Five Pitcairn Island men, including the island's mayor, were convicted Monday on multiple sexual abuse charges, including rape and indecent assault of girls as young as 12. A sixth man pleaded guilty and a seventh was cleared of the charges. The court rejected arguments that consensual underage sex was part of the British colony's tradition. On appeal, lawyers are expected to argue that the British government does not have jurisdiction over the island. Listen to recorded audio of an interview with Bryan Nicholson, from the UK High Commission in New Zealand (interview on BBC's Today Programme). BBC News has more. The New Zealand Herald has background on the island and on the trial.

Previously on JURIST's Paper Chase...

• Pitcairn men allowed to challenge UK sovereignty
• Pitcairn mayor pleads not guilty to rape
• Pitcairn trials delayed; women defend suspects
• Pitcairn Island sex trial slated for Monday could destroy Bounty mutineers community