BY JENNIFER KUSAPA
THE execution of court orders in relation to repossession of land has always been an issue and the courts are urging parties to respect the law.
During the opening of the legal year, President of the Solomon Islands Bar Association Silverio Lepe said this issue is of concern to the court and the lawyers, and that parties must always respect the law and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
He said there are avenues to seek proper legal advice and bring grievances to when one encounters problems.
“You can seek assistance from the Public Solicitors office if you are unable to afford a private legal representation.
“Please do not sit on your right,” Mr Lepe said.
In the courts record a total of 43 cases were issued in 2017 and 28 enforcement orders were issued, 19 from the High Court and nine from the Magistrates Court in which half of the cases were successfully completed while the remaining half are still outstanding.
He said he acknowledge the Sheriff’s office that there are some movement in the enforcement of the court orders and also he thank the work of the police for maintaining peace and law and order during the enforcements.
Meanwhile the Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer also shared the same sentiments that the courts must value the orders at least as much as individual litigants do and wherewithal to make justice happen on the ground.
“Progress in this area has to date been measured, but if we are to move forward at a better rate this year there must be tangible signs,” Sir Albert added.
He said sometimes executions of court orders are difficult when dealing with difficult and stubborn parties who blatantly refuse to comply with orders of the court.
And thus sometimes it has been necessary to require police assistance, which again takes time to organise, coordinate and facilitate prolonging delays further in enforcement, Sir Albert said.
