King Decrees Hickey Chief Justice
BRIESK - With the sweep of a penstroke, the King signed Royal Decree 225 and formally appointed veteran Morovian Peter Hickey Chief Justice of the High Court. Hickey is the first citizen to be named Chief Justice since the resignation of the King's cousin the Duke of Bedminster in 2003.The Chief Justice is understood to adhere to a strict constructionist approach to constitutional law, and said in an exclusive interview, "My judicial philosophy in micronations is that the law should be determined according to the intent of the legislature and/or the framers of the Constitution. This is to be found in the legislative record and, if available, the annals of the proceedings in which the Constitution was framed. The language in the law is to be construed in the sense of the plainest and most commonly used interpretations of the words in question."
In addition to a macronational career as an attorney, the Chief Justice is considered to be one of the formative figures of Cyberian jurisprudence. In the more litigiously sedate Morovia, he has focused his efforts on political change, and is known for being a fiery advocate of liberal causes. In deference to his new nonpartisan role, he has resigned his membership in the Progressive-Reform Party.
"I have some definite and strong political beliefs. However, it is one of the most important duties of the judiciary to make decisions based on the law and not the political beliefs of the judge," said the new Chief Justice. "I am, of course, only human and thus, imperfect but I will try to the very best of my ability to divorce my political beliefs from my interpretation and application of the law and Constitution."
Chief Justice Hickey led a distinguished political career, serving in the Royal Assembly and as Prosecutor-General. With his appointment announced, the seats of two Associate Justices remain to be filled.
posted by The Editors @ 10:00
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