently overtaken by another indictment for other offences.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 However, in respect of the first indictment, counsel at least appeared to agree that the word \'93purporting\'94
 referred not to the mind of the defendant, but to the words of the oaths taken and to the apparent meaning of the words.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
That construction is consistent with the dictionary meanings of the word.
\par 
\par I consider therefore, that the word \'93purport\'94 refers to the apparent, or stated meaning of the oaths themselves.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
The intention of the accused is relevant only to the act of the taking of the engagements in the nature of the oath. Thus if the accused did not take the
 ceremony seriously, or they thought it was a joke, as Mr. Sharma says in his submissions filed today, he can be said to be disputing the taking of the engagement.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 The question of the purported meaning of the engagements in the nature of the oath, is for the assessors to consider on an objective test.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
The assessors will be asked if they are satisfied beyond reasonable doubt, that on the ordinary meaning of the words of the oath taken, the accused persons were undertaking or promising to commit acts of treason.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 It is irrelevant that the accused did not intend that the taking of the engagements would be committing him to treason.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
What is relevant is that he intentionally took an engagement in the nature of an oath which appears from the words of the oath itself, to bind him to commit treason.
\par 
\par As to whether the purported effect of the words of the oaths had this effect, is a question of fact for the assessors, having been directed as to the legal definition of treason, in the context of the armed takeover of Pa
rliament, and in the light of all the evidence led.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15271409 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid15271409 Compulsion and the Burden of Proof
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
\par The prosecution agree that despite the statutory limitation or the availability of compulsion under section 7 of the Public Order Act, the defence should be allowed to
 be put it before the assessors provided the evidential basis for the defence has been laid by the defence and provided the assessors are told that the burden rests on the defence to prove compulsion on a balance of probabilities.
\par 
\par Counsel for the defence agree that the defence should raise the issue, but say that it is for the prosecution to disprove compulsion.
\par 
\par The words of section 5 of the Public Order Act read:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15271409 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 \'935.\tab Any person who \endash  
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid15271409 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (a)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid15271409 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 administers, or is present at or consents to the administration of, 
any oath, or engagement in the nature of an oath, purporting to bind that person who takes it to commit murder or any offence punishable by death; or
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid15271409 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (b)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid15271409 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 takes any such oath or engagement, not being compelled to do so,
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid15271409 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid15271409 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for life.\'94}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
\par The words \'93not being compelled to do so\'94 clearly create a negative averment.
\par 
\par Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code provides:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15271409 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 \'93
Any exception, exemption, proviso, excuse or qualification, whether it
 does or does not accompany in the same section the description of the offence in the Act creating such offence, and whether or not specified or negatived in the charge or complaint, may be proved by the defendant or accused, but no proof in relation ther
eto shall be required on the part of the complainant or prosecution.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
\par In }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 R v. Edwards}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
 (1975) QB 59 Cr. App. R. 213, the English Court of Appeal held that the burden of proof rested on the defence to prove exceptions, excuses or qualifications, and that both the legal and evidential burden shifted to the defence in such cases.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 The decision was considered by the House of Lords in }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
R v. Hunt}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062  (1987) AC 352.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 The court held that a \'93
negative averment\'94 can arise either specifically or by necessary implication.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 In }{
\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 R v. Carr-Briant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
 (1943) KB 607, it was held that the standard of proof in such cases was the standard required in a civil case.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
It is usually referred to as the \'93balance of probability\'94 and the jury should be told to consider whether a fact was more probable than not and more likely than not.
\par 
\par In }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 State v. Viliame Savu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062  Cr. Action HAC}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409 0}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 010.02S, Gates J considered the elements of the offence in relation to section 52 of the Penal Code.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 That section provides that any person who knowing that any person intends to commit treason \'93
does not give information thereof with all reasonable dispatch to the Governor-General, the Minister or to a magistrate \'85\'94 is guilty of the offence termed misprison of treason.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 He found the words to create a negative averment and said (at page 26 of his ruling):
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15271409 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 \'93
Whether it is to be founded on the information for the excuse being peculiarly within the knowledge of the accused, }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 R v. Turner}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062  (1816) SM&S 206 or whether as a matter of pleading and ease of proof of an issue in a trial, it seems th
at it is more appropriate and practical that the burden of proof be placed (as an exception to the normal burden) upon the Accused.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
\par In this case, the words \'93not being compelled to do so\'94 provide for an excuse for the commission of the offence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 It is a ne
gative averment and the burden of proving compulsion rests on the defence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 It must be proved on a balance of probabilities.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15271409 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid15271409 The definition of Compulsion
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
\par There is a statutory definition of compulsion in the Penal Code.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 Section 16 provides:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15271409 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 \'93
A person is n
ot criminally responsible for an offence if it is committed by two or more offenders, and if the act is done or omitted only because during the whole of the time in which it is being done or omitted the person is compelled to do or omit to do the act by t
hreats on the part of the other offender or offenders instantly to kill him or do him grievous bodily harm if he refuses; but threats of future injury to not excuse any offence.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
\par However section 2(a) of the Penal Code provides that the Code does not apply to the trials of persons for offences created by other laws in force in Fiji.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 Counsel for the State and for the defence submit that the common law definition applies.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 I agree.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
In any event it is a definition which is more favourable to the accused.
\par 
\par I have considered section 7 of the Public Order Act.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 That section provides that:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15271409 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 \'93
A person who takes any such oath or engagement as is mentioned in sections 5 and 6 may not set up as a defence that he was compelled to do so, unless within fourteen days after ta
king such oath or engagement, or if he is prevented by actual force or sickness, he declares by information to a police officer or by information on oath before a magistrate, or, if he is on actual service in Her Majesty\rquote 
s Armed Forces or in the Royal Fiji
 Police Force, either by information on oath before a magistrate or by information to his commanding officer, the whole of what he knows concerning the matter, including the person or persons by whom and in whose presence and the place where and the time 
when, the oath or engagement was administered or taken.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
\par All counsel agree that the section does not apply.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
Mr. Sharma submits that there was uncertainty in the nation as to who held authority and that it was neither safe nor practical for the accused to make such complaint.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 Mr. Seru submits that the accused did not know they were committing an offence, and therefore that they did not know that they should lay a complaint.
\par 
\par State counsel agrees that the defence of compulsion ought to be put to the assessors
, and suggests that because the purpose of section 7 is to ensure disclosure of information against those taking (or taking part in) secret criminal oaths, and because this oath-taking ceremony was conducted in a most public sphere, section 7 had in fact 
been complied with in spirit.
\par 
\par It is correct that there was no attempt, either at the time or after police investigation commenced, to suppress information about the ceremony itself.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 Indeed disclosure was effected at the time of the ceremony, simply as a result of the presence of the media.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 There would have been no purpose in later reporting the matter to the authorities, when the authorities already knew about the ceremony.
\par 
\par Further, as Mr. Sharma submits, there was uncertainty in Fiji, both politically and legally until the High Court decision in }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 Republic of Fiji v. Chandrika Prasad}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
In the circumstances I consider that the accused (the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th) ought to have the defence of compulsion considered by the assessors in the circumstances of this case.
\par 
\par The common law definition of duress emerges from a number of decided cases.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 Lord Simon in }{
\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 Lynch v. DPP for Northern Ireland}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062  (1975) AC 653, said that duress was \'93
an extremely vague and elusive juristic concept.\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 Duress includes threats of death or
 grievous bodily harm, held out to the accused throughout the whole time of the offending (}{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 R v. Bowen}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
 (1996) 2 Cr. App. R. 157) and the threat of future injury is acceptable (}{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 R v. Hudson and Taylor}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
 (1971) 2 QB 202.)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 The question of whether an opportunity w
as reasonably open to the accused to render the threat ineffective, is relevant and in considering what is a reasonable opportunity to, for instance escape the threats, the age and circumstances of the accused and any risk to him can be considered (}{
\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 R v. Baker and Ward}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062  (1999) 2 Cr. App. R. 355.)
\par 
\par State counsel referred me to a passage in the \'93}{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 Criminal Law of New South Wales}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 \'94
 (Watmore Hoskey et al) which states (at para 57):
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15271409 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 \'93
The relevant direction in relation to the objective test for duress should therefore be that the prosecution must establish that there is no reasonable possibility that a person of ordinary firmness of mind and will would have yielded to the threat\'94 [}
{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 R v. Abusifah}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062  (1991) 24 NSWLR 531].
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
\par And, in the same passage:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15271409 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 \'93It has been held in Eng
land that public policy requires that an accused should have the self-control and steadfastness reasonably to be expected of the ordinary citizen in the accused\rquote 
s situation, and therefore required that the defence of duress should be limited not only by the }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 subjective}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
 test of whether the accused was impelled to act as he did because, having regard to what he reasonably believed another to have said or done, he had good cause to fear the other would kill him if he did not so act, but also, if that were so, b
y the objective test of whether a sober person of reasonable firmness, sharing the accused\rquote s characteristics, would have responded to whatever he reasonably believed was said or done by the other person in taking part in the killing.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
\par The defence will be put to the assessors in this way, the only other direction being that it is for the defence to prove that duress applies on a balance of probabilities.
\par 
\par Mr. Raza and Mr. Singh also made submissions that necessity was available on the facts.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 There is no sta
tutory definition of necessity in Fiji.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 The common law definition is limited in its scope and is rarely relied upon.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 In the well-known case of }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 R v. Dudley and Stephens}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062  (1884) 14 QBD 273, the defence attempted to rely upon it on a charge of murder (the necessity alleged was the need to survive on a boat by murder for the purpose of cannibalism).}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 In }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 R v. Conway}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062  (1989) QB 290, the English Court of Appeal said that duress is an example of necessity, and that in effect the tests were the same.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062 
 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 In }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 R v. Howe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062  (1987
) AC 417, Lord Hailsham said (at page 429) that duress arises from threats and violence, and necessity arises \'93from any other objective dangers threatening the accused.\'94
\par 
\par In this case the defence allege the former and I have already ruled that the defence of duress can be considered by the assessors.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 Necessity is not available on the facts of this case.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15271409 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid15271409 Section 293
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
\par Mr. A.K. Singh on behalf of all accused submits that the Information, and prosecution are incompetent because there is no evidence that the Pu
blic Safety Act had been utilised by the late President, and because the Public Order Act could only come into effect when Public Safety Act Regulations were passed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 I cannot agree.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
The Public Order Act exists separately from the Public Safety Act, and there are a number of provisions in it which obviously apply at all times, whether or not there is a public emergency.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 A person committing an offence under section 5(b) of the Public Order Act can be prosecuted for it at any time, and I see no link with the Public Safety Act.
\par 
\par I understand that the Regulations identified by Mr. Brown and tendered by the prosecution, to be evidence of background information only, and in relation to an undisputed matter.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 That is, that on the 19th of May 2000 Ratu Mara was in office, and attempting to exercise executive authority.
\par 
\par The question for the judge at the end of the prosecution case is whether there is no evidence in relation to each element of the offence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8653062  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 I consider that there is evidence in respect of each element of the offences charged, and that each accused must be put to his defence.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16467253 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid16467253 Nazhat Shameem
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid16467253 JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8653062 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15271409\charrsid8653062 
\par At Suva
\par 27th July 2004
\par }}