Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti today appealed to the government to address the shortfall in court staff.

Addressing the President of Malta, George Vella, Prime Minister Robert Abela, Leader of the Opposition Bernard Grech and Justice Minister Edward Zammit Louis together with members of the judiciary, Chetcuti stressed the need for long term planning together with immediate reforms.

The Chief Justice, in his speech marking the opening of the court after the summer break,  warned that the the increase in caseload was placing pressure on the judiciary, as well as the infrastructure – with only 30 courtrooms to cater for 47 members of the judiciary, space is at a premium. He pointed out that only one courtroom was available for juries and criminal appeals.

He appealed to the media to avoid sensationalism. The media’s voice was essential and should be free in a democracy, even if it is occasionally harsh, he said. Its interventions should be made at the right time and never with the intention of pressuring or impinging on the independence of the judiciary.

He reminded that it was imperative that a judge detach himself from his opinion and personal bias to decide according to justice. Not just in the courtroom but also in his writings, “without extra words which only draws criticism.”  A judge’s view should only be heard in the sentences and provisions he makes, said the Chief Justice.