Judgment Reviews Law at Cocos (Keeling) Islands (Australia)
The Cocos (Keeling) Islands, an Australian external territory, do not have a functioning local judiciary. The Supreme Court of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, established in 1958, ceased operations in 2006 and has no active members. Consequently, all judicial matters are now handled by courts in Western Australia under a service delivery arrangement with the Australian Government
⚖️ Judicial Oversight and Appeal Mechanisms
While the Cocos (Keeling) Islands lack a local court system, residents and individuals involved in legal matters can access the judicial system of Western Australia, which has been extended to the territory. This includes the application of Western Australian laws, such as the Local Government Act 1995 (WA)(CKI), and the jurisdiction of Western Australian courts over matters arising in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands
For civil and criminal cases, individuals can appeal decisions through the court hierarchy in Western Australia, culminating in the High Court of Australia for matters of federal significance. Administrative decisions can be reviewed under Australian federal administrative law. Additionally, labor disputes are addressed through the Fair Work Commission, which operates under the Fair Work Act 2009
🏛️ Constitutional Oversight
The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are governed by the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act 1955 (Cth), which grants the Australian Government the authority to legislate for the territory The Act allows for the application of Western Australian laws to the islands and provides the Minister for Territories with the power to make ordinances for the peace, order, and good government of the territory
📌 Summary
In the absence of a local judiciary, legal matters in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are addressed through the judicial system of Western Australi. This arrangement ensures that residents have access to a structured system for reviewing judgments, including appeals and administrative reviews, in line with Australian legal standard.
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