LAWS OF SOLOMON ISLANDS

[1996 EDITION]

CHAPTER 20

MAGISTRATES' COURTS

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS

PART I
PRELIMINARY

SECTION
1.	SHORT TITLE
2.	INTERPRETATION

PART II
CONSTITUTION OF THE COURTS

3.	ESTABLISHMENT OF MAGISTRATES' COURTS
4.	TERRITORIAL LIMITS OF JURISDICTION OF MAGISTRATES' COURTS
5.	SEALS
6.	CONTEMPT OF COURT

PART III
OFFICERS OF THE COURT

7.	APPOINTMENT OF MAGISTRATES
8.	TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION
9.	PROCEDURE WHERE MAGISTRATE IS UNABLE TO ADJUDICATE ON ANY CAUSE OR MATTER BY REASON OF PERSONAL INTEREST, ETC
10.	RECORDS AND RETURNS
11.	POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF JUSTICES OF THE PEACE
12.	CLERKS OF COURT
13.	DUTIES OF CLERKS OF COURT
14.	SHERIFF
15.	BAILIFFS
16.	OTHER OFFICERS
17.	TRANSFER OF OFFICERS

PART IV
JURISDICTION OF MAGISTRATES' COURTS

18.	POWERS OF MAGISTRATES' COURTS
19.	CIVIL JURISDICTION
20.	ABANDONMENT OF PART OF CLAIM TO GIVE COURT JURISDICTION
21.	DIVISION OF CAUSES OF ACTION
22.	SUMMARY JUDGMENT
23.	SUMMARY JUDGMENT FOR PART OF A CLAIM
24.	PROCEEDINGS NOT TO BE SET ASIDE FOR WANT OF FORM
25.	LAW AND EQUITY
26.	EXTENSION OF CIVIL JURISDICTION
27.	CRIMINAL JURISDICTION
28.	SPECIAL JURISDICTION IN CERTAIN CASES
29.	COMMITTAL OF PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF SIXTEEN TO CARE OF FIT PERSON
30.	GENERAL POWERS OF MAGISTRATES
31.	ACTS OF MAGISTRATES NOT TO BE AFFECTED BY ERROR AS TO VENUE
32.	PROCEEDINGS BY OR AGAINST AN OFFICER OF A MAGISTRATE'S COURT
33.	ADMINISTRATION OF OATHS
34.	JURISDICTION OF JUDGES OF HIGH COURT CONCURRENT WITH THAT OF MAGISTRATES
35.	RECONCILIATION
36.	TRANSFER BETWEEN MAGISTRATES IN THE SAME DISTRICT
37.	A CAUSE MAY BE REPORTED FOR TRANSFER
38.	TRANSFER OF CASES BY A JUDGE
39.	EFFECT OF AN ORDER OF TRANSFER
40.	JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN HIGH COURT ON A JUDGMENT OF A MAGISTRATE'S COURT

PART V
APPEALS

41.	CIVIL APPEALS
42.	CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO APPEAL
43.	POWER TO RESERVE QUESTION OF LAW FOR THE OPINION OF THE HIGH COURT
44.	DISCRETIONARY POWER OF HIGH COURT TO ENTERTAIN APPEALS
45.	CRIMINAL APPEALS

PART VI
REVISION OF DECISIONS OF MAGISTRATES

46.	MONTHLY LISTS OF CRIMINAL CASES HEARD TO BE SENT TO A JUDGE
47.	POWER OF JUDGES TO REVISE DECISIONS OF MAGISTRATES
48.	REPORTS BY MAGISTRATES TO JUDGES

PART VII
SITTINGS OF THE COURT

49.	PLACE AND TIME FOR SITTINGS OF MAGISTRATES' COURTS
50.	DISTRICTS
51.	NATURE OF BUSINESS AT ANY SITTING
52.	ADJOURNMENTS
53.	ADJOURNMENT OVER SUNDAY OR PUBLIC HOLIDAY

PART VIII
PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE OF THE COURTS

54.	PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
55.	COMPLETION BY MAGISTRATE OF PROCESS BEGUN BY HIS PREDECESSOR
56.	PROCESS OF MAGISTRATE VALID THROUGHOUT SOLOMON ISLANDS
57.	ISSUE OF PROCESS
58.	DUTY OF POLICE TO OBEY MAGISTRATES
59.	LANGUAGE OF THE MAGISTRATES' COURTS AND INTERPRETATION

PART IX
EVIDENCE

60.	SUMMONING WITNESSES
61.	PENALTY FOR NON-ATTENDANCE OF PERSONS SUMMONED
62.	REFUSAL TO BE SWORN OR TO GIVE EVIDENCE
63.	BYSTANDER MAY BE REQUIRED TO GIVE EVIDENCE
64.	PRISONERS MAY BE BROUGHT UP IN ORDER TO GIVE EVIDENCE
65.	ALLOWANCES TO WITNESSES
66.	HOW ALLOWANCES DEFRAYED
67.	INSPECTION
68.	NO PERSON ENTITLED TO INSPECTION OF THE RECORD OF EVIDENCE
69.	RECORDING EVIDENCE BEFORE A MAGISTRATE'S COURT

PART X
PROTECTION OF MAGISTRATES, JUSTICES OF THE PEACE AND OFFICERS OF THE MAGISTRATE'S COURT

70.	PROTECTION OF MAGISTRATES, JUSTICES OF THE PEACE AND OTHER OFFICERS

PART XI
MISCELLANEOUS

71.	REPRESENTATION OF CROWN, PUBLIC OFFICERS IN THEIR OFFICIAL CAPACITY AND DEPARTMENTS OF THE GOVERNMENT
72.	EMPLOYMENT OF LEGAL PRACTITIONERS
73.	FEES AND COSTS
74.	BY WHOM FEES AND COSTS PAYABLE
75.	ALL FEES AND MONEYS RECEIVED IN MAGISTRATES' COURTS TO BE SUBJECT TO AFOREGOING PROVISIONS
76.	RULES OF COURT
77.	SAVING

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CHAPTER 20
MAGISTRATES' COURTS

AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONSTITUTION OF MAGISTRATES' COURTS, FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF MAGISTRATES AND OTHER OFFICERS THEREOF AND OF JUSTICES OF THE PEACE, AND FOR THE REGULATION OF THEIR DUTIES AND JURISDICTION, AND FOR APPEALS FROM MAGISTRATES' COURTS

[1st June 1962]

11 of 1961
12 of 1963
8 of 1965
4 of 1968
4 of 1969
8 of 1971
16 of 1976
LN 46A of 1978
LN 88 of 1978
6 of 1979
4 of 1981

PART I
PRELIMINARY

Short title

1. This Act may be cited as the Magistrates' Courts Act.

Interpretation
16 of 1976, s. 2
LN 46A of 1978
4 of 1981, s. 3

2. (1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—

"Bailiff" means a person appointed to be a Bailiff pursuant to section 15 and includes any assistant Bailiff or any other person assisting a Bailiff in the performance of his duties;

"cause" shall include any action, suit, or other original proceeding between a plaintiff and a defendant and any criminal proceeding;

"cause of action" in suits founded on contract shall not necessarily mean the whole cause of action; but a cause of action shall be deemed to have arisen within the jurisdiction if the contract was made therein, though the breach may have occurred elsewhere, and also if the breach occurred within the jurisdiction, though the contract may have been made elsewhere;

"Clerk of Court" and "Clerk" mean any person appointed to be a Clerk of Court pursuant to section 12 and includes any assistant Clerk and any other person assisting a Clerk in the performance of his duties;

"criminal" includes quasi-criminal, and, with reference to matters of jurisdiction, comprehends all such matters not falling within the term "civil";

"district" means a district constituted in the manner prescribed in section 50;

"English" includes Solomon Islands pidgin;

"judgment" and "decree" shall be deemed synonymous terms;

"legal practitioner" means any person entitled to practise in the High Court in accordance with the provisions of any law for the time being in force;

"Local Court" means any court established under and by virtue of the Local Courts Act or any Act repealing and replacing the same;
Cap. 19

"matter" includes every proceeding in a court not in a cause;

"Police Force" means the Solomon Islands Police Force established by the Police Act;
Cap. 110

"Principal Magistrate" means a Principal Magistrate appointed under section 7;

"Rules of Court" means Rules of Court made under this Act;

"Sheriff" means any person for the time being acting as Sheriff of the High Court and includes any Deputy Sheriff or Under Sheriff and any person lawfully authorised to execute the process of the High Court or any Magistrate's Court;

"suit" includes action, and means a civil proceeding commenced by writ of summons or in such other manner as may be prescribed by Rules of Court, and does not include a criminal proceeding.

(2) The expressions "Magistrate", "Magistrate's Court" or "Magistrates' Courts" shall, unless otherwise specified or the context otherwise requires, include reference to a Principal Magistrate or a Principal Magistrate's Court, as the case may be.

PART II
CONSTITUTION OF THE COURTS

Establishment of Magistrates' Courts
16 of 1976, s. 3
6 of 1979, s. 2

3. (1) There shall be and are hereby constituted throughout Solomon Islands courts of summary jurisdiction, to be known respectively as Principal Magistrates' Courts and Magistrates' Courts of the First Class or of the Second Class subordinate to the High Court.

(2) There shall be in each district such Magistrates' Courts as the Chief Justice may direct.

(3) Any power, authority, function or discretion vested in a Magistrate's Court by this or any other Act or law shall be possessed and may be exercised by a Magistrate having adequate jurisdiction.

(4) Every Magistrate's Court shall be a Court of Record.

Territorial limits of jurisdiction of Magistrates' Courts
16 of 1976, s. 4

4. (1) A Principal Magistrate's Court shall exercise jurisdiction throughout Solomon Islands.

(2) Subject to any express provisions of this or any other Act, every Magistrate's Court shall exercise jurisdiction within the limits of the district within which it is situated:

Provided that when there is more than one Magistrate's Court in the same district, the Chief Justice may direct the distribution of business between such Courts.

(3) The jurisdiction of each Magistrate's Court shall extend over any territorial waters adjacent to the district in which it is situated as well as over inland waters whether within or adjacent to such district.

Seals
LN 46A of 1978

5. Magistrates' Courts shall use seals of such nature and pattern as the Governor-General shall approve.

Contempt of Court

6. The power of the High Court to deal with any contempt of its authority shall extend to upholding the authority of Magistrates' Courts.

PART III
OFFICERS OF THE COURT

Appointment of Magistrates
6 of 1979, s. 3

7. Any person appointed pursuant to the Constitution to be a Magistrate may be empowered by the Chief Justice by warrant under his hand and the seal of the High Court to hold a Principal Magistrate's Court or a Magistrate's Court of the First Class or of the Second Class and to exercise all the powers and jurisdiction conferred by this or any other Act upon a Principal Magistrate's Court or a Magistrate's Court of the First Class or of the Second Class, as the case may be:

Provided that the Chief Justice may, by the terms of any such warrant restrict the powers to be exercised by any such person in such extent as he may think fit, and thereupon such person shall have and exercise the powers and jurisdiction conferred by this or any other Act only to the extent authorised.

Territorial jurisdiction
LN 46A of 1978

8. Subject to the terms of his appointment, every Magistrate may exercise jurisdiction throughout Solomon Islands but may be assigned by the Chief Justice to any particular district or districts and transferred from one district to another. Notwithstanding any such assignment a Magistrate so assigned may, without special notification or appointment to that effect, exercise jurisdiction in any other district or districts.

Procedure where Magistrate is unable to adjudicate on any cause or matter by reason of personal interest, etc.

9. Where a Magistrate is a party to any cause or matter, or is unable, from personal interest or any other sufficient reason, to adjudicate on any cause or matter, the Chief Justice shall direct some other Magistrate to act instead of such aforesaid Magistrate for the hearing and determination of such particular cause or matter, or shall direct that such cause or matter shall be heard and determined in a Magistrate's Court in any other district.

Records and returns

10. Every Magistrate's Court shall keep such written records and furnish such returns as may be provided by this Act or as the Chief Justice may from time to time direct.

Powers and functions of justices of the peace

11. Subject to the provisions of this and of any other Act, every justice of the peace shall, subject to any exceptions which may be contained in his appointment, within the area in and for which he holds such office, have—

(a) all the powers, rights and duties of a Magistrate under this or any other Act to—

(i) issue summonses and warrants for the purpose of compelling the attendance of accused persons or persons as witnesses before a Court;

(ii) issue search warrants; and

(b) such other powers and rights and shall perform such duties of Magistrates as may be conferred or imposed upon him by Rules of Court made under this or any other Act not involving the trial of causes or, in criminal cases, the holding of preliminary investigations.

Clerks of Court

12. There shall be a Clerk of Court attached to each Magistrate's Court who shall be appointed by the Chief Justice or by a Judge and shall, subject to the general supervision and control of the Chief Justice, be under the immediate direction and control of the Magistrate for the time being exercising the jurisdiction of the Magistrate's Court to which he is attached:

Provided that in the event of the absence or incapacity of a Clerk of Court the Magistrate may appoint any person temporarily to perform the duties of Clerk of the Court or may himself perform any such duties.

Duties of Clerks of Court

13. The duties of every Clerk of Court shall be—

(a) to attend at such sittings of the Magistrate's Court as the Magistrate exercising its jurisdiction may direct;

(b) to fill up or cause to be filled up all summonses, warrants, orders, convictions, recognisances, writs of execution, and other documents and to submit the same for the signature of such Magistrate;

(c) to issue civil processes in accordance with the Rules of Court for the time being in force;

(d) to make or cause to be made copies of proceedings when required to do so by such Magistrate, and to record the judgments, convictions and orders of the Magistrate's Court;

(e) to receive or cause to be received all fees, fines and penalties, and all other moneys paid or deposited in respect of proceedings in the Magistrate's Court, and to keep or cause to be kept accounts of the same; and

(f) to perform or cause to be performed such other duties as may be assigned to him by such Magistrate.

Sheriff

14.—(1) The Sheriff shall be charged with the execution of all orders and processes of the Magistrate's Court and for this purpose shall have the same powers, authority and immunities as may be conferred upon him by the law for the time being in respect of the orders and process of the High Court.

(2) Every duty of the Sheriff in execution of any process of the Court may be performed by such officers, non-commissioned officers or constables of the Police Force, or other persons, as may be authorised by the Sheriff; and any officer, non-commissioned officer, constable or other person who is in possession of any such process shall be deemed to be duly so authorised, and shall for all purposes of such execution, and connected therewith, be an officer of the Court.

(3) The Sheriff shall not be liable to be sued for any act or omission of any officer, non-commissioned officer, or constable, or other person, in the execution of any process which shall have been done or may have occurred, either through disobedience or neglect of the orders or instructions given by the Sheriff, or in the absence of any order or instructions given by the Sheriff.

Bailiffs

15. The Bailiffs shall be appointed by the Sheriff, with the approval of the Magistrate exercising the jurisdiction of the Magistrate's Court to which they are to be attached, and may themselves or by their assistants, serve and execute any process issued out of the Magistrate's Court; and when so directed by such Magistrate they shall attend such Court and obey all the directions of the Magistrate for preserving order and decorum therein.

Other officers

16. The Chief Justice may from time to time, appoint such other officers as may be necessary for the efficient exercise of jurisdiction by Magistrates' Courts and may attach such officers to any Magistrate exercising judicial functions in a Court under the provisions of this Act.

Transfer of officers

17. The Chief Justice may transfer any officer attached to any Magistrate's Court from time to time to any other Magistrate's Court, either for temporary or permanent duty.

PART IV
JURISDICTION OF MAGISTRATES' COURTS

Powers of Magistrates' Courts
LN 46A of 1978

18. Subject to any other provision of this Act and to the provisions of any other law for the time being in force in Solomon Islands every Magistrate's Court shall have and exercise jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters as in this Act provided.

Civil jurisdiction
4 of 1969 s. 6
8 of 1971, s. 22
LN 46A of 1978
16 of 1976 s. 8
6 of 1979, s. 4

19. (1) In civil causes and matters a Magistrate's Court, in addition to any other jurisdiction conferred upon it by any other Act or law, shall have jurisdiction within the limits of the district within which it is situated—

(a) in all personal suits including counter-claim and set-off, whether arising from contract, or from tort, or from both, where the value of the property, the debt or damage claimed, whether as balance of account or otherwise, is not more than one thousand dollars or, in the case of a Principal Magistrate's Court, two thousand dollars;

(b) in all suits between landlord and tenant for possession of any lands or houses claimed under agreement or refused to be delivered up, where the annual value or rent does not exceed the sum of five hundred dollars or, in the case of a Principal Magistrate' Court, two thousand dollars;

(c) to appoint guardians of infants and to make orders for the custody of infants;

(d) to grant in any suit instituted in the Magistrate's Court injunctions or orders to stay waste or alienation or for the detention and preservation of any property the subject of such suit, or to restrain torts or breaches of contracts;

(e) in all claims for relief by way of interpleader in respect of land or other property attached in execution of a decree made by any Magistrate:

Provided that jurisdiction conferred by this paragraph shall not, unless the parties consent, be exercisable in respect of land or other property exceeding five hundred dollars in value or, in the case of a Principal Magistrate's Court, two thousand dollars in value;

(f) to enforce by attachment and sale or delivery any order or judgment made by the Magistrate's Court or any other competent court;

(g) to commit to prison for a term not exceeding six weeks, or until payment of the sum due, any person who makes default in payment of any debt or instalment of any debt due from him, in pursuance of any order or judgment of the Magistrate's Court or any other competent court:

Provided that such jurisdiction shall only be exercised where it is proved to the satisfaction of the Magistrate's Court that the person making default either has, or has had since the date of the order or judgment, the means to pay the sum in respect of which he has made default, and has refused or neglected or refuses or neglects to pay the same:

For the purposes of this paragraph, any Magistrate's Court may direct any debt due from any person, in pursuance of any order or judgment of that Court, or any other competent court, to be paid by instalments, and may, from time to time vary or rescind such order.

(2) In subsection (1) the expression "competent court" shall include the High Court and any Local Court.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) no Magistrate's Court shall have jurisdiction—

(a) in suits wherein the title to any right, duty, or office is in question; or

(b) in suits wherein the validity of any will or other testamentary writing or of any bequest or limitation under any will or settlement is in question; or

(c) in suits wherein the legitimacy of any person is in question; or

(d) in suits wherein the validity or dissolution of any marriage is in question; or

(e) in any action for malicious prosecution, defamation, seduction or breach of promise of marriage.

(4) Magistrates' Courts of the Second Class shall have and exercise jurisdiction in civil cases similar in all respects to that set out in subsection (1) save that such jurisdiction, in cases where the subject-matter in dispute is capable of being estimated at a money value, shall be limited to causes in which such subject-matter does not exceed two hundred dollars in amount or value.

(5) Where in any action the debt or demand consists of a balance not exceeding two thousand dollars, after an admitted set-off of any debt or demand claimed or recoverable by the defendant from the plaintiff, a Magistrate's Court shall have jurisdiction and power to hear and determine such action within the limits of its jurisdiction and power.

(6) Subject to the provisions of the Land and Titles Act, if, in any suit or civil cause or matter before a Magistrate's Court, the title to any land is disputed, or the question of the ownership thereof arises, the Court may adjudicate thereon if all the parties interested consent; but if they do not consent the Magistrate exercising the jurisdiction of the Court shall apply to the High Court to transfer such cause or matter to itself.
Cap. 133

Abandonment of part of claim to give court jurisdiction
16 of 1976, s. 9

20. (1) Where a plaintiff has a cause of action for more than two thousand dollars, one thousand dollars or two hundred dollars, as the case may be, in which—

(a) if it were not for more than two thousand dollars, a Principal Magistrate's Court would have jurisdiction;

(b) if it were not more than a thousand dollars, a Magistrate's Court of the First Class would have jurisdiction; and

(c) if it were not for more than two hundred dollars, a Magistrate's Court of the Second Class would have jurisdiction,

the plaintiff may abandon the excess, and thereupon a Principal Magistrate's Court or a Magistrate's Court of the First Class or of the Second Class, as the case may be, shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine the action so, however, that the plaintiff shall not recover in the action an amount exceeding two thousand dollars in a Principal Magistrate's Court, one thousand dollars in a Magistrate's Court of the First Class or two hundred dollars in a Magistrate's Court of the Second Class.

(2) Where a Magistrate's Court has jurisdiction to hear and determine an action by virtue of this section, the judgment of the Court in the action shall be in full discharge of all demands in respect of the cause of action, and entry of the judgment shall be deemed to be made accordingly.

Division of causes of action
4 of 1969, s. 7

21. No cause of action shall be split or divided so as to be made the ground of two or more different actions for the purpose of bringing two or more actions in any Magistrate's Court.

Summary judgment
4 of 1969, s. 7

22.—(1) Where—

(a) any party appearing or being present in any Magistrate's Court, upon being required so to do by that Court for the purpose of framing issues, refuses without reasonable excuse to be orally examined by the Court or to produce any document then and there in his possession; or

(b) the defendant, in the opinion of the Court, fails, by himself or by his counsel, solicitor or other representative to disclose any reasonable ground of defence; or

(c) any party being required by an order made by a Magistrate's Court under Rules of Court to produce to that Court any document or to attend at any sitting of that Court, fails without reasonable excuse to obey the same,

the Court may pronounce such judgment against him and in such terms as it thinks fit or make such order and impose such terms as to costs, payment into court, giving of security or otherwise as it thinks fit.

(2) Whenever, in the opinion of any Magistrate's Court, the issues are sufficiently established for the immediate determination of the cause, the Court may pronounce judgment forthwith in such terms as it shall think fit.

Summary judgment for part of a claim
4 of 1969, s. 7

23. Where a claim is for a debt or for liquidated damages only and the defendant—

(a) admits a sum less than the amount claimed; or

(b) in the opinion of the Magistrate's Court fails, by himself or by his counsel, solicitor or other representative, to disclose any reasonable ground of defence with respect to part of the claim; or

(c) has a counterclaim and it appears to the Court that the maximum amount which could be recovered thereunder, if the counterclaim were to be upheld, is less than the amount of the claim,

the Court may, if it thinks fit, enter judgment forthwith for the sum so admitted or for the sum in respect of which no reasonable ground of defence is disclosed or for a sum representing the difference between the amount of the claim and the maximum amount which appears to be recoverable on the counterclaim, as the case may be, with or without costs, and may permit execution to be levied forthwith on such judgment, without prejudice to the hearing and determination of the matters remaining in dispute between the parties.

Proceedings not to be set aside for want of form
4 of 1969, s. 7

24. No action or other proceedings in any Magistrate's Court shall be treated or considered as invalid or subject to be set aside on account of any verbal or technical error or other defect in form and any such error or defect may in any such case be corrected by the Court.

Law and Equity

25.—(1) In every civil cause or matter which shall be instituted in any Magistrate's Court law and equity shall be administered concurrently.

(2) In exercise of any jurisdiction vested in him by this Act, any Magistrate shall have power to grant, and shall grant, either absolutely or on such reasonable terms and conditions as shall seem just, all such remedies or relief whatsoever, interlocutory or final, as any of the parties thereto may appear to be entitled to in respect of any and every legal or equitable claim or defence properly brought forward by them respectively, or which shall appear in such cause or matter; so that as far as possible all matters in controversy between the said parties respectively may be completely and finally determined, and all multiplicity of legal proceedings concerning any of such matters avoided.

(3) In all causes or matters in which there is any conflict or variance between the rules of equity and the rules of the common law with reference to the same subject the rules of equity shall prevail.

Extension of civil jurisdiction

26. The Chief Justice may, by order under his hand and the seal of the High Court, authorise an increased jurisdiction in civil causes and matters to be exercised by the Magistrate named in any such order, within the district prescribed in the order, and to the extent specified in the order. Such an order may at any time be revoked by the Chief Justice by an instrument under his hand and the seal of the High Court.

Criminal jurisdiction
16 of 1976, s. 10

27. (1) Subject to the provisions of any other law for the time being in force, a Principal Magistrate's Court shall have jurisdiction to try summarily any criminal offence—

(a) for which the maximum punishment prescribed by law for such offence does not exceed—

(i) fourteen years' imprisonment; or

(ii) a fine; or

(iii) both such imprisonment and such fine; or

(b) in respect of which jurisdiction is by any law expressly conferred upon a Principal Magistrate's Court or it is expressly provided that such offence may be tried summarily:

Provided that the maximum punishment which a Principal Magistrate's Court may impose shall not exceed—

(i) a term of imprisonment for five years; or

(ii) a fine of one thousand dollars; or

(iii) both such imprisonment and such fine.

(2) Subject to the provisions of any other law for the time being in force, a Magistrate's Court of the First Class or of the Second Class shall have jurisdiction to try summarily any criminal offence—

(a) for which the maximum punishment prescribed by law for such offence does not exceed—

(i) imprisonment for a term of one year; or

(ii) a fine of two hundred dollars; or

(iii) both such imprisonment and such fine; or

(b) in respect of which jurisdiction is by any law expressly conferred upon a Magistrate's Court of the First Class or of the Second Class or it is expressly provided that such offence may be tried summarily; or

(c) for which any penalty is expressly provided in respect of a conviction by a Magistrate's Court of the First Class or of the Second Class.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding subsections, the Chief Justice in respect of a particular class of offence, or a Judge in respect of a particular case, may by order under his hand and the seal of the High Court invest a Magistrate's Court with jurisdiction to try an offence which would otherwise be beyond its jurisdiction:

Provided that in no case shall the sentence imposed exceed, in the case of a Principal Magistrate's Court, the maximum punishment specified in the proviso to subsection (1) or, in the case of any other Magistrate's Court, the maximum punishment specified in paragraph (a) of subsection (2).

(4) In the case of consecutive sentences imposed by a Magistrate's Court in respect of two or more distinct offences arising out of the same facts it shall not be necessary for such Magistrate's Court to send the offender for trial before a Principal Magistrate's Court or the High Court, as the case may be, by reason only that the aggregate punishment for the several offences in respect of which such sentences are imposed is in excess of the punishment which it is competent to impose on conviction for a single offence:

Provided that the aggregate punishment imposed in the form of consecutive sentences shall not exceed twice the amount of the punishment which such Magistrate's Court is competent to impose in respect of one offence in exercise of its ordinary jurisdiction.

Special jurisdiction in certain cases

28. Where an offence over which a Magistrate's Court has jurisdiction is committed or any cause or matter arises in any vessel, such offence may be prosecuted or such cause or matter heard and determined either by the Magistrate's Court exercising jurisdiction over the place where such vessel is at the time when such offence is committed or such cause or matter arises, or by the Magistrate's Court exercising jurisdiction over any place where such vessel calls after such commission or arising.

Committal of persons under the age of sixteen to care of fit person
4 of 1969, s. 9

29.—(1) Where a Magistrate's Court is of the opinion that any person is under the age of sixteen years (hereafter in this section referred to as the young person) and is in need of care, protection or control, the Court may—

(a) make an order committing him to the care of any fit person whether a relative or not who is willing to undertake the care of him, and at the same time or at any subsequent time on the application of the person to whose care the young person has been committed, make an order that the parent or guardian (if any) of the young person make a contribution towards the maintenance of the young person of such sum as the Court, having regard to the means of such parent or guardian, thinks fit; or

(b) order his parent or guardian to enter into a recognisance with or without sureties, in such amount as the Court thinks fit, to exercise proper care and guardianship.

(2) Every order and every recognisance entered into pursuant to the provisions of subsection (1) shall, unless some earlier date of termination is ordered by the Court, remain in force until the young person attains the age of eighteen years.

(3) Any fit person to whose care, protection and control any young person has been committed pursuant to the provisions of this section may at any time apply to the Court for variation or cancellation of the order, and the Court may vary or cancel the order or replace it by such order as may to the Court appear expedient.

(4) Any young person committed to the care of a fit person pursuant to the provisions of this section who absconds therefrom may be arrested by any police officer without warrant and either brought before a Magistrate's Court or summarily returned to the care of such fit person; and in the case of any such young person who is brought before a Magistrate's Court, such Court may order that he be returned to the custody of such fit person or if, having regard to all the circumstances, it appears to such Court advisable so to do, it may order that he be committed to the care of some other fit person.

(5) For the purpose of this section, and without prejudice to the generality of the expression, a person shall be deemed to be in need of "care, protection or control", who, in the opinion of the Court, is not receiving such care, protection or control as a good parent or guardian may be expected to give or is beyond the control of his parent or guardian; and the expression "fit person" includes any local authority, religious institution, welfare association or other organisation able and willing to undertake the care, protection or control of persons under the age of eighteen years.

General power of Magistrates

30. Every Magistrate shall have power to issue writs of summons for the commencement of actions in a Magistrate's Court, to administer oaths and take solemn affirmations and declarations, to receive production of books and documents and to make such decrees and orders and issue such process and exercise such judicial and administrative powers in relation to the administration of justice as shall from time to time be prescribed by this or any other Act, or by Rules of Court, or, subject thereto, by any special order of the Chief Justice.

Acts of Magistrates not to be affected by error as to venue

31.—(1) Subject to the provisions of any other Act, no act done within Solomon Islands by or under the authority of any Magistrate shall be void or impeachable by reason only that such act was done, or that any act, offence or matter in respect of or in relation to which such act was done, occurred or was situated beyond the area of the jurisdiction of the Magistrate's Court exercised by him.

(2) If the defendant in any civil cause or matter, before, but not after, the time when he is required to state his answer in such cause or matter, specially alleges that any of the grounds referred to in the preceding subsection exist, which, but for the provisions of that subsection, would be of force, the Court shall consider the same, and if there is prima facie proof thereof such Court shall report such cause or matter to a Judge and the Judge shall make an order directing where the cause or matter shall be heard and determined, and such order shall not be subject to appeal.

Proceedings by or against an officer of a Magistrate's Court

32. Subject to the provisions of section 9 any civil proceeding by or against any Magistrate or other officer of a Magistrate's Court for any offence or matter cognisable by a Magistrate's Court may be brought in a Magistrate's Court in any other district.

Administration of Oaths

33.—(1) Every Magistrate and every justice of the peace is hereby authorised to administer all oaths which may require to be taken before him in exercise of the jurisdiction and powers conferred upon him by this or any other Act.

(2) Any such oath may also be administered by any Clerk of Court or other officer of the Magistrate's Court under the direction and in the presence of a Magistrate.

(3) Every Magistrate shall be a Commissioner for Oaths and shall have and may exercise the powers by law conferred thereon.

Jurisdiction of Judges of High Court concurrent with that of Magistrates

34. No jurisdiction conferred upon any Magistrate shall in any way restrict or affect the jurisdiction of the Judges of the High Court, but such Judges shall have in all causes and matters, civil and criminal, an original jurisdiction concurrent with the jurisdiction of the several Magistrates.

Reconciliation

35.—(1) In criminal cases a Magistrate's Court may promote reconciliation and encourage and facilitate the settlement in an amicable way of proceedings for common assault, or for any offence of a personal or private nature not amounting to felony and not aggravated in degree, on terms of payment of compensation or other terms approved by such Court, and may thereupon order the proceedings to be stayed or terminated.

(2) In civil causes a Magistrate's Court and the officers thereof shall, as far as there is proper opportunity, promote reconciliation among persons subject to its jurisdiction and encourage and facilitate settlement in an amicable way and without recourse to litigation of matters in difference between them.

(3) Where a civil suit or proceeding is pending, a Magistrate's Court and the officers thereof may promote reconciliation among the parties thereto and encourage and facilitate the amicable settlement thereof.

Transfer between Magistrates in the same district

36. Where the Chief Justice appoints two or more Magistrates to any district, any such Magistrate within such district may, at any stage of the proceedings before final judgment, transfer, within the limits of such district, any cause or matter before him to any other such Magistrate and such cause or matter shall be commenced de novo, inquired into, tried and disposed of, by any Magistrate of competent jurisdiction to whom it has been transferred as if it had been instituted before him:

Provided that no cause or matter which has been specifically transferred by the High Court for inquiry or trial by a particular Magistrate shall again be transferred without leave of a Judge.

A cause may be reported for transfer

37. A Magistrate's Court may of its own motion, or on the application of any person concerned, report to the High Court the pendency of any cause or matter which in the opinion of the Magistrate exercising jurisdiction in such Magistrate's Court ought to be transferred from it to any other Magistrate's Court or to the High Court. The High Court shall direct in what mode and where the cause or matter shall be heard and determined.

Transfer of cases by a Judge

38.—(1) The High Court may at any time and at any stage thereof before judgment transfer any civil cause or matter before a Magistrate's Court to any other Magistrate's Court or to the High Court, and such cause may be transferred either entirely or in respect of any part thereof or procedure required to be taken therein.

(2) The power of transfer shall be exercised by means of an order under the hand of a Judge and the seal of the High Court, and may apply either to any particular cause or causes, matter or matters in dependence either entirely or in respect of any part thereof or procedure required to be taken therein, or generally to all such causes and matters as may be described in such order, and in the latter case may extend to future causes or matters as well as to such as may at the time of making such order be in dependence.

(3) The High Court may at all times cancel, alter, add to or amend any order under the preceding subsection.

(4) The High Court may, if it appear expedient, in the first instance cause the contents of any such order to be telegraphed, and any such telegram shall, until receipt of the said order have the same validity and effect as if it were the said order.

Effect of an order of transfer

39.—(1) Every order of transfer shall operate as a stay of proceedings in the Magistrate's Court to which it may be addressed in any cause or matter to which the order extends or is applicable, and the process and proceedings in every such cause or matter, and an attested copy of all entries in the books of such Court relative thereto, shall be transmitted to the Court to which the same shall be transferred and thenceforth all proceedings in the cause or matter shall be taken in such Court as if the cause or matter had been commenced therein.

(2) Any order given under sections 37 or 38 shall not be subject to appeal.

Judgment may be entered in High Court in a judgment of a Magistrate's Court
LN 46A of 1978

40.—(1) A Judge, if satisfied that a person whether resident in Solomon Islands or not, against whom judgment for an amount exceeding forty dollars has been obtained (whether by way of claim or counterclaim or costs or otherwise) in a Magistrate's Court, has not goods or chattels within Solomon Islands which can be seized conveniently to satisfy the judgment, may, if he thinks fit, and upon such terms as to costs as he may direct, by order under his hand and the seal of the High Court, remove the judgment into the High Court.

(2) Upon the removal of a judgment into the High Court in pursuance of this section no further proceedings shall be had or taken thereon in the Magistrate's Court and the judgment shall be entered in the High Court for the amount due and payable under the judgment of the Magistrate's Court together with the costs as aforesaid, and a judgment so entered shall have the same force and effect and the same proceedings may be had thereon as if it were a judgment originally obtained in the High Court.

(3) This section applies to orders obtained in a Magistrate's Court as it applies to judgments there obtained.

PART V
APPEALS

Civil appeals

41.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, an appeal shall lie to the High Court—

(a) from all final judgments and decisions of any Magistrate's Court in any suit or matter before it; and

(b) from all interlocutory orders and decisions of any Magistrate's Court made in the course of any suit or matter before it.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding subsection, no appeal shall lie, except by special leave of the Magistrate's Court, or of the High Court, from any order or decision made by consent, ex parte or as to costs only.

Conditions precedent to appeal

42. Subject to the provisions of section 44, the High Court shall not entertain any appeal arising from any suit or matter unless the appellant has fulfilled all the conditions of appeal imposed by the Magistrate's Court, or the High Court, or as prescribed by Rules of Court.

Power to reserve question of law for the opinion of the High Court

43. In addition to, and without prejudice to, the right of appeal conferred by this Act, a Magistrate may reserve for the consideration of the High Court on a case to be stated by him any question of law which may arise on the trial of any suit or matter, and may give any judgment or decision subject to the opinion of the High Court, and the High Court shall have power to determine, with or without hearing argument, every such question.

Discretionary power of High Court to entertain appeals

44. Notwithstanding anything hereinbefore contained, the High Court may entertain any appeal from a Magistrate's Court, on any terms which it thinks just.

Criminal appeals
LN 46A of 1978

45. Appeals in criminal causes shall lie to the High Court from any Magistrate's Court in accordance with any other Act for the time being in force relating to criminal procedure and of any Rules of Court made under the provisions of section 90 of the Constitution.

PART VI
REVISION OF DECISIONS OF MAGISTRATES

Monthly lists of criminal cases heard to be sent to a Judge
4 of 1969, s. 10.

46. At the end of every month, every Magistrate shall send to the Chief Justice, or to such Judge as the Chief Justice shall from time to time designate for such purpose, either generally or in respect of any particular district, in such form as the Chief Justice shall from time to time direct, a complete list of all criminal cases decided by or brought before such Magistrate during that month, setting out the names, sex, and age of each defendant, the offence with which he was charged, such defendant's plea thereto and, if convicted, the date of the conviction, and the sentence or order in full, and a complete list of all civil cases, setting out the names of the parties and the substance of the claim or remedy sought and of the decision or order.

Power of Judges to revise decisions of Magistrates
8 of 1965, Sched
4 of 1969, s. 11

47.—(1) Upon receipt of the list of criminal cases referred to in the preceding section the Judge receiving the same may, if he thinks fit, call for a copy of the record of any case included therein and, either without seeing such record or after seeing such record, as he may determine, and either without hearing argument or after hearing argument, as he may determine, may—

(a) subject to any enactment specifying any penalty, impose, reduce, enhance or alter the nature of any sentence:

Provided that—

(i) no sentence shall be imposed which the Magistrate's Court could not have imposed; and

(ii) no order shall be made under this paragraph to the prejudice of any person unless he has had an opportunity of being heard either personally or by counsel or solicitor in his defence;

(b) subject to any enactment requiring a particular order to be made, make, set aside or modify an order in such form as he thinks fit; or

(c) set aside the conviction, in which case the person convicted if under detention shall be forthwith set at liberty, or in the case of a fine such fine, if already paid, shall be refunded to the person fined, or if security has been required and given, he shall be freed from such security; or

(d) set aside the conviction and convict the accused person on the evidence of any offence of which he has not been specifically acquitted and of which he might have been convicted and sentence him accordingly; or

(e) set aside the conviction and substitute a special finding to the effect that the person convicted was guilty of the act or omission charged, but was insane so as not to be responsible for his action at the time when he did the act or made the omission, and order such person to be confined, until Her Majesty's pleasure shall be known, in a mental hospital, prison or other suitable place of custody; or

(f) set aside the conviction and order a new trial or a preliminary enquiry before the Magistrate who made the conviction in question or before any other Magistrate; or

(g) order further evidence to be taken either generally or on some particular point by the Magistrate who passed the sentence or by any other Magistrate, and order in the meantime any person who shall have been convicted and imprisoned to be liberated on bail or on his own recognisance; and

(h) make such other order as justice may require and give all necessary and consequential directions:

Provided always that when a person convicted shall have appealed against such conviction or any sentence imposed in respect thereof, or shall have applied for a case to be stated by the Magistrate under the provisions in that behalf contained in any other Act for the time being in force relating to criminal procedure and of any Rules of Court made under the provisions of section 90 of the Constitution, the Judge shall not exercise the powers conferred by this section.

(2) Upon receipt of the list of civil cases referred to in the preceding section the Judge receiving the same may, if he thinks fit, call for a copy of the record of any case included therein, and, either without seeing such record or after seeing such record, as he may determine, and either without hearing argument or after hearing argument, as he may determine, may alter or set aside the order of the Magistrate's Court, and may vary such order as justice may require and give all necessary and consequential directions.

(3) When action upon a list as prescribed in the preceding subsections of this section is complete or if the Judge shall decide to take no such action, the Judge shall direct that the list be filed; but such direction shall not have the effect of preventing him or his successor from subsequently taking any action prescribed in that subsection if he shall think fit:

Provided that three months after the last day of the month to which such list relates the Judge shall become functus officio in respect of all cases upon the list in respect of which he shall not up till then have taken any action.

(4) Proceedings under this section may be taken by the Judge of his own motion or on the petition of any person interested praying for the exercise of the revisional powers of the High Court and such powers may be exercised notwithstanding that the relevant monthly list shall not have been transmitted to or received by the Judge.

(5) In respect of any monthly list, the Chief Justice shall have and exercise similar powers to those conferred on any Judge or Judges notwithstanding any designation made under section 46.

(6) Nothing in this section contained shall be deemed to authorise the conversion of a finding of acquittal into one of conviction.

Reports by Magistrates to Judges

48. Any Judge may, whenever he shall so think fit to do, require any Magistrate to render to him, in such form as he shall direct, a report of any case civil or criminal which may be brought before him and such report shall be rendered accordingly.

PART VII
SITTINGS OF THE COURT

Place and time for sittings of Magistrates' Courts

49.—(1) Magistrates' Courts shall ordinarily be held at such places as the Chief Justice may direct, but should necessity arise they may also be held at any other places within the limits of their jurisdiction. In the absence of any such directions Magistrates' Courts shall continue to be held at such places as existing courts of like character have been held.

(2) Subject to the directions, if any, of the Chief Justice, each Magistrate's Court shall be held at such time as the Magistrate exercising the jurisdiction of such Court shall deem most expedient for the despatch of the business thereof.

Districts
6 of 1979, s. 5

50. The Chief Justice may from time to time by orders provide for the formation of districts and may in like manner revoke, alter, or amend any of such orders.

Nature of business at any sitting

51. At any sitting of any Magistrate's Court both civil and criminal causes and matters may be heard, determined, and dealt with, or either one or the other.

Adjournments

52.—(1) Any Magistrate exercising the jurisdiction of a Magistrate's Court may adjourn such Court from day to day or to any convenient day.

(2) If a Magistrate is not present at the time and place appointed for any sitting of a Magistrate's Court, any officer of such Court or other person authorised in that behalf by the Magistrate, may, by public notice, written or oral, adjourn the sitting until such time and to such place as may have been communicated to him by the Magistrate, and, in the absence of any such communication, to such time and place as may be convenient; and all persons bound to be present at the sitting so adjourned shall be equally bound to be present at the time and place appointed by such notice.

Adjournment over Sunday or Public Holiday

53. When any day appointed for the sitting or any adjourned sitting of a Magistrate's Court falls on a Sunday or a Public Holiday, the sitting shall not take place on such day, and the Magistrate shall in such case, if practicable, attend and transact the business appointed to be heard at such sitting as aforesaid on the day (not being a Sunday or Public Holiday) next after the day appointed for such sitting.

PART VIII
PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE OF THE COURTS

Practice and procedure

54. Subject to the provisions of any other law for the time being in force, the jurisdiction vested in Magistrates' Courts shall be exercised (so far as regards practice and procedure) in the manner provided by this Act or by any other Act for the time being in force relating to criminal or civil procedure, or by Rules of Court, and in default thereof, in substantial conformity with the law and practice for the time being observed in England in county courts, police courts and courts of summary jurisdiction.

Completion by Magistrate of process begun by his predecessor

55. Where a Magistrate has issued any summons or warrant or otherwise taken or commenced any proceeding or matter whether civil or criminal, under any authority however conferred, and subsequently ceases to act as such Magistrate, it shall be lawful for the person in whose hands such summons or warrant may be to execute or serve the same in the same manner as if the Magistrate who issued the summons or warrant had not ceased to act as such Magistrate and any successor of such Magistrate, or any person acting for such Magistrate, may hear, determine, execute, enforce, and carry to completion any proceeding or matter so commenced as aforesaid save that, except where otherwise provided by any other Act for the time being in force relating to criminal or civil procedure, such Magistrate shall commence the trial of any such cause or matter ab initio.

Process of Magistrate valid throughout Solomon Islands
LN 46A of 1978

56. Subject to the provisions of any other Act for the time being in force relating to criminal or civil procedure, all summonses, warrants, orders, judgments, writs of execution, or other process or proceedings, whether civil or criminal, issued or taken by or by the authority of any Magistrate respecting any cause or matter within his jurisdiction shall have force and effect, and may be served or executed anywhere within Solomon Islands by the Sheriff, Bailiff or by the member of the Police Force to whom the same are directed or by any other member of the Police Force.

Issue of process

57. All summonses, warrants, orders, convictions and recognisances, and all other process, whether civil or criminal, shall be issued or made under the hand of a Magistrate or, where so authorised by or under this or any other Act, under the hand of a justice of the peace:

Provided that where expressly authorised by Rules of Court, writs of summons and other civil process may be issued under the hand of a Clerk of the Court.

Duty of Police to obey Magistrates

58. All members of the Police Force are hereby authorised and required to obey the warrants, orders and directions of a Magistrate in the exercise of his criminal jurisdiction, and, in so far as such obedience may be authorised and required by any Act in that behalf, of his civil jurisdiction.

Language of the Magistrates' Courts and interpretation

59.—(1) The language of the Magistrates' Courts shall be English.

(2) In any proceedings in any Magistrate's Court in which the language spoken by any witness or party requires to be interpreted into English, the Magistrate having jurisdiction in the proceedings may appoint suitable persons as interpreters.

PART IX
EVIDENCE

Summoning witnesses
LN 46A of 1978

60.—(1) In any cause or matter, and at any stage thereof, a Magistrate may, either of his own motion or on the application of any party, summon any person within Solomon Islands to attend to give evidence, or to produce any document in his possession or power, and may examine such person as a witness, and require him to produce any document in his possession or power subject to just exceptions.

(2) Subject to the provisions of any other Act for the time being in force relating to criminal procedure, in a criminal case a Magistrate, in addition to the powers conferred by subsection (1), if satisfied by evidence on oath that any person can give material evidence and will not attend unless compelled to do so, may forthwith issue a warrant for the arrest and production of such witness before a Magistrate's Court at a time and place to be therein stated.

(3) When any witness is arrested under a warrant issued under the provisions of subsection (2), a Magistrate may, upon the witness furnishing security for his appearance at the hearing of the case, with or without a surety or sureties, to the satisfaction of the Magistrate, order him to be released from custody, or shall, on his failing to furnish such security, order him to be detained until the date of the hearing at which he is required to give evidence.

Penalty for non-attendance of persons summoned

61. If any person summoned as provided in section 60, having reasonable notice of the time and place at which he is required to attend, after tender of his reasonable travelling expenses to and from the Magistrate's Court, fails to attend accordingly, and does not excuse such failure to the satisfaction of the Court, he shall, independently of any other liability, be guilty of a contempt of court, and may be proceeded against by warrant to compel his attendance.

Refusal to be sworn or to give evidence

62. If, in any civil suit or matter, any person, whether appearing in obedience to a summons or brought up under warrant, being required to give evidence, refuses to take an oath, or to answer any question lawfully put to him, or to produce any document in his possession or power, and does not excuse his refusal to the satisfaction of the court, he shall, independently of any other liability, be guilty of a contempt of court.

Bystander may be required to give evidence

63. Any person present in court, whether a party or not in a cause or matter, may be compelled by any Magistrate's Court to give evidence, or produce any document in his possession or in his power, in the same manner and subject to the same rules as if he had been summoned to attend and give evidence, or to produce such document, and may be punished in like manner for any refusal to obey the order of the Court.

Prisoners may be brought up in order to give evidence

64. A Magistrate may issue an order under his hand to bring up any person confined as a prisoner under any sentence or otherwise to be examined as a witness in any suit or matter depending in any Magistrate's Court, and the gaoler, or person in whose custody such prisoner shall be, shall obey such order and shall provide for the safe custody of the prisoner during his absence from prison for the purpose aforesaid.

Allowances to witnesses

65. Subject to the provisions of this or any other Act and to any Rules of Court for the time being in force, a Magistrate may, in civil or criminal proceedings, order and allow to all persons required to attend or be examined as witnesses, such sum or sums of money as shall seem fit, as well for defraying the reasonable expenses of such witnesses as for allowing them a reasonable compensation for their trouble and loss of time, but it shall not be lawful, in any criminal proceeding, for any person to refuse to attend as a witness or to give evidence, when so required by process of the Court, on the ground that his expenses have not been first paid or provided for.

How allowances defrayed
LN 46A of 1978

66. All sums of money allowed under the provisions of the preceding section shall be paid in civil proceedings by the party on whose behalf the witness is called, and shall be recoverable as ordinary costs of the suit, if the Magistrate shall so order, and, in criminal proceedings, they shall, where not ordered to be paid by the party convicted or prosecuted, be paid out of the Consolidated Fund.

Inspection

67. In any cause or matter, a Magistrate may make such order for inspection by the Court, parties or witnesses of any real or personal property, the inspection of which may be material to the determination of the matter in dispute, and may give such directions with regard to such inspection as to the Court may seem fit.

No person entitled to inspection of the record of evidence

68. No person shall be entitled, as of right, at any time or for any purpose, to inspection of the record of evidence given in any case before any Magistrate's Court, or to a copy of the notes of such Court, save as may be expressly provided by any Rules of Court, or, in the absence of any such Rules, unless the leave of a Magistrate to make such inspection or receive such copy, has been first had and obtained.

Recording evidence before a Magistrate's Court

69.—(1) Subject to the provisions of any other Act, in every case heard before a Magistrate's Court, and at every stage thereof, the Magistrate hearing such case shall, save as hereinafter provided, take down in writing the oral evidence given before the Court or so much thereof as he deems material:

Provided that, should such Magistrate, in any case, find himself temporarily incapacitated from taking down such evidence, he may direct that such evidence shall be taken down by the Clerk of the Court or other officer performing the duties of such Clerk of the Court.

(2) Such Clerk of the Court or other officer referred to in the preceding subsection shall take down in writing the oral evidence in manner as aforesaid, under the supervision and control of the Magistrate presiding, who may, at any time before appending his signature to such writing, amend anything therein which he may consider requires amendment; and, before so appending his signature, such Magistrate shall peruse and examine such writing, and satisfy himself that it is, in substance, an accurate and faithful record of the oral evidence given.

PART X
PROTECTION OF MAGISTRATES, JUSTICES OF THE PEACE AND OFFICERS OF THE MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Protection of Magistrates, justices of the peace and other officers

70. No Magistrate, justice of the peace or other person acting judicially, shall be liable to be sued in any civil court for any act done or ordered to be done by him in the discharge of his judicial duty, whether or not within the limits of his jurisdiction provided that he, at the time, in good faith, believed himself to have jurisdiction to do or order the act complained of; and no officer of any Court or other person bound to execute the lawful warrants or orders of any such Magistrate, justice of the peace or other person acting judicially, shall be liable to be sued in any civil court for the execution of any warrant or order which he would be bound to execute if within the jurisdiction of the person issuing the same.

PART XI
MISCELLANEOUS

Representation of Crown, public officers in their official capacity and departments of the Government

71. In any suit or matter in which the Crown or any public officer in his official capacity or any department of the Government is a party or in any suit or matter affecting the revenues of Solomon Islands, the Crown, or that officer or department, may be represented by a law officer, crown counsel, legal practitioner or other person duly authorised in that behalf by the Attorney-General or by the public officer or the officer in charge of the department concerned.

Employment of legal practitioners

72. The employment of legal practitioners shall, save as may be otherwise specifically provided, be allowed in causes and matters, whether civil or criminal, before any Magistrate's Court.

Fees and costs

73. The fees and costs set forth in the Rules of Court made under this Act or any other Act for the time being in force relating to criminal or civil procedure may be demanded and received by the Clerks of Court or other persons appointed to receive such fees and costs for and in respect of the several matters therein mentioned:

Provided that in the absence of the Clerk of the Court from any Magistrate's Court or in the event of there being no such Clerk or other person appointed to receive such fees and costs in any such Court, the Magistrate exercising the jurisdiction thereof may demand and receive such fees and costs.

By whom fees and costs payable

74. All fees and costs payable under or by virtue of this Act shall in the first instance be paid by the party applying for the summons, warrant, or other process or document in respect whereof the same are payable:

Provided that no fees shall be payable by any public officer or public department in any case instituted by any public officer when acting in his official capacity or in any case in which the Magistrate endorses on the plaint, information or complaint, as the case may be that it is a fit one for remission of fees on account of the poverty of the party or for any other sufficient reason; and in every such case such fees and costs shall, in the discretion of the Magistrate, be recoverable from the other party, if the decision be given against him.

All fees and moneys received in Magistrates' Courts to be subject to aforegoing provisions

75. Sections 73 and 74 shall apply to all moneys received by a Clerk of Court or other person appointed to receive fees and costs in any Magistrate's Court under the provisions of this or any other Act, whether the same be fees, costs, fines, forfeitures, penalties or money paid into court for any purpose, or received or recovered under or by virtue of any process of execution or distress.

Rules of Court

76. The Chief Justice may make Rules of Court under this Act for all or any of the following purposes—

(a) for regulating the practice and procedure of Magistrates' Courts in matters not specifically provided for in this or any other Act;

(b) for regulating the forms to be used and all matters connected therewith;

(c) for regulating the receipt of moneys paid into a Magistrate's Court, or received or recovered under or by virtue of any process of execution or distress;

(d) for regulating the payment of moneys out of a Magistrate's Court to persons entitled thereto;

(e) for prescribing the books and forms of account to be kept or used in Magistrates' Courts;

(f) for prescribing fees, costs and amounts for service of process which may be demanded and received by Clerks of Court and others in connection with the practice and procedure of the Magistrates' Courts;

(g) for prescribing for the acceptance, retention and disposal of fees and costs;

(h) for fixing tables of fees and costs recoverable by legal practitioners for their services on taxation and providing for the taxation of the same;

(i) for the better carrying into effect of the provisions and objects and intentions of this Act.

Saving
LN 46A of 1978

77.—(1) Nothing in this Act contained shall affect the jurisdiction of any court established under the Local Courts Act.
Cap. 19

(2) Nothing in this Act contained shall deprive any Magistrate's Court of the right to observe and enforce the observance, or shall deprive any person of the benefit, of any law or custom of Islanders, such law or custom not being repugnant to natural justice, equity, and good conscience, nor incompatible either directly or by necessary implication with any Act or other law for the time being in force in Solomon Islands.

___________________________

CHAPTER 20
MAGISTRATES' COURTS

Subsidiary Legislation

DIRECTIONS BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE
LN 26/1962
LN 87/1977

(Section 3(2).)

[5th May 1962]

The Chief Justice has directed that there shall be a Magistrate's Court in each of the following Districts—

Central District.
Malaita District.
Western District.
Eastern District.
Eastern Outer Islands District

INCREASE OF JURISDICTION ORDERS

(Section 27 (3))

THE MAGISTRATES' COURTS (INCREASE OF JURISDICTION)
(1963) ORDER
LN 68/1963

[2nd September 1963]

Title

1. This Order may be cited as the Magistrates' Courts (Increase of Jurisdiction) (1963) Order.

Criminal jurisdiction increased
LN 18/1964

2. Subject to the provisions of section 27(3) of the Magistrates' Courts Act, all Magistrates' Courts within Solomon Islands shall have jurisdiction to try any offence coming within the provisions of sections 55, 75, 83, 85, 86, 88, 89, 95, 106, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 123, 132, 140, 141, 142(2), 144, 145, 153, 154, 185, 186, 188, 233, 237, 240, 245, 247, 254, 256, 261, 264, 265, 272 (b), 274, 275, 279, 280, 281, 282, 287, 289, 302, 308, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315 (2), 325, 326(1), 329, 330, 355, 372, 374 and 379 of the Penal Code, and within section 5(2) of the Firearms and Ammunition Act.
Cap. 26
Cap. 80

THE MAGISTRATES' COURTS (INCREASE OF JURISDICTION)
(1971) ORDER
LN 69/1971

[8th October 1971]

Citation

1. This Order may be cited as the Magistrates' Courts (Increase of Jurisdiction) (1971) Order.

Increase of criminal jurisdiction

2. Subject to the provisions of subsection (3) of section 27 of the Magistrates' Courts Act, all Magistrates' Courts within Solomon Islands shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine any offence to which the provisions of sections 273 and 278 of the Penal Code relate in respect of which the value of any property stolen, embezzled, converted or otherwise misapplied or misappropriated does not exceed an aggregate of two hundred dollars.
Cap. 26

THE MAGISTRATES' COURTS (INCREASE OF JURISDICTION)
(1974) ORDER
LN 24/1974

[3rd May 1974]

Citation

1. This Order may be cited as the Magistrates' Courts (Increase of Jurisdiction) (1974) Order.

Increase of criminal jurisdiction

2. Subject to the provisions of subsection (3) of section 27 of the Magistrates' Courts Act, all Magistrates' Courts within Solomon Islands shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine any offence to which the provisions of paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section 143 of the Penal Code apply.

THE MAGISTRATES' COURTS (INCREASE OF JURISDICTION)
(1975) ORDER
LN 11/1975

[4th April 1975]

Citation

1. This Order may be cited as the Magistrates' Courts (Increase of Jurisdiction) (1975) Order.

Increase of criminal jurisdiction

2. Subject to the provisions of subsection (3) of section 27 of the Magistrates' Courts Act, all Magistrates' Courts within Solomon Islands shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine any offence to which the provisions of section 271 of the Penal Code relate in respect of which the value of any goods or other things stolen does not exceed an aggregate of two hundred dollars.

THE MAGISTRATES' COURTS (INCREASE IN CRIMINAL JURISDICTION) (1977) ORDER
LN 103/1977

[21st October 1977]

1. This Order may be cited as the Magistrates' Courts (Increase in Criminal Jurisdiction) (1977) Order.

2. Subject to the provisions of section 27(3) of the Magistrates' Courts Act, a Principal Magistrate's Court shall have jurisdiction to try any offence coming within the provisions of sections 224, 293, 299 and 319 of the Penal Code.
(Cap 26)

THE MAGISTRATES' COURTS (INCREASE OF JURISDICTION)
(1990) ORDER
LN 172/1990

[7th December 1990]

1. This Order may be cited as the Magistrates' Courts (Increase of Jurisdiction) (1990) Order.

2. Subject to the provisions of subsections (2) and (3) of section 27 of the Magistrates Courts Act, all Magistrates' Courts of the First Class within Solomon Islands shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine any of the offences set out in the Schedule hereto.

SCHEDULE

1. Any offence under section 84 of the Penal Code. Cap. 26

2. Any offence under sections 269, 270, 271 and 273 of the Penal Code where the value of the property stolen or embezzled does not exceed $1000, and any attempt to commit such an offence under section 380 of the Penal Code.

3. Any offence under section 278 of the Penal Code where the value of the property converted does not exceed $1000.

4. Any offence under the Traffic Act apart from offences under section 38, 39 or 43. Cap. 131

5. Any offence under the Liquor Act. Cap. 144

6. Any offence under section 40 of the National Provident Fund Act. Cap. 109

7. Any offence under sections 9(2), 22, 26(2) or 30(3) of the Firearms and Ammunition Act. Cap. 80

THE MAGISTRATES' COURTS (INCREASE OF JURISDICTION)
(1991) ORDER
LN 17/1991

[1st February 1991]

1. This Order may be cited as the Magistrates' Courts (Increase of Jurisdiction) (1991) Order.

2. Subject to the provisions of subsections (1) and (3) of section 27 of the Magistrates' Courts Act, all Principal Magistrates' Courts within Solomon Islands shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine any of the offences set out in the First Schedule hereto.

3. Subject to the provisions of subsections (2) and (3) of section 27 of the Magistrates' Courts Act, all Magistrates' Courts of the First Class within Solomon Islands shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine any of the offences set out in the Second Schedule hereto.

FIRST SCHEDULE

Any offence under section 4 of the Firearms and Ammunition Act. Cap. 80

SECOND SCHEDULE

Any offence under sections 6(8), 12, 13, 14, 20, 23, 25(2), 28, 40, 41, 42 or 45 of the Firearms and Ammunitions Act.

THE MAGISTRATES' COURTS (INCREASE OF JURISDICTION)
(1993) ORDER
LN 77/1993

[16th April 1993]

1. This Order may be cited as the Magistrates' Courts (Increase of Jurisdiction) (1993) Order.

2. Subject to the provisions of subsections (2) and (3) of section 27 of the Magistrates' Courts Act, all Magistrates' Courts of the First Class within Solomon Islands shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine any of the offences set out in the Schedule hereto.

SCHEDULE

Any offence under sections 83, 247, 295, 325 and 326(1) of the Penal Code (Cap 26) and Sections 43(1)(b) and 43(2)(b) of the Traffic Act (Cap 131).

THE MAGISTRATES' COURTS (DISTRICTS) ORDER
LN 34/1962
LN 90/1977

(Section 50)

[5th May 1962]

Title

1. This Order may be cited as the Magistrates' Courts (Districts) Order.

2. For the purposes of the Magistrates' Courts Act, Solomon Islands shall be divided into the following districts—

Central District.
Eastern District.
Malaita District.
Western District.
Eastern Outer Islands District
Constitution of magisterial districts

THE MAGISTRATES' COURTS (FORMS) RULES
LN 21/1992

(Section 76)

[14th February 1992]

Title

1. These Rules may be cited as the Magistrates' Courts (Forms) Rules.

Forms to be used

2. The forms set out in the Schedule hereto shall be used in Magistrates' Courts in the exercise of their criminal jurisdiction with such adaptation as the circumstances of each case may require.

SCHEDULE

Prescribed Forms

Form No:	Particulars:	Criminal Procedure Code Section:

1. General Title—

2. Recognisance (Without Sureties)	40 & 107
3. Recognisance (With Sureties)	40 & 107
4. Complaint	76
5. Charge (Private Complaint)	76
6. Charge (Complaint by Public Officer)	76
7. Warrant to Apprehend Defendant in the First Instance	77
8. Summons to Defendant	79
9. Summons to Defendant	78
10. Affidavit of Service of Summons	85 & 86
11. Summons to Defendant	86
12. Summons to Show Cause	78 & 86
13. Warrant to Apprehend Defendant Where Summons is Disobeyed	89
14. Information to Ground Search Warrant	101
15. Search Warrant	101
16. Summons to Witness	127
17. Warrant Where a Witness has not Obeyed a Summons	128
18. Warrant for a Witness in the First Instance	129
19. Commitment of Refractory Witness	135
20. Warrant to Remand Defendant When Arrested	95
21. Warrant of Commitment for Safe Conduct on Adjournment of Hearing		191
22. Warrant to Arrest Accused who has not 
Appeared after Adjournment		192
23. Notice of Conviction or Order	204
24. Deposition at Preliminary Inquiry and Trial	212
25. Statement of Accused	215
26. Warrant of Commitment in Custody for Trial	219
27. Order Committing Corporation for Trial	219
28. Commitment of Witness for Refusing to Enter into Recognizance to give Evidence	222
29. Witness Bound Over or Treated as having been Bound Over Conditionally	224
30. Notice Requiring Attendance of Witness Bound Over or Treated as Bound Over Conditionally	224
31. Summons to an Assessor	245
32. Summons to Interpreter	184 & 250

Penal Code Section:

33. Warrant of Commitment on a Conviction Where the Punishment is by Imprisonment	24
34. Warrant of Commitment on a Conviction and in Default of Payment	29
35. Warrant of Distress upon a Conviction and in Default of Payment	28
36. Warrant of Commitment for Want of Distress upon a Conviction for a Fine	30
37. Warrant of Distress for Costs upon an Order of Dismissal of a Charge	28
38. Warrant of Commitment for Want of Distress upon an Order for Dismissal of a Charge	30
39. Order as to Residence	175 & 176 & 303

Criminal Procedure Code Section:

40. Special Procedure in Minor Cases (Form of Record)	209
Probation of Offenders Act Section:
41. Probation Order	4
42. Order Amending Probation Order	5
43. Order Discharging Probation Order	5

Penal Code Section:

44. Order for Conditional Discharge	35
45. Commitment on Failure to Comply with 35 and Probation of Requirement of Probation Order or 35 and Offenders Act Probation Order or Conditional Discharge 35 and Section: 7
46. Order for Committal of Person Under the 36 and Juvenile Age of 16 Years to Care of Fit Person 36 and Offenders Act Section: 16
47. Recognisance to Appear and Receive Sentence	33
48. Order for Suspended Sentence of Imprisonment	44(1)(a)
49. Warrant of Commitment upon an Order for a Partially Suspended Sentence of Imprisonment	44(1)(b)
50. Warrant of Commitment for Sentence of Imprisonment Where a Suspended Sentence is Put into Effect	45
51. Order Substituting a New Period of Suspension of a Sentence of Imprisonment	45(1)(c)
52. Order for Suspended Sentence Supervision	46

---------------------------------------

(Form 1 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

GENERAL TITLE

SOLOMON ISLANDS

IN THE MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Criminal Case No: CRC / / MC

(Form 2-Magistrates' Courts Act)

RECOGNISANCE (Without Sureties)

(Criminal Procedure Code Ss. 40 and 107)

[GENERAL TITLE]

I, the undersigned, acknowledge myself to owe to our Sovereign Queen Elizabeth II the sum written opposite my signature hereto, to be raised by seizure and sale of my goods if the conditions hereon are not fulfilled.

Dated this day of 19 .

Name		Address	Signature	Sum

The conditions of the above recognisance are as follows:—

(a) If the abovenamed appears before this Court on the day of 19 at o'clock to answer a charge contrary to then the said recognisance shall be void, and otherwise it shall be in force.

(b) If the abovenamed  keeps the public peace and is of good behaviour towards all persons (and especially towards ……………………… ) during then the said recognisance shall be void, and otherwise it shall be in force.

(c) If the abovenamed  appears before this Court on the ………….. day of …………. 19…… at …………. o'clock and then and there prosecutes (and/or gives evidence on) a charge contrary to ……………………………. then the said recognisance shall be void, and otherwise it shall be in force.

(Form 3 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

RECOGNISANCE (With Sureties)

(Criminal Procedure Code Ss. 40 and 107)

[GENERAL TITLE]

We, the undersigned, severally acknowledge ourselves to owe to our Sovereign Queen Elizabeth II the sums set opposite our respective signatures hereto, to be raised by seizure and sale of the goods belonging to each of us if the conditions hereon endorsed are not fulfilled.

Dated this ………………….. day of ……………… 19 ……...

Name		Address		Signature		Sum

The conditions of the above recognisance are as follows:

(a) If the abovenamed  appears before this Court on the ………………. day of …………… 19……… at ……….. o'clock to answer a charge contrary to ………………….. then the said recognisance shall be void, and otherwise it shall be in force.

(b) If the abovenamed …………………………. keeps the public peace and is of good behaviour towards all persons (and especially towards ……………………. ) during ……………………………. then the said recognisance shall be void, and otherwise it shall be in force.

(c) If the abovenamed appears before this Court on the ……………….. day of …………………. 19……… at ………… o'clock and then and there prosecutes (and/or gives evidence on) a charge contrary to ………………….. then the said recognisance shall be void, and otherwise it shall be in force.

(Form 4 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

COMPLAINT

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 76)

[GENERAL TITLE]

……………………………………………
of …………………………………………

makes complaint to the undersigned Magistrate that ………………………………
of …………………………….. did on the …………………… day of ………………………… 19………., at ……………….. in Solomon Islands commit the following offence:

Statement of Offence

Particulars of Offence

Taken [and sworn (or affirmed)] this …………… day of ……………. 19……. .

……………………………
Magistrate

(Form 5 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

CHARGE

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 76)

(PRIVATE COMPLAINT)

[GENERAL TITLE]

……………………………………………..
of …………………………………………..
is charged on the complaint of …………………………………….
with the following offence:

Statement of Offence

Particulars of Offence

Dated this ……………………….. day of …………………. 19……….. .

Magistrate

Note: This form is for use for charge on private complaint only. If a second sheet is necessary the signature will appear at the bottom of the second sheet only.

(Form 6 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

CHARGE

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 76)

(COMPLAINT BY PUBLIC OFFICER)

[GENERAL TITLE]

……………………………………………………..
of …………………………………………………..
is charged with the following offence:

Statement of Offence

Particulars of Offence

Taken before me	)
this ………..day of	)
……….. 19…. .	)		Magistrate

Note: If a second sheet is necessary the signature will appear at the bottom of the second sheet only.

(Form 7 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

WARRANT TO APPREHEND DEFENDANT IN THE FIRST INSTANCE

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 77)

[GENERAL TITLE]

To all Police Officers within Solomon Islands:

THESE ARE TO COMMAND YOU in Her Majesty's name to arrest and bring before me at the Magistrate's Court at …………………………………………………..
the defendant …………………………………………………………………….
of …………………………………………………………………………………
to be dealt with according to law on the following charge(s) made on the sworn complaint of …………………………………… of……………………………...

Statement of Offence

Particulars of Offence

Dated this …………………………. day of ……………..19…………. .

Magistrate

See reverse form

ENDORSEMENT WHERE BAIL IS ALLOWED

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 90)

It is directed that the defendant on arrest be released on bail on his/her entering into a recognisance in the sum of $ …………………., with ………….. surety/sureties in the sum of $ ………………… [each], for his/her appearance before the Magistrate's Court at …………… on the …………… day of …………..19……… , at ……. am/pm.

Dated this ………………… day of ………………. 19………. .

Magistrate

(Form 8 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

SUMMONS TO DEFENDANT

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 79)

[GENERAL TITLE]

TO:

…………………………………… of …………………………………….

THESE ARE TO COMMAND YOU TO APPEAR at …………. o'clock on the …………………………… day of ……………….. 19…… at the Magistrate's Court at ………………….. there to answer the charge(s) set out hereunder and be dealt with according to law.

Statement of Offence

Particulars of Offence

Dated this ………………………… day of …………………… 19……… .

Magistrate/Clerk of the Court

See reverse form

This is the exhibit marked "A" referred to in the affidavit of
………………………………………………………………

Sworn before me this ………………….. day of ………………….. 19………. .

Magistrate/Commissioner for Oaths

Served by me
on the within-named
on the …………. day of ……………….. 19……. at ………..o'clock in the ……….. noon at ………………………….

(Form 9 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

SUMMONS TO DEFENDANT

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 78)

[GENERAL TITLE]

TO:

……………………………. of …………………………………….

YOU ARE HEREBY REQUIRED TO APPEAR at ………………. o'clock on the (a) day of ………….. 19………….. at the Magistrate's Court at ……………………… there to answer the charge(s) set out hereunder and be dealt with according to law.

PROVIDED THAT if you wish your personal attendance to be excused and the case disposed of in your absence you should complete and sign the certificate to that effect overleaf.

Statement of Offence (b)

Particulars of Offence (c)

Dated this ………………….. day of ………………….. 19………….. .

Police Officer

(a) Insert date of hearing (not being less than ten days from the date of service of this Notice).

(b) Insert offence naming Act and section contravened

(c) Insert brief particulars of offence in ordinary language

See reverse form

CERTIFICATE OF CONSENT

I hereby certify that:

(i) I do not wish to appear in person and that I consent to trial in my absence; and

(ii) I plead* to the charge(s).

Dated this ………………. day of ……………….. 19……….. .

Signature of Defendant

* State whether guilty or not guilty

You may if you wish attach a written explanation or plea in mitigation.

This is the exhibit marked "A"
referred to in the affidavit
of ……………………………..

Sworn before me this …………………. day of …………………… 19……… .

Magistrate/Commissioner for Oaths

Served by me
on the within-named
on the …………….. day of ……………. 19…….. , at ……….. o'clock in the ………… noon at …………………..

(Form 10 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE OF SUMMONS

(Criminal Procedure Code Ss. 85 and 86)

[GENERAL TITLE]

REGINA

v.

……………………………..

I [name, address and occupation of deponent]
make oath and say as follows:—

1. I did on the ……………. day of ………….. 19……. , at [state where] in the Province of ………………………………. Solomon Islands personally serve ………………………. with a true copy of the summons marked "A" which appeared to me to have been regularly issued out of the Office of the Magistrate's Court for the …………………….. District; a true duplicate of which summons is now produced and shown to me marked "A".

2. At the time of the said service I did endorse on the said duplicate summons, the day of the month and the week of the said service on the said …………………………

Sworn at …………….	)
this …………… day of	)	Deponent
……………… 19……	)

Before me:—

Magistrate/Commissioner for Oaths

(Form 11 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

SUMMONS TO DEFENDANT

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 86)

[GENERAL TITLE]

TO:
………………………………………………………………………
of ……………………………………………………………………

YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED TO APPEAR at …………. o'clock on the ……………………… day of ………………. 19……. at the Magistrate's Court at ………………………. there to answer the charge(s) set out hereunder and be dealt with according to law.

If you wish to admit the charge and your personal attendance to be excused and the case disposed of in your absence you should sign the certificate to that effect overleaf.

Statement of Offence

Particulars of Offence

Dated this ……………………. day of ………………… 19……… .

Magistrate/Clerk of the Court

See reverse form

CERTIFICATE OF CONSENT

I hereby certify that:

(i) I do not wish to appear in person and that I consent to trial in my absence; and

(ii) I plead guilty to the charge(s).

Dated this ……………… day of ………………. 19……….. .

Signature of Defendant

You may if you wish attach a written explanation or plea in mitigation

This is the exhibit marked "A"
referred to in the affidavit
of ……………………………
Sworn before me this …………………… day of ……………. 19……. .

Magistrate/Commissioner for Oaths

Served by me ………………………………
on the within-named ……………………….
on the ………………… day of ………………. 19…….. , at ……….. o'clock in the …………….. noon at ………………………

(Form 12 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

SUMMONS TO SHOW CAUSE

(Criminal Procedure Code Ss. 78 and 86)

[GENERAL TITLE]

WHEREAS on the ………………….. day of ……………. 19………….
you …………………………….. were charged with the offence hereunder set out

Statement of Offence

Particulars of Offence

And whereas your personal attendance was dispensed with under section 86 of the Criminal Procedure Code:

And whereas you were on the day aforesaid convicted of the said offence and ordered to pay a fine of …………………… within the period of …………… days from the date hereof:

And whereas the said fine has not been paid within the prescribed period:

NOW THEREFORE YOU THE SAID ………………………………………. ARE HEREBY COMMANDED TO APPEAR before the Magistrate's Court ………………….. at on the ……………… day of ………………. 19……… , at …………… o'clock to show cause why you should not be committed to prison for such term as may then be prescribed.

Dated this ………………. day of ……………….19………. .

Magistrate/Clerk of the Court

See reverse form

This is the exhibit marked "A"
referred to in the affidavit
of ……………………………

Sworn before me this ……………….. day of …………….. 19…………. .

Magistrate/Commissioner for Oaths

Served by me ……………………….
on the within-named ………………..
on the ……………….. day of ……………. 19……. at …….. o'clock in the ………. noon at ……………………….

(Form 13 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

WARRANT TO APPREHEND DEFENDANT
WHERE SUMMONS IS DISOBEYED

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 89)

[GENERAL TITLE]

REGINA

v.

………………………………………..

To all Police Officers within Solomon Islands

WHEREAS on the ……………………. day of ………………..19……….. , ……………………………. of …………………………… (hereinafter called the defendant) was summoned to appear before the Magistrate's Court at …………………… on the ………………… day of …………….. 19……….. , at ………….. o'clock to answer the following charge(s):

Statement of Offence

Particulars of Offence

And whereas an oath has been made that the defendant was duly served with the summons but did not appear:

THESE ARE TO COMMAND YOU in Her Majesty's name to arrest the defendant and bring him before me at the Magistrate's Court at to answer the said charge(s) and be dealt with according to law.

Dated this ………………….. day of …………………… 19……….. .

Magistrate/Clerk of the Court

See reverse form

ENDORSEMENT WHERE BAIL IS ALLOWED

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 90)

It is directed that the defendant on arrest be released on bail on his/her entering into a recognisance in the sum of $ ……………….., with ……………….. surety/sureties in the sum of $.................. [each], for his/her appearance before the Magistrate's Court at ………………………….. on the ………………….. day of ……………. 19…………. , at ……………… am/pm.

Dated at …………… this …………….. day of ……………….19……… .

Magistrate

(Form 14-Magistrates' Courts Act)

INFORMATION TO GROUND SEARCH WARRANT

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 101)

[GENERAL TITLE]

……………………………………….. of …………………………………..

on his oath complains that on the ………………… day of ………………… 19…………. , the following goods of the value of $....................... namely:

were unlawfully carried away from ……………………………………….
by some person or person unknown, and that he has reasonable cause to suspect, and does suspect, that those goods, or some of them, are concealed at …………………………….. occupied by ………………………. of ………………………. ;for he the ………………………………… said / says that:

Sworn			)
this ………… day of	)
……………… 19…	)

Before me:

Magistrate

(Form 15 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

SEARCH WARRANT

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 101)

[GENERAL TITLE]

To all Police Officers within Solomon Islands

………………………………….. of……………………………………………

has this day made an oath before the court that ………………………………...

And it appears to this Court that (according to reasonable suspicion) the said goods, or some of them, are concealed as aforesaid. You are therefore hereby authorised and commanded in Her Majesty's name, with proper assistance, by day

to enter the said …………………………………………………….

if necessary by force, and there diligently to search for the said goods, and if the same or any thereof are found on search, to bring the goods so found before this Court, to be dealt with according to law.
Dated this ……………………….. day of …………………… 19………… .

Magistrate

This Warrant may be executed during the hours of darkness.

Magistrate

(Form 16 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

SUMMONS TO WITNESS

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 127)

[GENERAL TITLE]

REGINA -v- …………………….

TO: …………………………………………..

Whereas a charge(s) has/have been made on the complaint of
………………………………………………………………..
that ………………………. of ……………………………….
did commit the following offence(s):

Statement of Offence

Particulars of Offence

And it appearing to me that you are likely to give material evidence therein on behalf of the complainant/defendant

YOU ARE THEREFORE HEREBY SUMMONED TO APPEAR before the Magistrate's Court at on the ………………….. day of ……………….. 19…….. at ………… o'clock and thereafter on succeeding days unless the court shall otherwise direct as long as may be required by the said court to testify what you know in the matter; [and also to bring with you and produce at the time and place aforesaid]
Dated this ………………. day of ……………….. 19……. .

Magistrate

See reverse form

This is the exhibit marked "A"
referred to in the affidavit
of ……………………………

Sworn before me this ……………. day of ……………….. 19…….. .

Magistrate/Commissioner for Oaths

Served by me …………………………………
on the within-named ………………………….
on the …………………… day of ……………….. 19….. at …..o'clock in the ………. noon at ………………..

(Form 17 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

WARRANT WHERE A WITNESS HAS NOT OBEYED A SUMMONS

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 128)

[GENERAL TITLE]

REGINA -v- ……………………………

To all Police Officers within Solomon Islands

…………………………………………. of …………………………………….

not having appeared in obedience to a summons requiring his attendance on the …………………………… day of …………………… 19……, at the Magistrate's Court at ……………………….., to give evidence on behalf of ………………….. of ………………………………. on a charge against

……………………………… of …………………………………………………

THESE ARE TO COMMAND YOU in Her Majesty's name to arrest and bring before me the said ……………………………….. to be dealt with according to law.

Dated this ……………………….. day of …………………….. 19…….. .

Magistrate

See reverse form

ENDORSEMENT WHERE BAIL IS ALLOWED

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 90)

It is directed that the witness on arrest be released on bail on his/her entering into a recognisance in the sum of $................................................ with surety/sureties in the sum of $..................... [each], for his/her appearance before the Magistrate's Court at …………………….. on the …………………. day of …………………… 19……. at ………………………… o'clock

Dated this …………………… day of ………………. 19……………. .

Magistrate.

(Form 18 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

WARRANT FOR A WITNESS IN THE FIRST INSTANCE

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 129)

[GENERAL TITLE]

REGINA -v- ………………………

To all Police Officers within Solomon Islands

…………………………… of …………………………………………

having deposed to me that ………………………………………………

[is in possession of material evidence/is a material witness] in respect of a charge against …………………………………………………………………..

and is not likely to give evidence unless compelled to do so;

THESE ARE TO COMMAND YOU in Her Majesty's name to arrest and bring the said …………………………………….. before me at the Magistrate's Court at ……………………. at …………. o'clock on the ………………… day of ……………. 19………. , to give evidence in the said matter and produce the following documents or things:

Dated this ………………….. day of ……………….. 19……. .

Magistrate

(Form 19 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

COMMITMENT OF REFRACTORY WITNESS

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 135)

[GENERAL TITLE]

To all Police Officers within Solomon Islands and to the Officer in Charge of the prison at ………………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………….. of ……………………………………..

having this day appeared before the Magistrate's Court held at ………………. as a witness at the hearing of a charge against ……………………………………… of ……………………………………………………………………………………

[refused without just excuse to be sworn (or affirmed)]
[having been sworn (or affirmed) refuses
[to answer any question put to him]
[to produce any document or thing which he is required to produce]
[to sign his deposition:]

Whereupon the hearing of the said charge was adjourned to the ……………….. day of ………………………. 19…………. , and the said …………………………….. was ordered to be committed to prison until such date unless he sooner consents to do what is required of him:

THESE ARE THEREFORE TO COMMAND YOU the said Police Officers in Her Majesty's name to convey the said ……………………………………………… to the prison at and there to deliver him to the Officer in charge thereof who is hereby directed to imprison him until such date unless he sooner consents to do what is required of him and then to bring him before this Court at such adjourned hearing as aforesaid.

Dated this ……………………… day of ……………………… 19…………. .

Magistrate

(Form 20 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

WARRANT TO REMAND DEFENDANT WHEN ARRESTED

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 95)

[GENERAL TITLE]

REGINA -v- …………………………..

To all Police Officers within Solomon Islands and to the Officer in Charge of the prison at ……………………………………

…………………………………….. of …………………………………………..

having been brought before me under arrest to answer the following charges(s):-

Statement of Offence

Particulars of Offence

THESE ARE THEREFORE TO COMMAND YOU the said Police Officers in Her Majesty's name to convey and deliver the said …………………………………….. to the Officer in Charge of the prison at …………………………….. who is hereby directed safely to keep him until the …………………. day of ……………….. 19….. and then have him before the Magistrate's Court at ………….. at …………. o'clock.

Dated this ……………………….. day of ………………………… 19…….. .

Magistrate

(Form 21 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

WARRANT OF COMMITMENT FOR SAFE CONDUCT ON ADJOURNMENT OF HEARING

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 191)

[GENERAL TITLE]

REGINA -v- …………………………..

To all Police Officers within Solomon Islands and to the Officer in Charge of the prison at ……………………………………………….

Whereas the hearing of a charge against ………………………………………… has been adjourned to the ……………….. day of …………….. 19………… at ………… o'clock at the Magistrate's Court at ………………………………………………….

THESE ARE TO COMMAND YOU the said Police Officers in Her Majesty's name to convey ………………………………………………………………………. to the prison at ………………………… and there deliver him to the Officer in Charge thereof who is hereby directed safely to keep him until the said ………….. day of ………………………. 19……. and then have him before me at the said adjourned hearing.

Dated this …………………….. day of …………………….. 19………. .

Magistrate

(Form 22 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

WARRANT TO ARREST ACCUSED WHO HAS NOT
APPEARED AFTER ADJOURNMENT

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 192)

[GENERAL TITLE]

REGINA -v- …………………………….

To all Police Officers within Solomon Islands

Whereas

……………………………………. of ……………………………………….. hereinafter called the accused, appeared before the Magistrate's Court at ……………………………………. to answer a charge(s) that he the said accused did commit the following offence(s):-

Statement of Offence

Particulars of Offence

And the hearing of the said charge(s) was adjourned to the ………………. day of …………………. 19………. , at o'clock at the Magistrate's Court at ……………….. at which time and place the accused failed to appear:

THESE ARE TO COMMAND YOU the said Police Officers in Her Majesty's name to arrest the accused and have him before me forthwith at the Magistrate's Court.

Dated this ………………….. day of ………………… 19…………. .

Magistrate

(Form 23 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

NOTICE OF CONVICTION OR ORDER

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 204)

[GENERAL TITLE]

REGINA -v- ………………………….

BE IT KNOWN that on the ………………. day of ………………….. 19………… at …………………… the ………………… Magistrate's Court ……………………………. of ………………………… was convicted of the following offence(s):

Statement of Offence

Particulars of Offence

AND it was ordered for his said offence that:

[he be imprisoned for from the above-mentioned date]
[he pay a fine of $and in default of payment he should be imprisoned for ………..]
[he pay the sum of $.................. as compensation to …………………….. of ……………………. and in default he should be imprisoned for …………………..]
[he pay the sum of $................. to ………………………….. of …………………… for his costs and in default be imprisoned for ………………………………………]

Dated this …………………….. day of ……………………….. 19…………. .

Magistrate

(Form 24 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

DEPOSITION AT PRELIMINARY INQUIRY AND TRIAL

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 212)

[GENERAL TITLE]

REGINA -v- ……………………..

In the matter of a charge against the above-mentioned accused,

……………………………………….. of ……………………………………….

in the presence and hearing of the said accused deposes on oath (or as the case may be) as follows:

Witness

Taken before me on this ………………… day of ………………. 19…….. .

Magistrate

(Form 25 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

STATEMENT OF ACCUSED

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 215)

[GENERAL TITLE]

REGINA -v- …………………………

……………………………… of ……………………………………

(hereinafter called the accused) stands charged this ………………… day of …………………………… 19………… , with the following offence(s):

Statement of Offence

Particulars of Offence

[And the witnesses for the prosecution having each severally been examined in the presence of the accused]
[And the statements of the witnesses for the prosecution having been read over to the accused]

And the said charge being read and its nature explained in ordinary language to the accused:

The accused is now addressed by the Court as follows:

"You will have an opportunity to give evidence on oath before me and to call witness. But first I am going to ask you whether you wish to say anything in answer to the charge. You need not say anything unless you wish to do so; and you have nothing to hope from any promise, and nothing to fear from any threat, that may have been held out to induce you to make any admission or confession of guilt. Anything you say may be on oath or unsworn and will be taken down and may be given in evidence at your trial. Do you wish to say anything in answer to the charge?"

Whereupon the accused [makes no reply]
[[being sworn] says, as follows:]

See reverse form

And the above statement of the accused has been read over to him; and the accused has been told he may sign it if he wishes.

And the accused has been given an opportunity to give evidence himself and to call witnesses.

I certify that the above statement was given in my presence and hearing at ………………. the ………………….. day of …………………….. 19……. and that it contains accurately the whole statement [or evidence] given by the accused.

Magistrate

(Form 26 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

WARRANT OF COMMITMENT IN CUSTODY FOR TRIAL

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 219)

[GENERAL TITLE]

REGINA -v- ……………………..

To all Police Officers within Solomon Islands and to the Officer in Charge of the prison at ………………………………………………

………………………………………… of ………………………………………

(hereinafter called the accused) having been charged this day before the Magistrate's Court held at ………………………………………………………. with the following offence(s):

Statement of Offence

Particulars of Offence

And the said Court after inquiry into the said offence having committed the accused for trial to the High Court to be held at …………………………………… on the …………………. day of ………………..19….. :

THESE ARE TO COMMAND YOU the said Police Officers in Her Majesty's name to convey and deliver the said accused to the Officer in charge of the prison at ……………………… who is hereby directed safely to keep him until he shall be delivered in due course of law.

Dated this ……………………. day of ………………………. 19……….. .

Magistrate

See reverse form

ENDORSEMENT WHERE BAIL IS ALLOWED

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 219)

It is directed that the accused may be released on bail on his/her entering into a recognisance in the sum of $...................... with surety/sureties in the sum of $..................... [each], for his/her appearance before the High Court to be held at …………………….. on the ………….. day of ……………………….. 19….. , to stand his/her trial upon any information preferred against him/her, [and, subject to the condition for his/her said appearance, to undergo medical examination by a duly qualified medical practitioner at ……………………… [and to reside, for the purpose of undergoing the said examination at the said place from the ………………. day of …………………………… 19…………… , to the ……………….. day of ……………….. 19………….. [or until he/she appears to stand his/her trial aforesaid]

Magistrate

(Form 27 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

ORDER COMMITTING CORPORATION FOR TRIAL

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 219)

[GENERAL TITLE]

REGINA -v- ………………………….

To the Director of Public Prosecutions

……………………………………………………. (hereinafter called the accused corporation) was this day charged before the Magistrate's Court held at ………………. with the following offence:-

Statement of Offence

Particulars of Offence

And the said Court after inquiry into the said offence having determined to commit the accused corporation for trial to the High Court to be held at …………………… on the …………………. day of ………………………………. 19…………..:

You the Director of Public Prosecutions are hereby authorised and empowered to file an information in respect of the said offence in the High Court.

Dated this ……………………….. day of …………………………… 19…….. .

Magistrate

(Form 28 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

COMMITMENT OF WITNESS FOR REFUSING TO ENTER
INTO RECOGNISANCE TO GIVE EVIDENCE

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 222)

[GENERAL TITLE]

To all Police Officers within Solomon Islands and to the Officer in Charge of the prison at ………………………………………………………..

………………………………………… of ……………………………………….

having been charged this day before the Magistrate's Court held at …………………. with the following offence:-

Statement of Offence

Particulars of Offence

AND …………………………………… of ……………………………………

having been examined before the Court concerning the said offence, and being required by the Court to enter into a recognisance conditioned to attend and give evidence on the trial of ……………………………………… of …………………………………….. refuses to do so:

THESE ARE TO COMMAND YOU the said Police Officers in Her Majesty's name to convey and deliver the said ……………………………………………………. to the Officer in Charge of the prison at ……………………………………… who is hereby directed safely to keep the said ……………………………………… until after his trial for the offence aforesaid unless in the meantime the said ……………… shall enter into such recognisance as aforesaid in the sum of $........................... [with surety/sureties in the sum of $............................... (each)] conditioned to appear at the next Session of the High Court and there to give evidence upon the trial of any information against the said accused in respect of the said offence.

Dated the …………………….. day of …………………….. 19……….. .

Magistrate.

(Form 29 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

WITNESSES BOUND OVER OR TREATED AS HAVING BEEN
BOUND OVER CONDITIONALLY

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 224)

[GENERAL TITLE]

REGINA -v- …………………………

…………………………….. committed for trial at …………………………….

List of witnesses whose attendance at the trial appears to the committing Court to be unnecessary and who have accordingly been bound over to attend the trial conditionally or have been treated as having been so bound over.

Name		Address		Occupation

If notice to attend has subsequently been issued by the clerk to the committing Court, the date of issue should be stated

Notice to attend the trial has been issued by me on the dates abovementioned to those witnesses against whose names a date is inserted in the last column hereof.

Dated this ………………….. day of ………………………… 19………… .

Clerk of the Court

(Form 30 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

NOTICE REQUIRING ATTENDANCE OF WITNESS BOUND OVER
OR TREATED AS BOUND OVER CONDITIONALLY

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 224)

[GENERAL TITLE]

REGINA -v- …………………………

To:

Whereas you were on the ……………… day of …………………. 19……….. bound over by a recognisance in the sum of $....................... to appear,

[upon notice being given to you, at the court specified in such notice and there to give evidence on the trial of ……………………………………………………………. ].

[at the next session of the High Court or at such other Court as you should be directed, to give evidence on the trial of ………………………………………………………. and whereas notice was subsequently given to you that you would not be required to attend the trial unless you received notice:]

THIS IS TO GIVE YOU NOTICE that you ARE required to appear at the next session of the High Court to be held at ………………………… and there to give evidence accordingly and that unless you do so the said recognisance will be forthwith enforced against you.

Dated this ………………….. day of ………………………. 19…… .

Clerk of Court/Registrar of the High Court

(Form 31 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

SUMMONS TO AN ASSESSOR

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 245)

[GENERAL TITLE]

REGINA -v- ………………………….

To:

You are required to attend the Court at ………………… on the ……………….. day of …………………………….. 19…….. at ……… o'clock to act as an assessor at the trial of the above-named person.

Dated this ………………… day of …………………… 19…………..

Magistrate

(Form 32 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

SUMMONS TO INTERPRETER

(Criminal Procedure Code Ss. 184 and 250)

[GENERAL TITLE]

REGINA -v- ………………………..

To: ……………………………………. of ………………………………..

YOU ARE HEREBY REQUIRED TO ATTEND this Court on the ………………………. day of ………………….. 19……… at ………… o'clock to act as Interpreter to the trial of the above-mentioned person.

Dated this …………………… day of …………………. 19……….. .

Magistrate

(Form 33 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

WARRANT OF COMMITMENT ON A CONVICTION WHERE
THE PUNISHMENT IS BY IMPRISONMENT

(Penal Code S. 24)

[GENERAL TITLE]

To all Police Officers within Solomon Islands and to the Officer in Charge of the prison at

WHEREAS ………………………………. of ………………………………….. was this day duly convicted before me of the following offence(s):-

Statement of Offence

Particulars of Offence

and it was thereby adjudged that the said …………………………………………… for his offence(s) should be imprisoned in Her Majesty's Prison at ………………… and there to be kept for ………………………………… from this day.

THESE ARE THEREFORE TO COMMAND YOU the said Police Officers to take the said ………………………………………………………………… and convey him to the said prison and deliver him to the Officer in Charge thereof who is hereby directed to imprison him for the time aforesaid.

Dated this ………………….. day of ………………………… 19…………. .

Magistrate

(Form 34 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

WARRANT OF COMMITMENT ON A CONVICTION AND IN
DEFAULT OF PAYMENT

(Penal Code S. 29)

[GENERAL TITLE]

To all Police Officers within Solomon Islands and to the Officer in Charge of the prison at ………………………………………….

WHEREAS …………………………………… of ……………………………….. was on the ………………… day of …………………… 19…….. convicted before me of the following offence(s):-

Statement of Offence

Particulars of Offence

and it was thereby adjudged that the said ……………………………………………. for his offence(s) should pay a fine of ………………………. or in default of payment be imprisoned for ……………………………………. and whereas the said ………………………………….. hath made default in the sum of ………………:

THESE ARE THEREFORE TO COMMAND YOU the said Police Officers to take the said ………………………………………………………………… and convey him to Her Majesty's Prison at ………………………………….. and deliver him to the Officer in Charge thereof who is hereby directed to imprison him the said ………………………….. and there to keep him for …………………………… from this day unless he shall pay a fine of ………………………………. dollars as aforesaid.

Dated this ………………………. day of ……………………………. 19………….. .

Magistrate

(Form 35 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

WARRANT OF DISTRESS UPON A CONVICTION
AND IN DEFAULT OF PAYMENT

(Penal Code S. 28)

[GENERAL TITLE]

To all Police Officers within Solomon Islands

WHEREAS ………………………………. of ………………………………. was on the ……………………….. day of ……………………. 19………. convicted before me of the following offence(s):-

Statement of Offence

Particulars of Offence

and it was thereby adjudged that the said ……………………………………….. should pay a fine of $..................... and should also pay to …………………………. the sum of $.................. for costs (and compensation):

AND whereas the said …………………………………… being so convicted and being required to pay the said sums of $....................... and $................................. has not paid the same but made default:

THESE ARE THEREFORE TO COMMAND YOU in Her Majesty's name forthwith to make distress of the goods and chattels of the said ………………………………. and if within …………………… days next after the making of such distress the said sums together with the reasonable charges of taking and keeping the distress shall not be paid that you sell the said goods and chattels and pay the money from such sale to the Clerk of the Magistrate's Court at ………………………………………… that he may pay and apply the same as by law directed and may render the surplus if any on demand to the said …………………………………………………. and if no such distress can be found then that you certify the same to me so that further proceedings may be taken according to law.

Dated this ……………………… day of ………………………………….. 19…… .

Magistrate

Note: If this warrant is executed outside the territorial limits of the jurisdiction of the court issuing the same it must be endorsed by a magistrate within the territorial limits of whose jurisdiction such property is found.

See reverse form

RETURN OF INSUFFICIENT DISTRESS

I, …………………………………………………………… [insert rank and number], stationed at ……………………………. in the ……………….. Province of …………………… Solomon Islands, hereby certify that, by virtue of this warrant, I have made diligent search for the money and goods of the abovenamed, …………………………. and that I can find no [sufficient] money or goods of him/her whereupon the sums specified in this warrant can be levied.

Dated this …………………….. day of …………………………. 19…………….. .

(Form 36 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

WARRANT OF COMMITMENT FOR WANT OF DISTRESS
UPON A CONVICTION FOR A FINE

(Penal Code S. 30)

[GENERAL TITLE]

To all Police Officers within Solomon Islands and to the Officer in Charge of the prison at ………………………………………………………..

WHEREAS ……………………………………….. of ……………………………. was on the ………………………….. day of ……………………. 19……… duly convicted before me …………………………………………. of the following offence(s):-

Statement of Offence

Particulars of Offence

and it was thereby adjudged that the said ………………………………………….. should pay a fine of $ ……………….……………………. and should also pay to ………………………………… the sum of $............................. for costs (and compensation) and it was thereby ordered that if the said sums should not be paid the said ……………………………………………………….. should be imprisoned in Her Majesty's prison at ……………………………… and there to be kept for ………………………………….

AND whereas afterwards on the ………………….. day of …………………….. 19…. I issued a warrant to all Police Officers within Solomon Islands commanding them to levy the said sums of $.................. and $....................... by distress and sale of the goods and chattels of the said ……………………………………………………..

AND whereas it appears to me from the return of ………………………………… that no sufficient distress whereupon to levy the above-mentioned sum could be found.

THESE ARE THEREFORE TO COMMAND YOU the said Police Officers to take the said ……………………………………………………….. and convey him to Her Majesty's prison at ……………………………………. and deliver him to the Officer in Charge thereof who is hereby directed to imprison him and keep him for ………………………………. from this day unless the said sums and all the costs and charges of the distress and of the commitment and conveying of the said ………………………….. to the said prison amounting to a further sum of $............................... shall be sooner paid.

Dated this ……………………….. day of …………………………….. 19…….. .

Magistrate

(Form 37 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

WARRANT OF DISTRESS FOR COSTS UPON AN
ORDER OF DISMISSAL OF A CHARGE

(Penal Code S. 28)

[GENERAL TITLE]

To all Police Officers within Solomon Islands

WHEREAS on the ……………………. day of ………………………….. 19……. …………………………… of …………………………. was charged before me of the following offence(s):-

Statement of Offence

Particulars of Offence

and I dismissed the same and adjudged that …………………………..of ………………………… should pay to the said …………………………….. the sum of $.................................. for his costs incurred in his defence and has not paid the same

THESE ARE THEREFORE TO COMMAND YOU in Her Majesty's name forthwith to make distress of the goods and chattels of the same ………………………………. and if within days next after making of such distress the said sums together with the reasonable charges of taking and keeping the distress shall not be paid that you sell the said goods and chattels and pay the money from such sale to the Clerk of the Magistrate's Court at ………………………………………. that he may pay and apply the same as by law directed and may render the surplus if any on demand to the said …………………………………………………. and if no such distress can be found then that you certify the same to me so that further proceedings may be taken according to law.

Dated this ………………………….. day of ………………………. 19……… .

Magistrate

Note: If this warrant is executed outside the territorial limits of the jurisdiction of the court issuing the same it must be endorsed by a magistrate within the territorial limits of whose jurisdiction such property is found.

See reverse form

RETURN OF INSUFFICIENT DISTRESS

I, …………………………………………………………… [insert rank and number],
stationed at in the  Province of Solomon Islands, hereby certify that, by virtue of this warrant, I have made diligent search for the money and goods of the abovenamed, and that I can find no [sufficient] money or goods of him/her whereupon the sums specified in this warrant can be levied.

Dated this ……………………. day of ………………………….. 19…………… .

(Form 38 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

WARRANT OF COMMITMENT FOR WANT OF DISTRESS
UPON AN ORDER FOR DISMISSAL OF A CHARGE

(Penal Code S. 30)

[GENERAL TITLE]

To all Police Officers within Solomon Islands and to the Officer in Charge of the prison at …………………………………………………….

WHEREAS on the …………………. day of …………………………. 19………..
of ……………………….. was charged before me with the following offence(s):-

Statement of Offence

Particulars of Offence

and I therefore dismissed the same and adjudged that ………………………………… of ………………………………………………. should pay to the said …………………………………… the sum of $.................... for his costs incurred in his defence and I ordered that if the said sum for costs should not be paid the said ………………………………… should be imprisoned in Her Majesty's prison at ………………….. and there to be kept for …………………………

AND whereas afterwards on the ……………….. day of …………………….. 19……. I issued a warrant to all Police Officers within Solomon Islands commanding them to levy the said sum of $........................... for costs by distress and sale of the goods and chattels of the said ……………………………

AND whereas it appears to me from the return of …………………………………… that no sufficient distress whereon to levy the above-mentioned sum could be found:

THESE ARE THEREFORE TO COMMAND YOU the said Police Officers to take the said …………………………………………………………………. and convey him to Her Majesty's prison at ………………………………………………. and deliver him to the Officer in Charge thereof who is hereby directed to imprison him for from this day unless the said sum and all costs and charges of the said distress amounting to a further sum of …………………………….. shall be sooner paid.

Dated this ………………… day of ……………………….. 19………….. .

Magistrate

(Form 39 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

ORDER AS TO RESIDENCE

(Penal Code, Ss. 175, 176 and 303)

[GENERAL TITLE]

To all Police Officers within Solomon Islands

WHEREAS ………………………………….. of …………………………………. on the ………………………….. day of ……………………… 19…….. , was duly convicted before me of the following offence(s)-

Statement of Offence

Particulars of Offence

and the said ……………………………………………….. was ordered by me to reside at …………………………………………………… in the ………………………….. Province for a period of …………….. from this day:

THESE ARE THEREFORE TO COMMAND YOU the said Police Officers to convey the said ………………………………….. to such place and if he shall leave such place before the above-mentioned period expires he shall be liable to the penalties provided by law.

Dated this …………………… day of …………………………. 19……. .

Magistrate

(Form 40 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

SPECIAL PROCEDURE IN MINOR CASES

(Criminal Procedure Code S. 209)

(FORM OF RECORD)

[GENERAL TITLE]

Held on the …………………….. day of ……………………………. 19…………. .

Name of Accused: (1) ……………………………… of (2) ………………………….

Charge explained to Accused per attached charge sheet marked ……………………..

Accused pleads:

(1)
(2)

Prosecution witnesses and brief note of evidence:

PW 1:
PW 2:
PW 3:
PW 4:

Statement/evidence of Accused:

(1)
(2)

Defence witnesses and brief note of evidence:

DW 1:
DW 2:
DW 3:

Finding:

Previous convictions:

Mitigation:

Sentence: Accused (1) 
Accused (2)

Any Special orders

Magistrate

Date

(Form 41 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

PROBATION ORDER

(Probation of Offenders Act S. 4)

[GENERAL TITLE]

Whereas ……………………………….. of ………………………………. (hereinafter referred to as the probationer) has this day been convicted of …………………………………………………………………………..:-

AND whereas the Court is of the opinion having regard to the circumstances, including the nature of the offence(s) and the character of the probationer, that it is expedient to make a probation order:

AND whereas the Court has explained to the probationer the effect of this order (including the additional requirements specified below) and that if the probationer fails to comply therewith or commits another offence the probationer will be liable to be sentenced for the offence in respect of which this order is made, and the probationer has expressed willingness to comply with the requirements of this order:

Now therefore it is ordered that the probationer be required for the period of ……………………….. years from the date of this order to be under the supervision of a probation officer assigned thereto by the Principal Probation Officer; and it is further ordered that the probationer shall during the said period comply with the following additional requirements:

1. That the probationer shall be of good behaviour and lead an industrious life.

2. That the probationer shall reside at ………………………………………….

3. That the probationer shall inform the probation officer at once of any change of residence or employment.

4. That the probationer shall keep in touch with the probation officer in accordance with such instructions as may from time to time be given by the probation officer and in particular shall, if the probation officer so requires, visit the probation officer personally at such place as the probation officer may specify, or receive visits from the probation officer at the probationer's home, at such times as the probation officer shall direct.

5. 

Dated this …………………. day of ……………………… 19……………..

Magistrate

(Form 42 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

ORDER AMENDING PROBATION ORDER

(Probation of Offenders Act S. 5)

[GENERAL TITLE]

ON the ……………………………… day of ………………….. 19………. the Magistrate's Court at …………………………………………………… did make a probation order which [as subsequently amended by the Court] required of …………………………………………….. (herinafter referred to as the probationer) to be under the supervision of a probation officer for a period of years from the above-mentioned date and further required the probationer to:

NOW upon the application of  this Court amends the said probation order as follows:

Dated this …………………………. day of …………………… 19………. .

Magistrate

(Form 43 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

ORDER DISCHARGING PROBATION ORDER

(Penal Code S. 5)

[GENERAL TITLE]

ON the …………………. day of …………………….. 19………… the Magistrate's Court at ……………………… did make a probation order which [as subsequently amended by the Court] required ……………………………………. of …………………………………. to ………………………………….. be under the supervision of a probation officer for a period of ………………… years from the above-mentioned date and the said probation order not containing a direction reserving the power of discharge to any other Court:

NOW upon the application of ………………………………………………….. this Court hereby discharges the said probation order.

Dated this ……………….. day of ………………………… 19………….. .

Magistrate

(Form 44 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

ORDER FOR CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE

(Penal Code S. 35)

[GENERAL TITLE]

WHEREAS ……………………….. of …………………………………… (hereinafter referred to as the defendant) was this day charged with the following offences(s):

Statement of Offence

Particulars of Offence

AND whereas the Court is of the opinion that the facts constituting the offence charged have been proved but that, having regard to the circumstances including the nature of the offence charged and the character of the defendant, it is inexpedient to inflict punishment or to make a probation order:

NOW THEREFORE IT IS ORDERED that the defendant be discharged subject to the condition that the defendant:

1. commits no offence during the period of ……………………… years after the date of this order

2. pays to …………………………….. the sum of …………………………. dollars by way of compensation

3. 

Dated this ………….. day of …………………………….. 19……. .

Magistrate

(Form 45 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

COMMITMENT ON FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENT OF PROBATION ORDER OR CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE

(Probation of Offenders Act S. 7)
(Penal Code S. 35)

[GENERAL TITLE]

To all Police Officers within Solomon Islands and to the Officer in Charge of the prison at ………………………………………….

WHEREAS ……………………………………. of ………………………………..
was on the ………………………….. day of …………………….. 19…… at the Court subjected to a [probation order] [order of conditional discharge];

AND WHEREAS it has been proved to this court that the said ………………………. did on the ………………. day of …………………… 19……….. fail to comply with a condition of the said order namely that he/she ………………………………………

AND WHEREAS this Court has therefore adjudged the said …………………………. to be imprisoned in Her Majesty's Prison at ……………………………. and there to be kept for ……………………….. from this day:

THESE ARE THEREFORE TO COMMAND YOU the said Police Officers to take the said ………………………. and convey him/her to the said prison and deliver him/her to the Officer in Charge thereof who is hereby directed to imprison him/her for the time aforesaid.

Dated this ………………… day of ………………………….. 19………. .

Magistrate

(Form 46 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

ORDER FOR COMMITTAL OF PERSON UNDER THE AGE
OF 16 YEARS TO CARE OF FIT PERSON

(Penal Code S. 36)
(Juvenile Offenders Act S. 16)

[GENERAL TITLE]

WHEREAS this Court considers that the charge under section of ………………. the Penal Code against ………………………………. (hereinafter called the accused) has been proved but is of the opinion that the said accused is under the age of 16 years and is in need of care, protection or control:

NOW therefore it is ordered that the said accused be committed to the care of ………………………………….. of ………………………………………… a fit person who is willing to undertake the care of the said accused until the said accused attains the age of eighteen years or such earlier date as is ordered by the Court or until this is varied or cancelled by the Court.

[And it is further ordered that ……………………………………………………. pay the sum of $........................ per month towards the maintenance of the said accused to be paid to the Magistrate's Court at ……………………..].

Dated this …………………… day of ………………………… 19………… .

Magistrate

(Form 47 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

RECOGNISANCE TO APPEAR AND RECEIVE SENTENCE

(Penal Code S. 33)

[GENERAL TITLE]

WHEREAS I, ……………………………. of ………………………………… have been convicted of the following offence(s):

Statement of Offence:

Particulars of Offence:

AND WHEREAS the Court considered it expedient to make an order under section 33 of the Penal Code

NOW THEREFORE I, …………………………. of ………………………………… hereby acknowledge myself bound to the Court in the recognisance of $...................

[with ……………………… of ……………………. as surety in the sum of $............ and ………………………... of ……………………. as surety in the sum of $............]

to appear and receive sentence for the said offence(s) when called upon by the Court to do so during the period of ……………………….. from the date of this recognisance and in the meantime to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.

I further am aware that should I fail to keep any of the terms of this recognisance I may be arrested on warrant from this Court.

See reverse form

Dated this ………………… day of ………………….. 19………… .

Signed: 
Address: 
Occupation: 

Order made by me this …………. day of ………………….19……….. .

Magistrate.

(Form 48-Magistrates' Courts Act)

ORDER FOR SUSPENDED SENTENCE OF IMPRISONMENT

(Penal Code S. 44(1)(a))

[GENERAL TITLE]

WHEREAS …………………………… of ………………………………… has been convicted of the following offence(s):

Statement of Offence:

Particulars of Offence:

and I have today sentenced him to imprisonment for ………………………… but I have ordered that the sentence shall not take effect unless during a period of …………………….. from this date he commits another offence punishable with imprisonment and a court orders that this sentence shall take effect.

THE PERIOD OF RUNS FROM

TO

Dated this ……………………….. day of ……………………… 19……….. .

Magistrate

(Form 49-Magistrates' Courts Act)

WARRANT OF COMMITMENT UPON AN ORDER FOR A
PARTIALLY SUSPENDED SENTENCE OF IMPRISONMENT

(Penal Code S. 44(1)(b))

[GENERAL TITLE]

TO all Police Officers and to the Officer in Charge of the Prison at ………………….

Name: ……………………… Age: ……………………….years

Address:

has been convicted of the following offence(s):

Statement of Offence:

Particulars of Offence:

and I have today sentenced him to imprisonment for …………………………… but I have ordered that after he has served …………………………….. the remaining ………………….. shall not take effect unless during a period of …………………… he commits another offence punishable with imprisonment and a court orders that the remainder of this sentence shall take effect.

YOU are therefore commanded to take …………………………………. and convey him to the prison at …………………………. and there deliver him to the Officer in Charge who is hereby directed to imprison him for the period of …………………….

Dated this ………………………… day of ……………………….. 19……….. .

Magistrate

(Form 50 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

WARRANT OF COMMITMENT FOR SENTENCE OF IMPRISONMENT WHERE A SUSPENDED SENTENCE IS PUT INTO EFFECT

(Penal Code S. 45)

[GENERAL TITLE]

To all Police Officers and to the Officer in Charge of the Prison at ………………

PREVIOUSLY at the Magistrate's Court on the …………… day of ………………… 19…………. 

……………………………………… of …………………………………………..

was convicted of the following offence(s):-

Statement of Offence:

and was sentenced to imprisonment for …………………….. but the term [of ……………. of that sentence] was ordered to be suspended for ……………………

NOW TAKE NOTICE that the same …………………………………………… has been convicted of the following offence(s) committed during the operational period of that suspended sentence:-

Statement of Offence:

Particulars of Offence:

[and I have sentenced him to imprisonment for a period of ……………………… ] AND I HAVE FURTHER ORDERED that the suspended sentence shall take effect with [the original term unaltered] [the substitution of a term of ………………….. ]

YOU ARE COMMANDED therefore to take …………………………………….. and convey him to Her Majesty's prison at ……………………… and there deliver him to the Officer in Charge who is hereby directed to imprison him for the period of ………………………………

Dated this ……………………. day of ………………………….. 19………. .

Magistrate

(Form 51 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

ORDER SUBSTITUTING A NEW PERIOD OF SUSPENSION OF
A SENTENCE OF IMPRISONMENT

[Penal Code S. 45(1)(c)]

[GENERAL TITLE]

PREVIOUSLY at ………………….. the …………………. Magistrate's Court on the …………………. day of ………………… 19 …... ……………………………. of ………………………………………. was convicted of the following offences(s):

Statement of Offence:

and was sentenced to imprisonment for …………………… but the term
[of that sentence]
[of …………………. of the sentence]
was ordered to be suspended for

NOW TAKE NOTICE that the same ……………………………………… has been convicted of the following offence(s) committed during the operational period of that suspended sentence:-

Statement of Offence:

Particulars of Offence:

BUT I have today ordered that the original period of suspension shall be varied by the substitution of a new period of …………………………………….

THIS NEW PERIOD OF SUSPENSION RUNS FROM
TO

Dated the ………………………. day of ………………………… 19……… .

Magistrate

(Form 52 — Magistrates' Courts Act)

ORDER FOR SUSPENDED SENTENCE SUPERVISION

(Penal Code S. 46)

SOLOMON ISLANDS

IN THE MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Criminal Case No: CRC / / MC

TO

Address:

TAKE NOTICE that ……………………………… of …………………………….

has been convicted of the following offence(s):

Statement of Offence:

Particulars of Offence:

and has today been sentenced to imprisonment for but I have ordered that the sentence shall not take effect unless during a period of ……………………………… from this date he commits another offence punishable with imprisonment and a court orders that this sentence shall take effect.

I have further ordered that ………………………………………………………… be placed under your supervision for a period of from today and I hereby appoint you to be his supervising officer. This period will terminate on the ……………….. day of …………………….. 19 .

Should………………………………………. fail to comply with any of the following conditions you must notify the Magistrate's Court at…………………. immediately.

The conditions of this Order are that:

(1) he must contact you not later than the……….. day of …………….19 .

(2) he shall keep in touch with you in accordance with your instructions.

(3) he must inform you of any change of address before he moves.

Failure to comply with those conditions will render liable to a fine of $300.

Dated the …………………… day of ………………………. 19……….. .

Magistrate

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