An amendment to the Cook Islands' constitution is expected to align its Court of Appeal with those of other countries.
The Solicitor General, Tingika Elikana, says the amendment is only in the preliminary stages and a draft is still being prepared.
He says the amendment will bring the court into step with those overseas by clarifying its set-up and composition and the manner of appointment of its judges.
"It arises out of some work done by Justice Barker who's one of the judges on the Court of Appeal in conjunction with the Chief Justice and also with the Rules Committee...it was decided to more or less update the current provisions regarding the Court of Appeal in the constitution. It provides clear guidance of the roles of the judges on the Court of Appeal."
Tingika Elikana, the Solicitor General of the Cook Islands.