The issue gained attention earlier this week when a case was delayed following a request by the Public Solicitor’s Office to have the trial delayed as the lawyer representing the accused had extended his leave.
Contempt of court
The Solomon Star reports that Justice Stephen Pallaras told Public Solicitor Allen Hou that an order he gave the defence to file the agreed facts and list of witnesses had been ignored twice.
He said that lawyers were being paid with public money and the public would expect the money to be spent wisely, adding that if the conduct continues it will be seen as contempt of court.
Although Mr Hou confirmed that the lawyer had extended his leave in order to visit his ill mother, the judge said that the accused was the one who had ‘suffered the most.’
Lacking skills
Last month, Australian barrister Ross Ray QC - chairman of the South Pacific Lawyers Association – claimed that there are not enough highly skilled lawyers in the Asia-Pacific region with practical knowledge of legal practice.
Solomon Islands Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer also raised concerns over the quality of legal representation in his country's courts, suggesting many of those going in to private practice lacked the relevant skills, knowledge and experience.
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