David Lambourne, standing right, sworn in as second the Judge to the High Court - Botaki ni Kabowi I Kiribati. 15 July 2024 Photo: Facebook / New Zealand High Commission to Kiribati
The Kiribati Court of Appeal on Friday heard an appeal from High Court Judge David Lambourne, who was forced out of the country earlier this year following a dispute with the government.
Lambourne left the country in May ahead of a deportation order.
The Court of Appeal has been largely inactive since the government forced out three retired New Zealand judges two years ago.
Sitting on Friday were prominent Pacific judges: Papua New Guinea's Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika, Vui Clarence Nelson of Samoa's Supreme Court, and Mohammed Khan from Fiji.
Lambourne's appeal centred on a High Court decision to upheld President Taneti Maamau's appointment of a tribunal to investigate Lambourne, and his subsequent suspension from the court.
Also considered was the High Court's refusal to consider the judge's application to quash the tribunal's report.
Lambourne's lawyers had to present their case via video-link.
The judges' decision has been reserved.