17 Nov 2020

For fairness American Samoa to use plea in abeyance

5:30 am on 17 November 2020

American Samoa's Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga has signed into law legislation, allowing the prosecution and defence to agree to, and the court to approve, a plea in abeyance, or suspended plea.

American Samoa Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga

American Samoa Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga Photo: American Samoa Govt

It means the accused person can have the charges dismissed after a period.

The legislation says a plea in abeyance is not allowed for sexual offences against a victim under the age of 14.

The governor said the legislation represented a key tool to make American Samoa's criminal system fairer.

He also said a plea in abeyance will allow for appropriate opportunities for a second chance while also putting important limitations in place to ensure the public interest is served.