Fiji Magistrates Bench Book - Federal Court of Australia
Fiji Magistrates Bench Book - Federal Court of Australia
Fiji Magistrates Bench Book - Federal Court of Australia
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See Akuila Kuoutawa & R Labasa Crim Appeal No. 2/75: “in the case <strong>of</strong> an unrepresented<br />
defendant, any statutory defence should be brought to his attention”. See also Alipate Karikai v<br />
State Labasa Crim Appeal No. 110 <strong>of</strong> 1999, HC <strong>of</strong> <strong>Fiji</strong>.<br />
11 Disruption and Misbehaviour<br />
The defendant is entitled to be present in <strong>Court</strong> during the whole <strong>of</strong> his or her trial, unless he or<br />
she interrupts the proceedings. The defendant’s right is protected by the Constitution: s28 (1)<br />
(h)& (2).<br />
Where a defendant is required to appear in <strong>Court</strong>, but fails to do so, you may<br />
• issue a warrant for his or her arrest: s90 CPC;<br />
• adjourn the proceedings to such time and conditions as you think fit; or<br />
• where the maximum penalty is only 6 months and a fine not exceeding $100, proceed<br />
without the defendant: s199 CPC.<br />
You have power to impose criminal sanctions for <strong>of</strong>fences relating to judicial proceedings: s136<br />
Penal Code. Offences under this provision include:<br />
• failure to attend <strong>Court</strong> after being summoned: s136(1)(b) PC;<br />
• refusal to give evidence after being sworn in: s136(1)(c) PC;<br />
• refusal to answer question during trial: s136(1)(d) PC;<br />
• obstructing or disturbing the proceedings: s136(1)(g) PC.<br />
Where the above <strong>of</strong>fences are committed in view <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Court</strong>, you may order that the defendant<br />
be detained in custody till the rising <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Court</strong> on the same day: s136(2) Penal Code.<br />
<strong>Magistrates</strong> do not have inherent jurisdiction to cite anyone with contempt <strong>of</strong> <strong>Court</strong>. If you think<br />
that someone should be charged with one <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fences under s136 Penal Code, then refer the<br />
matter to the DPP for investigation and prosecution.<br />
For further discussion <strong>of</strong> contempt <strong>of</strong> <strong>Court</strong> proceedings, see Elizabeth Rice & Ors v S M Shah<br />
[1999] FJCA 57; AAU0007U.97S, (High <strong>Court</strong> Criminal Action No. HAA002 <strong>of</strong> 1997).<br />
If you think that someone should be summoned for contempt <strong>of</strong> <strong>Court</strong>, then refer the matter to<br />
the High <strong>Court</strong> through the Chief Registrar. Do not attempt to deal with it yourself.<br />
<strong>Fiji</strong> <strong>Magistrates</strong> <strong>Bench</strong> <strong>Book</strong> April 2004