Ministry of Health v. Fareen

A mini mart clerk sold a single cigarette in violation of Fiji’s law prohibiting the sale of loose cigarettes. The clerk pled guilty but stated that it was her first offense, she was only 17, and that she was very remorseful of her actions. Because of these factors, the court reduced the fine from $1,000 to $500 and recorded the violation as a “non conviction” so it would not affect the clerk's future career prospects.

Ministry of Health v. Fareen, Criminal Case No. 16/2011

  • Fiji
  • Feb 8, 2012
  • Magistrate's Court at Nasinu
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Parties

Plaintiff Ministry of Health

Defendant Farama Fareen

Legislation Cited

Related Documents

Type of Litigation

Tobacco Control Topics

Substantive Issues

Type of Tobacco Product

None

"The accused is 17 years of age and is the daughter of the shop keeper operating a suburban shop along Caubati Road in Nasinu. She has been of good character so far with no offences or cases alleged against him except for the present charge. Her good character thus far culminated in her acceptance that she has done wrong and pleading guilty. The accused has learnt her lesson and is very remorseful and regrets unknowingly breaking the law. The accused has realized the hardship she has placed her family in during the time she spent in Court and the embarrassing experience she has put her parents and family through. Though it is too late to stop the commission of the offence, the accused has learnt a big lesson after this incident. She assures this Honorable Court that she will not re-offend, and go through the same experience again."