Chief Justice Silvio Camilleri said today that Malta has one of the least number of judges in the EU and the much needed new offices to host Civil Court Judges will help accommodate more eventually.
Today, the new offices for members of the judiciary were inaugurated in Valletta, at the St Thomas More building situated behind the Law Courts.
He said that in the past, members of the judiciary were restricted in terms of space since the law courts are too small to host all the members of the judiciary.
In all, 18 judges will be using the new offices, mainly Civil Court Judges. Currently, Malta has 23 judges.
Auxiliary Bishop Charles Scicluna was present for the ceremony.
Justice Minister Owen Bonnici said that the works on the building started during the previous legislature and continued under this administration.
Dr Bonnici said that the judiciary building was a dream come true and the works were finished according to the timeframes which had been set and within budget.
He said that members of the judiciary had to make a lot of sacrifices due to the fact that they had space limitations at the law courts.
Another event was held shortly after, this time at the Health Ministry in Merchants' Street Valletta, to celebrate European Justice Day.
The ministry was chosen as the venue since during the time of the knights, it was used as the courts of law. Members of the judiciary were present for the event. An exhibition was also held at the ministry to coincide with European Justice Day.
Photos: Jonathan Borg