Former Chief Justice Sir Clifford Grant paid tribute to retiring Supreme Court Judge Mr. Justice Stuart during a special sitting of the Supreme Court of Fiji on April 6, 1978. Sir Clifford praised Mr. Justice Stuart for his dedication to the law and his significant contributions to the court.
In the tribute, Sir Clifford highlighted that Mr. Justice Stuart had a distinguished career as a barrister and solicitor in Fiji for 35 years before his appointment to the Supreme Court in 1973. He served as the president of the Fiji Law Society from 1962 to 1964 and engaged actively in his community.
At the time of his retirement, Mr. Justice Stuart was 68 years old, in accordance with the retirement age set by Parliament for Supreme Court judges. Sir Clifford expressed his regret over the loss of Mr. Justice Stuart’s extensive legal knowledge, his humanity, and wisdom.
He remarked on the unfortunate public perception of the legal profession, noting that lawyers had often been subjects of ridicule in literature. Drawing on historical figures and literary references, Sir Clifford reflected on the longstanding negative imagery associated with lawyers, while also recognizing that a lawyer elevated to the Bench earns respect and forgiveness for their past.
In Mr. Justice Stuart’s case, Sir Clifford affirmed that there was nothing to forgive, as he embodied virtues such as hard work, thoroughness, and diligence throughout his career.