Appeal Court Judge moves to strike out lawsuit

By Lanuola Tupufia – Ah Tong 25 October 2016, 12:00AM

The Court of Appeal Judge, Justice Robert Llyod Fisher through the Attorney General’s office is seeking to strike out a lawsuit from lawyer, Leulua’iali’i Olinda Woodroffe against him. 

The New Zealand based lawyer is suing Justice Fisher for $1million citing hurt and humiliation. 

Leulua’iali’i is also taking legal action against the Office of the Attorney General as second respondent, accusing them of being responsible for the actions of Justice Fisher. 

In the Supreme Court yesterday, Leulua’iali’i filed a motion to oppose to the strike out application. 

Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Sapolu adjourned the matter until 3 April 2017 for a hearing.

According to a statement of claim, the lawyer accuses Justice Fisher for an alleged consistent criticism of her when a matter she was standing for was called in the Court of Appeal on February this year. 

The lawyer was seeking an appeal for the case of Kirita Maria Kolotita Pune against Molio’o Teofilo Vaeluaga. 

Justice Fisher was among the panel of judges.

In her statement of claim, Leulua’iali’i alleged that the Judge in an open court “consistently made criticisms of the plaintiff which were high handed, unfair, unfounded, incorrect, gratuitous, inappropriate, abusive and made with a contumelious disregard of the plaintiff.”

By Lanuola Tupufia – Ah Tong 25 October 2016, 12:00AM
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