Fiji's Judiciary has gained a distinguished leader with the swearing-in this morning of our new Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Salesi Temo before the President of the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, in a solemn ceremony conducted earlier today at State House.
The newly appointed Chief Justice executed his Oath of Allegiance and Oath of due execution of Judicial Office before the President, in the presence of the Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Filimone Jitoko, Cabinet Ministers, members of the Judiciary and Permanent Secretaries. The appointment underscores Fiji's dedication to upholding the rule of law and strengthening access to justice for the people of Fiji.
Chief Justice Salesi Temo has served as Acting Chief Justice since January 2023. His extensive judicial experience over the last thirty years includes his tenure as a Puisne Judge of the High Court since June 2009 with stints in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. He first joined the Judiciary in 1994 as a Resident Magistrate with a term as Chief Magistrate from 1997-2000.
Chief Justice Temo attained his first undergraduate degree from the Victoria University of Wellington (NZ), graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (with Honors) majoring in Political Science in 1981.
He then read law at Auckland University (NZ), graduating with his Bachelor of Laws Degree in 1986. After his admission to the New Zealand Bar in 1987, Chief Justice Temo practiced law in New Zealand as a Barrister and Solicitor from 1987 to 1994. His other qualifications include a Certificate in General Jurisdiction from the National Judicial College at the University of Nevada, USA.