The Constitution of Papua New Guinea is both a document in legal theory -- stating the goals and basic premises of the society -- and a set of laws: the fundamental laws of the nation. It is a 'home grown' political and legal roadmap for the nation's development, underpinned by ideas of national self-respect, democracy and equality. This book contains the text of the Constitution of Papua New Guinea, annotated with the authors' comments and references to relevant reports and judgments. It is an essential reference book not only for lawyers, law students and judges but also for Members of Parliament and members of the State Services who, in the performance of their duties to the people, must be guided by the laws of the country.

On the 16th of September 1985 the nation of Papua New Guinea celebrated its 10th anniversary of independence. This occasion prompted the publication of this collection of essays which focused on the operation of the Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea. A wide range of viewpoints are reflected in the essays. They will be essential reading for anyone interested in either the relationship between law and development or in the legal and political history of Papua New Guinea. Table of Contents: The status of the common law under the Constitution by John K. Gawi Popular participation and the Constitution by Peter Fitzpatrick The role of customs in law reform by Richard Scaglion Customary family law, the courts and the Constitution by Owen Jessup Women and the Constitution of Papua New Guinea by Dianne Johnson The executive government: power, politics and responsibility by John Goldring The Constitution and provincial governments by Angoea Tadabe Reversing the burden of proof in Papua New Guinea: Constitutional prescription and judicial exposition by John Kaburise Sources of political legitimacy in conflict and naturalized foreigners: Some comments on the general Constitutional Commission's Final Report, 1983 by Duncan Colquhoun-Kerr Custom, common law and constructive judicial lawmaking by Derek Roebuck