ABOUT US
Who We Are
Office of Public Solicitor
The Office of Public Solicitor is established by the Constitution, section 176(1).
Public Solicitor
This Office is held by the Public Solicitor who the Constitution, section 221, defines as a constitutional office-holder. The Public Solicitor is appointed and removed from Office by the Judicial & Legal Services Commission which comprises the Minister for Justice and Attorney General, Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice, Chief Ombudsman and Member of Parliament. This Commission is also established by the Constitution. The Public Solicitor is independent from direction and control by any person or authority in the performance of his functions.
176. Establishment of offices
(1) Offices of Public Prosecutor and Public Solicitor are hereby established.
(2) The Public Prosecutor and the Public Solicitor shall be appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission. (5) Subject to Section 177(2) (functions of the Public Prosecutor and the Public Solicitor), in the performance of his functions under this Constitution the Public Solicitor is not subject to direction or control by any person or authority.
Law Officer
As a result of this, the Public Solicitor is a Law Officer:
156. The Law Officers.
(1) The Law Officers of Papua New Guinea are— (a) The principal legal adviser to the National Executive; and
(b) The Public Prosecutor; and (c) The Public Solicitor.
The significance of the Public Solicitor being a Law Officer is highlighted in sections 154, 57 and 19 of the Constitution. The Public Solicitor is a custodian of constitutional rights, and has the mandate to take interest in any breach or contravention. As a Law Officer, the Public Solicitor is also one of the few authorities recognised to invoke the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in giving an opinion on provisions of the Constitution and ensuring laws enacted by Parliament are constitutional and lawful. The Public Solicitor performs a noble duty in being a defender of the Constitution.
Role
To provide free legal aid services to those members of the public who cannot afford the services of a legal practitioner.
Vision
To ensure that all our People and minority groups in Papua New Guinea are aware of their rights and have access to quality legal services.
Mission
To provide independent, accessible and quality legal assistance for socially and economically disadvantaged persons and minority groups.
Values
- To demonstrate compassion, understanding and respect for our clients.
- To ensure equality and fairness in our dealings with clients and equal opportunity for clients and staff.
- To demonstrate independence and courage in the performance of our duties.
- To act with utmost professionalism, integrity and competence and to be accountable for our actions.
WHAT WE DO
- Appear in indictable offences before the National Court and District Courts.
- Assist in committal proceedings before the District Courts.
- Assists in bail applications and complaints for unlawful detentions.
- Represent civil matters in different tracks of the National Court and District courts.
- Provide legal services in land related matters, including filing reviews of Provincial Land Court decisions, and suits for compensations for damages to land/ environment.
- Maintain the provision of legal advice and legal drafting for people in need.
- Representation in child protection and welfare cases in Family Courts.
- Offer legal representations in juvenile trials and associated proceedings.
- Conduct awareness on the Office of Public Solicitor and Law & Justice agencies, sorcery, drug abuse, domestic violence, rule of law; motivational talk to students and youths and children.
- Participate in legal education and training for public and private agencies and offer assistance to UPNG Law School moot competitions and the Legal Training Institute.