The Judiciary of Samoa

About the Judiciary

An Independent Judiciary, Serving All Samoans

The Judiciary of Samoa operates independently of the Executive and Legislature. Its courts interpret the law, resolve disputes, and protect the rights of every person in Samoa — regardless of status or standing.

The court system is structured hierarchically, with the Court of Appeal at the apex, followed by the Supreme Court, the District Court and its specialist divisions, and the Land & Titles Court which has exclusive jurisdiction over customary land and matai title matters.

4
Main Courts
6+
Specialist Divisions
2
Islands Served
1962
Established
Court Hierarchy

The Courts of Samoa

Samoa's court system operates from the highest appellate court down through trial courts and specialist divisions.

Court of Appeal

Apex Court

The highest court in Samoa's judicial hierarchy. Hears appeals from the Supreme Court and the Land & Titles Court. Decisions of the Court of Appeal are final and binding on all lower courts.

Civil Appeals Criminal Appeals Constitutional Matters
Key Functions
Reviews decisions of the Supreme Court
Interprets constitutional provisions
Sets binding precedent for lower courts

Supreme Court

Trial Court

Samoa's highest trial court with unlimited civil and criminal jurisdiction. Handles serious criminal offences, significant civil claims, and matters of constitutional importance.

Serious Criminal Civil Claims Judicial Review
Key Functions
Trials for serious criminal offences
High-value and complex civil disputes
Judicial review of government decisions

District Court

General Jurisdiction

The busiest court in Samoa, handling the majority of criminal and civil matters. Includes specialist divisions for family, youth, and community matters.

Criminal Civil up to $20,000 Family Matters
Specialist Divisions
Youth Court — young offenders
Family Court — domestic and child matters
Family Violence (FV) Court
Alcohol & Drugs Court
Faamasino Fesoasoani (lay magistrates)
Coroners Court

Land & Titles Court

Specialist Court

A unique court with exclusive jurisdiction over Samoan customary land disputes and matai title matters. Operates under its own constitutional and legislative framework, drawing on fa'asamoa.

Customary Land Matai Titles Fa'asamoa
Key Functions
Customary land boundary disputes
Matai title registration and disputes
Land mediation before formal hearings
1st and 2nd Court panels
Guiding Principles

How the Courts Operate

The courts of Samoa are guided by core principles that protect the rights of all people.

Independence
The judiciary operates free from interference by the executive or legislature, ensuring impartial decisions.
Equality Before the Law
Every person, regardless of status or background, is equal before the courts of Samoa.
Timely Justice
Cases are managed to ensure prompt resolution without unnecessary delay, respecting all parties' time.
Access to Justice
Courts are accessible to all Samoans across Upolu and Savaii, with services in both English and Samoan.
Rule of Law
All actions — public and private — are subject to and accountable under the law of Samoa.
Transparency
Court proceedings are generally open to the public, with judgments published and reasoned decisions provided.