Supreme Court Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke is on a 12-month study leave overseas to pursue a masters degree in law.

The Justice has been given approval by the Acting Chief Justice to take the study-leave.

Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration Chief Executive Officer, Moliei Simi Vaai, confirmed the decision when contacted by the Samoa Observer.

She said the position is not vacant on the Supreme Court bench and there are options when the need arises for a judge.

“He is just out of jurisdiction for 12 months but if there is a need for [Supreme Court Judge] that is a matter for the Acting Chief Justice and J.S.C. [Judicial Service Commission],” she said. 

“When we require additional Judges, we do have a temporary Judge Justice Lesatele [Rapi Vaai] who is available and [contracted] 12 months to cover this year.”

The Ministry’s C.E.O. also confirmed that another member of the Supreme Court bench, Justice Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala-Warren, is also away overseas and will return soon.

Meanwhile, the Chief Justice, His Honour Satiu Simativa Perese is still in New Zealand and scheduled to return next month.

In the absence of three Justices of the Supreme Court it leaves three other Supreme Court Judges not including Justice Lesatele on island. 

They are Acting Chief Justice, Her Honour Niava Mata Tuatagaloa, Justice Vui Clarence Nelson and Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma.