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as far as I know, Sir Ian Barker retired in 2019, so this may need to be updated
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{{update|constitution and government structure since 1964, including the Pitcairn Constitution Order 2010, etc.|date=August 2016}} |
{{update|constitution and government structure since 1964, including the Pitcairn Constitution Order 2010, etc.|date=August 2016}} |
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{{Politics of the Pitcairn Islands}} |
{{Politics of the Pitcairn Islands}} |
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The [[Pitcairn Islands]] are a [[British Overseas Territory]] in the [[South Pacific Ocean]], with a population of about 50. The politics of the islands takes place in a framework of a [[parliamentary system|parliamentary]] [[representative democracy|representative democratic]] [[Dependent territory|dependency]], whereby the Mayor is the [[head of government]]. The territory's constitution is the [[Local Government Ordinance of 1964 (Pitcairn)|Local Government Ordinance of 1964]]. In terms of population, the Pitcairn Islands is the smallest democracy in the world.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/news/asia/21588420-south-pacific-about-get-worlds-biggest-national-park-pitcairns-bounty|title=Pitcairn's Bounty|access-date=2 July 2017|newspaper=The Economist|date=26 October 2013}}</ref> |
The [[Pitcairn Islands]] are a [[British Overseas Territory]] in the [[South Pacific Ocean]], with a population of about 50. The politics of the islands takes place in a framework of a [[parliamentary system|parliamentary]] [[representative democracy|representative democratic]] [[Dependent territory|dependency]], whereby the Mayor is the [[head of government]]. The territory's constitution is the [[Local Government Ordinance of 1964 (Pitcairn)|Local Government Ordinance of 1964]]. In terms of population, the Pitcairn Islands is the smallest democracy in the world.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/news/asia/21588420-south-pacific-about-get-worlds-biggest-national-park-pitcairns-bounty|title=Pitcairn's Bounty|access-date=2 July 2017|newspaper=The Economist|date=26 October 2013}}</ref> |
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The government's administrative offices are in [[Auckland]], [[New Zealand]].<ref>"[http://pitcairn.pn/ Home]." Government of the Pitcairn Islands. Retrieved on |
The government's administrative offices are in [[Auckland]], [[New Zealand]].<ref>"[http://pitcairn.pn/ Home]." Government of the Pitcairn Islands. Retrieved on 31 October 2011.</ref> |
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==Executive branch== |
==Executive branch== |
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The Queen is represented by the Governor of the Pitcairn Islands, who is the [[United Kingdom|British]] [[List of British High Commissioners to New Zealand|High Commissioner]] to [[New Zealand]], currently [[Jonathan Sinclair (diplomat)|Jonathan Sinclair]]. A non-resident Commissioner, appointed by the Governor, serves as the Governor's Representative to the territory. The Commissioner is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the island as well as for its economic regeneration, and also serves as the liaison between the Governor and the Island Council. As both the Governor and the Commissioner do not live on the island, its daily affairs have since 1999 been taken care of by the [[List of rulers of the Pitcairn Islands|mayor of Pitcairn]]. The Island Magistrate is appointed by the Governor. The Chairman of the Internal Committee is an elected official. |
The Queen is represented by the Governor of the Pitcairn Islands, who is the [[United Kingdom|British]] [[List of British High Commissioners to New Zealand|High Commissioner]] to [[New Zealand]], currently [[Jonathan Sinclair (diplomat)|Jonathan Sinclair]]. A non-resident Commissioner, appointed by the Governor, serves as the Governor's Representative to the territory. The Commissioner is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the island as well as for its economic regeneration, and also serves as the liaison between the Governor and the Island Council. As both the Governor and the Commissioner do not live on the island, its daily affairs have since 1999 been taken care of by the [[List of rulers of the Pitcairn Islands|mayor of Pitcairn]]. The Island Magistrate is appointed by the Governor. The Chairman of the Internal Committee is an elected official. |
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Until 30 October 2004, the mayor was [[Steve Christian]]; after his [[Pitcairn sexual assault trial of 2004|rape conviction]] on |
Until 30 October 2004, the mayor was [[Steve Christian]]; after his [[Pitcairn sexual assault trial of 2004|rape conviction]] on 24 October 2004, Christian was dismissed (after refusing to resign). His sister Brenda Christian was selected by the Island Council to be mayor for November and December 2004, until an election was held. [[Jay Warren]] was elected on 15 December 2004. The island [[Mayor of Pitcairn Islands|Mayor]] is elected by popular vote for a three-year term. The current mayor is convicted child rapist [[Shawn Christian (mayor)|Shawn Christian]]. |
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=== Attorney General of the Pitcairn Islands === |
=== Attorney General of the Pitcairn Islands === |
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{| class="wikitable" |
{| class="wikitable" |
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|+ |
|+ |
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Attorney General |
Attorney General – Pitcairn Islands |
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(Complete Table) |
(Complete Table) |
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|- |
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|Donald A. McLoughlin<ref name=":0" /> |
|Donald A. McLoughlin<ref name=":0" /> |
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|c. |
|c. 1958–1979 |
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|- |
|- |
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|Paul Treadwell<ref name=":0" /> |
|Paul Treadwell<ref name=":0" /> |
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|c. |
|c. 1979–2007 |
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|- |
|- |
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|Paul Rishworth<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lawsociety.org.nz/news-and-communications/people-in-the-law/recent-movements/british-mbe-for-paul-rishworth-qc|title=New Zealand Law Society|website=www.lawsociety.org.nz|language=en|access-date= |
|Paul Rishworth<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lawsociety.org.nz/news-and-communications/people-in-the-law/recent-movements/british-mbe-for-paul-rishworth-qc|title=New Zealand Law Society|website=www.lawsociety.org.nz|language=en|access-date=15 March 2018}}</ref> |
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|c. |
|c. 2007–2015 |
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|- |
|- |
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|Simon Mount<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.law.auckland.ac.nz/en/about/news/news-stories/news-2017/06/Alumni-appointed-Queens-Counsel.html|title=Alumni appointed Queen’s Counsel |
|Simon Mount<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.law.auckland.ac.nz/en/about/news/news-stories/news-2017/06/Alumni-appointed-Queens-Counsel.html|title=Alumni appointed Queen’s Counsel – The University of Auckland|website=www.law.auckland.ac.nz|access-date=15 March 2018}}</ref> |
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|c. |
|c. 2015– |
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|} |
|} |
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*[[Judicial Committee of the Privy Council|Privy Council]]: the Privy Council is the final court of appeal for Pitcairn. While some appellate jurisdiction may previously have existed (through common law), appeals to the Privy Council were formally permitted by an [[Order in Council]] issued in 2000. |
*[[Judicial Committee of the Privy Council|Privy Council]]: the Privy Council is the final court of appeal for Pitcairn. While some appellate jurisdiction may previously have existed (through common law), appeals to the Privy Council were formally permitted by an [[Order in Council]] issued in 2000. |
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The members of the Pitcairn judiciary are all New Zealanders |
The members of the Pitcairn judiciary are all New Zealanders – as are almost all of the lawyers admitted to the Pitcairn Bar – and are all either current or former members of the judiciary or legal profession (in the case of the magistrates) in that country. |
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Currently, the members of the judiciary are: |
Currently, the members of the judiciary are: |
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*Chief Justice: John Blackie. |
*Chief Justice: John Blackie. |
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*President of the Court of Appeal: John Henry. |
*President of the Court of Appeal: John Henry. |
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*Judges of the Court of Appeal: Sir Ian Barker, Paul Neazor. |
*Judges of the Court of Appeal: Sir [[Ian Barker (jurist)|Ian Barker]], Paul Neazor. |
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*Judges of the Supreme Court: Jane Lovell-Smith, Russell Johnson. |
*Judges of the Supreme Court: Jane Lovell-Smith, Russell Johnson. |
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Additionally, several magistrates have been appointed from amongst the ranks of the senior members of the legal profession in New Zealand. The Pitcairn Public Prosecutor |
Additionally, several magistrates have been appointed from amongst the ranks of the senior members of the legal profession in New Zealand. The Pitcairn Public Prosecutor – Simon Moore (also the Crown Solicitor at Auckland) and Public Defender – [[Paul Dacre (lawyer)|Paul Dacre]] – were also appointed. |
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According to a 2012 report, there are no lawyers in the Pitcairn Islands.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web|url=http://www.paclii.org/pn/pitcairnamended.pdf|title=COUNTRY REPORT FOR PILON 2012: PITCAIRN, HENDERSON, DUCIE AND OENO ISLANDS|last=Rishworth|first=Paul|date=2012|website=|access-date=}}</ref> There has been a Public Defender serving the islands since 2003. |
According to a 2012 report, there are no lawyers in the Pitcairn Islands.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web|url=http://www.paclii.org/pn/pitcairnamended.pdf|title=COUNTRY REPORT FOR PILON 2012: PITCAIRN, HENDERSON, DUCIE AND OENO ISLANDS|last=Rishworth|first=Paul|date=2012|website=|access-date=}}</ref> There has been a Public Defender serving the islands since 2003. |
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Parts of this article (those related to constitution and government structure since 1964, including the Pitcairn Constitution Order 2010, etc.) need to be updated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (August 2016)
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Monarchy |
Executive
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Legislature |
Judiciary
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Elections
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Related topics |
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The Pitcairn Islands are a British Overseas Territory in the South Pacific Ocean, with a population of about 50. The politics of the islands takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic dependency, whereby the Mayor is the head of government. The territory's constitution is the Local Government Ordinance of 1964. In terms of population, the Pitcairn Islands is the smallest democracy in the world.[1]
The government's administrative offices are in Auckland, New Zealand.[2]
Office | Name | Party | Since |
---|---|---|---|
Queen | Elizabeth II | (None) | 6 February 1952 |
Governor (non-res.) | Jonathan Sinclair | (None) | August 2014 |
Commissioner (non-res.) | Leslie Jacques | (None) | September 2003 |
Mayor | Shawn Christian | (None) | 1 January 2014 |
The Queen is represented by the Governor of the Pitcairn Islands, who is the British High CommissionertoNew Zealand, currently Jonathan Sinclair. A non-resident Commissioner, appointed by the Governor, serves as the Governor's Representative to the territory. The Commissioner is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the island as well as for its economic regeneration, and also serves as the liaison between the Governor and the Island Council. As both the Governor and the Commissioner do not live on the island, its daily affairs have since 1999 been taken care of by the mayor of Pitcairn. The Island Magistrate is appointed by the Governor. The Chairman of the Internal Committee is an elected official.
Until 30 October 2004, the mayor was Steve Christian; after his rape conviction on 24 October 2004, Christian was dismissed (after refusing to resign). His sister Brenda Christian was selected by the Island Council to be mayor for November and December 2004, until an election was held. Jay Warren was elected on 15 December 2004. The island Mayor is elected by popular vote for a three-year term. The current mayor is convicted child rapist Shawn Christian.
The Attorney General of the Pitcairn Islands is appointed under Section 35 of the Pitcairn Islands Constitution and serves as the principal legal adviser to the government of Pitcairn for a set term. Initially, the Attorney General was referred to as the Legal Adviser.[3] The Attorney General's powers and responsibilities include handling criminal matters, drafting Pitcairn ordinances, and revising and publishing any laws that pertain to the country.[4]
Name | Term |
---|---|
Donald A. McLoughlin[3] | c. 1958–1979 |
Paul Treadwell[3] | c. 1979–2007 |
Paul Rishworth[5] | c. 2007–2015 |
Simon Mount[6] | c. 2015– |
The Pitcairn Islands have a unicameral Island Council (10 seats: the Mayor and the Chairman of the Island Council both hold membership ex officio;; 4 elected by popular vote; 1 co-opted by the Chairman and the 4 other elected members; 2 appointed by the Governor including the Island Secretary (ex officio); the tenth seat is reserved for a Commissioner (non-resident) who liaises between the Council and the Governor. Except for the Mayor, who has a three-year term, and the Island Secretary, whose term is indefinite, members serve one-year terms. Last elections were held on 12 November 2013.[7][8][9]
Elections are held every two years for councillors and deputy mayor and every three years for the mayor. Before a change in the Constitution, elections were held every year on 24 December. There are no political parties on the islands.
The members of the Pitcairn judiciary are all New Zealanders – as are almost all of the lawyers admitted to the Pitcairn Bar – and are all either current or former members of the judiciary or legal profession (in the case of the magistrates) in that country.
Currently, the members of the judiciary are:
Additionally, several magistrates have been appointed from amongst the ranks of the senior members of the legal profession in New Zealand. The Pitcairn Public Prosecutor – Simon Moore (also the Crown Solicitor at Auckland) and Public Defender – Paul Dacre – were also appointed.
According to a 2012 report, there are no lawyers in the Pitcairn Islands.[10] There has been a Public Defender serving the islands since 2003.
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