For Advancing Justice in the Pacific, a Samoan Judge Received an Honor.
Justice Vui Clarence Nelson
Photo: University of Canterbury
At a commencement ceremony scheduled for next Thursday at the Christchurch Arena, Justice Vui Clarence Nelson will be awarded an honorary doctorate - a Doctor of Laws - from Te Whare Wnanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury.
The award announcement left him "blown away." "It was completely unanticipated, and I felt incredibly fortunate and humbled. It is a tremendous honor for our court, our nation, and me personally" stated Justice Vui.
The 67-year-old Samoan matai (high chief) was born and raised in Apia and graduated from high school there, before being given a bursary by the New Zealand government to study there when he was 16 years old. He earned a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Canterbury in 1977, practiced law for 20 years, and was named Senior Judge of the Supreme Court of Samoa in 2021.
"All judges ought to have compassion because it tames their judgment. When dealing with young people, it's especially important to grasp their circumstances in order to comprehend their issues, dilemmas, and motivations" happily stated Vui.
Justice Nelson has promoted the ideals of the rule of law and the quest of justice, according to UC Faculty of Law Executive Dean Professor John Page, throughout his tenure. "He has clearly made a positive impact on Samoa's, the Pacific, and beyond society's well-being and advancement."
There are a lot of things that can be done better in the field of judicial change, according to Justice Nelson, not just in Samoa but in other Pacific Island countries as well. "Because we are still far behind the curve in many respects. We need to look outside the cage because we constantly have insufficient funding and resources.