The traditional court system practised during the colonial era for iTaukei villages may find its way back when ground works including consultations are completed.

Attorney-General Siromi Turaga said at this stage it’s a concept and a proposal that would only deal with trivial cases or non-custodial sentences.

Mr Turaga said this was discussed in Cabinet and he has been challenged by the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka about the plans he has for a new Fiji.

“We are looking at an alternative system of the court within village boundaries where trivial offences can be tried there like we used to have before,” he said.

“I have told Cabinet that a rural based court system was an option and something eventually will come out as I also need to discuss this with the Chief Justice, judicial officers and the Great Council of Chiefs.

“I believe the environment is right, and I have been constantly challenged by PM in Cabinet meeting about what I will do for the new Fiji and I believe it includes setting up a totally new structure,” he said.

Through the traditional court system, Mr Siromi said people were dealt with by the elders and the offenders apologised and rehab happens as a result.

“The advantage of that is having those who commit trivial offences dealt with by this court system, but within the village boundary where the offenders will face traditional leaders or council of chiefs,” he said.

“This happens in New Zealand with the Maori community and I have yet to speak to Government reps from this country about this concept.

“I know it has been successful with the Maori and I just have to meet with the NZ High Commissioner to ask her more about it.”

Mr Siromi said when this system was practised in Fiji, it was successful because the offenders were called in and village leaders spoke to them and handed down sentences aimed at rehabilitating the offender.

“This is another form of rehab, as evident when this system existed and people changed after being dealt with by the village elders and this is what we want, a rehab,” he said.

“Right now we are chucking everything into the prison system. They have a police record and can’t go overseas for the seasonal work program because of their record.

“This system is more based on our culture, just like the Maori, because we went through the same journey from colonial days, share the same social issues and some issues are best dealt with by our cultural system.”