University of the South Pacific
SCHOOL OF LAW
A number of titles are now available in this series of occasional papers that has evolved from the School of Law seminar series.
Papers may be ordered from the current series editor, Ian Fraser at the following address:
University of the South Pacific
PMB 072
Port Vila Tel: +678 22748
Vanuatu Fax: +678 27785
SW Pacific Email:
fraser_i@vanuatu.usp.ac.fj
Alternatively, an order form is included at the foot of this page which you may copy and email or snail-mail to Mr Fraser at the address above.
The papers are priced at 2,000 vatu each
TITLES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
Occasional Paper No.1 "Policing in the South Pacific Region" by Dr. Tess Newton; University of the South Pacific.
This paper presents an introductory overview of policing structures in the South Pacific region. It identifies factors that are particular to policing in the region and highlights challenges for policing in relation to issues such as gender, use of resources and training.
Occasional Paper No.2 "Island Courts in Vanuatu" by Anita Jowitt; University of the South Pacific.
This paper argues that Vanuatu’s Island Courts Act (Cap 167) needs to be reviewed. It begins by outlining the Constitutional framework that led to the creation of Vanuatu’s Island Courts. It then goes on to discuss the flaws within the Island Courts structure that prevent these Courts from fulfilling their Constitutional role.
Occasional Paper No.3 "Teaching Comparative Law: Lessons from Experience" by Sue Farran; University of the South Pacific.
This paper looks at the incorporation of Comparative Law in undergraduate programmes, considering first what is meant by "Comparative Law", then some of the aims and objectives of incorporating this approach to legal study into a programme such as that offered by the University of the South Pacific. The paper is illustrated with examples drawn from the writer’s experience on other undergraduate courses and some practical guidelines for course developers considering taking this path.
Occasional Paper No.4 "The Conservation and Management of the Coastal and Marine Resources in the South Pacific" by Dr. Laurence Cordonnery; University of the South Pacific.
Considering the importance of inshore and offshore fisheries in providing for the economic security of Pacific Island States, this paper analyses sustainable management and conservation options. It focuses upon customary marine tenure systems in the context of coastal resources and on the negotiation and implementation of relevant multilateral environmental agreements to address the management and conservation issues associated with the tuna fisheries in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean.
Occasional Paper No. 5 "Women, Custom & International Law in the Pacific" by Jean Zorn, City University of New York.
Despite the adoption by the United Nations of the Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination against Women, there are many examples of inequality between the sexes throughout the Pacific. Only seven Pacific islands countries and territories have ratified the Convention. One reason that opponents give for this is that the Convention asks states that are parties to it not only to rid their laws of discrimination, but to modify or abolish discriminatory customs and practices as well. The Convention’s opponents charge that this is just another attempt by western nations to impose their values on the developing world and to denigrate traditional cultures. The author of this paper argues that the Convention is not in conflict with the traditional cultures of the Pacific, because, when the Convention speaks of ‘customs’, it refers mainly to present-day widespread practices, and is not referring to the norms, values and beliefs that have animated indigenous peoples of Pacific societies since pre-colonial times. To the extent that those indigenous norms, values and beliefs did not discriminate against women – and the author argues that current presumptions that they did may be incorrect – the Convention and Pacific cultures are not in opposition.
Occasional Paper No.6 "Sources of Criminal Law in the South Pacific Region" by Dr. Tess Newton; University of the South Pacific.
This paper provides an overview of sources of criminal law that are relevant to the jurisdictions of the South Pacific region. It reviews the significance of Constitutional provisions, domestically enacted legislation, legislation enacted by former colonial powers, common law and customary law. Whilst the focus is primarily on substantive criminal law, some reference is made to procedural issues.
Occasional Paper No. 7 "The Politics of Legal Pluralism" by Prof. Bob Hughes; University of the South Pacific.
Legal pluralism presents a challenge to orthodox ideas of law, particularly so far as those ideas presuppose that law can only be law if it associated with the existence of a central or monist State. This paper analyses the key elements and origins of legal pluralist argument. It then considers the extent to which there is a political context or background to legal pluralist argument. It concludes that there are many clear senses in which we can understand that there is a politics of legal pluralism. It suggests in conclusion that legal pluralism is, in a key sense, asking us to reconsider how it is that we define the notion of politics itself.
Occasional Paper No. 8 "Gender Discrimination: A Review of Legislation & Considerations for Reform in Vanuatu" by Sue Farran; University of the South Pacific.
The Pacific country of Vanuatu is currently engaged in a Comprehensive Reform Programme. One of the tranches of this is to eliminate discrimination and foster equality. In 1999 a review of the legislation of Vanuatu was carried. The purpose was to identify statutory provisions which appeared to be gender discriminatory. This paper summarises and comments on the findings of the report which was published as a result of the review, and some of the developments that followed from it, notably the proposals for legislative reform.
FORTHCOMING TITLES
"HIV/AIDS and the Law in the South Pacific"
by Anita Jowitt; University of the South Pacific."Reform of Succession Law in Fiji"
by Prof. Bob Hughes; University of the South Pacific."Proposed Reforms of the Law Relating to
Sexual Offences in Fiji Islands"
by Anita Jowitt & Dr. Tess Newton; University of the South Pacific.
SCHOOL OF LAW; UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC OCCASIONAL PAPERS SERIES ORDER FORM
No. 3 "Teaching Comparative Law: Lessons from Experience" (Sue Farran; USP)
All papers are priced at 2,000 vatu. Please identify above which papers you require and the quantity of each paper then return this form to order copies. Name: Address: Email: Fax: Orders to be sent to the series editor: Ian Fraser; PMB 072; Port Vila; Vanuatu. SW Pacific (Email: fraser_i@vanuatu.usp.ac.fj) NB: ALL PAYMENTS ARE TO BE MADE IN VATU If you wish to pre-pay for your order, please ensure that cheques/drafts are made payable to USP: School of Law trading account |
(This page last updated 27 March 2002)