Fiji’s judiciary has added a distinguished international jurist to its ranks, welcoming Sir Robert Shenton French AC as a Judge of the Supreme Court. His affirmation ceremony took place at State House before the President, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, signaling a boost to the republic’s highest court.
The ceremony was attended by Chief Justice Salesi Temo and Chief Registrar Tomasi Bainivalu, underscoring the gravity of the moment for Fiji’s legal framework. Sir Robert brings a storied career in common law to Fiji, having served as Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia from September 2008 to January 2017, after more than two decades as a Judge of the Federal Court of Australia.
In his new role, Sir Robert will serve as a Visiting Judge of Fiji’s Supreme Court while continuing his responsibilities as an International Judge of the Singapore International Commercial Court and a Judge of the Court of Appeal of the Dubai International Financial Centre Courts. His breadth of experience extends beyond the bench: he has held leadership roles such as President of the National Native Title Tribunal, Deputy President of the Australian Competition Tribunal, and a part-time member of the Australian Law Reform Commission. He previously served as a non-resident member of Fiji’s Supreme Court from 2003 to 2008, giving him prior familiarity with Fiji’s judicial landscape.
Academically, Sir Robert is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Western Australia Law School, a Distinguished Honorary Professor at the Australian National University, an Adjunct Professor at Monash University Law School, and a Professorial Fellow at Melbourne University. A graduate of the University of Western Australia, he earned degrees in physics and law. In recognition of his eminent service to the judiciary and law, he was appointed a Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia in 2010. His appointment is seen as a move to further strengthen the depth and expertise of Fiji’s Supreme Court bench.
This appointment comes within a broader wave of high-calibre international jurists contributing to Fiji’s judiciary in 2024. Earlier this year, Justice Lee James Burney and Justice Gus Andree Wiltens were sworn in at State House, with Burney taking a position as Puisne Judge of the High Court and Wiltens as a Justice of Appeal in the Court of Appeal. The ceremonies, also conducted at State House and attended by key judicial and governmental officials, highlighted Fiji’s continued effort to deepen its judicial capacity by drawing on global experience. In addition, Paul Heath has been appointed as a Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of Fiji, further expanding the bench’s international expertise.
The latest appointment of Sir Robert French is expected to enrich Fiji’s access to expansive experience in both national and international jurisprudence, particularly in complex commercial and constitutional matters. It also reinforces Fiji’s trajectory toward a more integrated judiciary with global standards and grows opportunities for cross-border legal collaboration and training.
What this means for Fiji: a strengthened Supreme Court with a wealth of international jurisprudence at its disposal, potential increases in the quality of deliberations on complex cases, and enhanced confidence for Fiji’s legal system on the world stage. The ongoing influx of seasoned jurists signals a positive outlook for judicial development, professional exchange, and the strengthening of rule-of-law foundations in Fiji.
Summary: Sir Robert French’s affirmation as a Visiting Judge of Fiji’s Supreme Court represents a significant enhancement to Fiji’s judicial capacity, complementing recent appointments of Burney, Wiltens, and Heath. Together, they reflect Fiji’s strategic push to bolster its judiciary with world-class expertise, ensuring robust adjudication and stronger international ties.
Additional note: The trend of high-profile international judges joining Fiji’s benches can also foster broader legal education, mentoring of local judges, and increased exposure to diverse legal systems—benefiting Fiji’s law students, practitioners, and the public alike.
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