The Association of Judges and Magistrates welcomed the government’s plans to appoint for new judges, but added that more personnel should be employed to assist the judiciary in its work so as to improve efficiency.
In a statement, the association said that the volume of work for the judiciary continues to increase, and some of it is of a complex and delicate nature. Apart from an increase in the number of judges, what is also needed is more trained personnel to assist the judiciary.
A European Union statement had said that Malta has half the number of judicial members required for every 100,000 population, when compared to other European countries.
This problem has been a long time coming and, in spite of efforts, it has never been resolved. Unlike what has been reported in sections of the media, the great majority of judges and magistrates work every day, and sometimes hold sittings over the weekend.
A substantial chunk of the judiciary’s work is not carried out in courtrooms. The bulk takes place in their offices and homes, where judges and magistrates spend hours studying cases and writing judgments. This work takes place far away from the public eye, and is not appreciated, the association said.
It insisted that apart from the proposed additions, the personnel working with the judiciary should be increased. Without trained and motivated personnel, the judiciary cannot work efficiently and effectively.
There should be a long-term plan to ensure that the law courts administration can invest in, attract and employ competent people to help the judiciary in their duties. The association said that delays in procedures were a result of archaic procedures, especially in the Criminal Court.
Some methodologies and procedures, even those introduced recently, are hindering the court’s operations. The judiciary cannot work more efficiently unless radical changes are carried out.
The association urged the government to address these legal inefficiencies to speed up court procedures. It recognised efforts being made to modernise court operations, such as the use of video-conferencing and other electronic equipment, but more is needed to allow the courts to be in a better position to operate effectively.
The association said citizens had the right to justice within a reasonable time, and urged the government to understand that, just as much as investment was needed in sectors such as health, social services and education, it was also needed at the Law Courts.
It is pointless to increase the number of judges and magistrates unless personnel is employed to assist them, the association said.
It said it had made its suggestions to the Justice Minister in a meeting held recently.