Cook Islands Crown Law Office
Te Akinanga o te Ture
Our vision
To promote and enhance respect for the laws of the Cook Islands and its Constitution through the:
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efficient and competent provision of independent legal advice to Parliament, the Executive, Cabinet, and Government, without fear or favour, and free of the political process and political influence;
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competent, effective and efficient representation of Government in matters affecting the Government, including the areas of Criminal, Civil, Public and Administrative law; and
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management and oversight of high quality drafting of legislation.
What We Do
01.
Advice
The Crown Law Office provides legal advice to the Government covering a wide range of issues, many of which are novel and complex. The Office advises the Government on matters that are referred to it by the Queens Representative, Cabinet, the Prime Minister, Ministers, Heads of Department,and Statutory entities.
02.
Civil Litigation
The Crown Law Office acts on behalf of the Ministries and the Attorney General in civil litigation whether brought by Government or in which the Government is a Defendant. Civil Litigation covers a very wide range of claims, including employment, personal injury and judicial review. The Office also deals with certain matters in the land court where appropriate.
03.
Criminal Prosecutions
The Crown Law Office prosecutes serious criminal offences (and less serious offences which raise complex or novel issues) before Judges of the High Court and Justices of the Peace. It also provides advice and guidance to the Police in a wide range of cases, and deals with appeals before Judges of the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Privy Council.
04.
Contracts
The Crown Law Office provides advice on procurement, and reviews contracts, for Government Departments and statutory entities.The Office reviews all Requests for Tenders made pursuant to the Procurement Policy and Government contracts.
05.
Legislative Drafting
The Crown Law Office is involved in the preparing of legislation, managing oversight of legislative drafting across the Government.
