Chief Justice of the Cook Islands
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The Chief Justice of the Cook Islands is the head of the Cook Islands judiciary. They preside over the High Court of the Cook Islands and serve as a member of the Cook Islands Court of Appeal. The office was established by the Cook Islands Constitution.[1]
The Chief Justice is appointed by the Queen's Representative on the advice of the Executive Council.[2] They must be qualified to sit on the High Court, meaning that they must have either served as a justice of the High Court of New Zealand, Court of Appeal of New Zealand, or Supreme Court of New Zealand, or have practiced as a barrister in New Zealand or a country with an equivalent legal system for at least seven years.[3] When the position of Chief Justice is vacant, or the holder is absent or incapacitated, the senior judge of the High Court serves as Acting Chief Justice.[4]
The Chief Justice also acts in place of the Queen's Representative if that position is vacant or the appointee is absent or unable to perform their duties.[5]
List of Chief Justices of the Cook Islands
This list is incomplete.
- Gaven Donne (1975–82)
- Graham Speight (1982–88)
- Peter Quilliam
- Laurie Greig
- David A R Williams (2005 – 13 May 2010)
- Thomas Crowley Weston (from 13 May 2010)