The Samoan Judicial Commission has appointed five temporary judges from the New Zealand High Court to assist the local bench.
In a press release yesterday the Commission said the judges were sworn in via video link 11 August by the Head of State Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II from his official residence at Vailele.
Justices Robert Fisher, Peter Blanchard, Rhys Harrison, Rodney Hansen and Raynor Asher have been appointed for two year terms.
They are expected to assist with upcoming cases of contempt of court and some appeal cases.
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The Commission said "the external oversight of judgment on these matters is paramount and it won't be appropriate for local judges to deal with them."
It did not say when the cases were to start.
One of those facing contempt charges is former prime minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.
In June the new Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, accused Tuilaepa, the then Speaker, the parliamentary clerk and the attorney general, of contempt, for ignoring a Supreme Court directive for parliament to sit on May 24th.