Madam Justice Anna Felice yesterday highlighted the importance of mediation which she described as an alternative tool which could lead to conflict resolution.

Addressing her first sitting in court, Madam Justice Felice, who comes from a background at the Malta Mediation Centre, insisted that the judiciary and lawyers should make more use of the legal structure of mediation.

Yesterday’s event was witnessed by President Edward Fenech Adami and parliamentary secretary Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici, among other dignitaries.

She said the use of mediation is still limited to the Family Court but this should be used also in resolving other cases. Mediation, she said, could be an alternative method which could be used to resolve issues. Although a legal structure exists, mediation is rarely used.

“I urge the authorities to continue developing the mediation system, even through proper training for mediators in commercial and civil law. We should not deny citizens from resorting to this concrete possibility of conflict resolution. We should keep an open mind on mediation,” she said.

Madam Justice Felice also remarked about the comments passed by people on the appointment of two woman judges and the appointment of Magistrate Audrey Demicoli. She said that “now that the novelty has worn off”, people should be assured that whether judged by a woman or a man, justice will continue to be meted out.

Madam Justice Felice also commented about the time it takes for a court case to be decided upon and warned lawyers and all concerned to make sure they stick to their appointments.

Robert Mangion, the president of the Chamber of Advocates promised Madam Justice Felice the lawyers’ full cooperation and respect. Dr Mangion echoed Madam Justice Felice’s thoughts about mediation. He quoted Judge Neil Butter as saying that “mediation in civil and commercial disputes brings about a high level of consumer satisfaction. Many mediations end with the parties shaking hands… you don’t often see that in courts of law.”