The Justice Ministry said Thursday that investment in the law courts for the coming year is “unprecedented”.

In reply to a statement issued by the Maltese Judiciary Association calling for more resources, the ministry said that five new magistrates are to be appointed after a public call for applications.

The ministry’s allocation in the budget for 2024 is the highest ever, with the aim of having a more efficient justice system. The ministry has worked on legislative changes to improve the system, but has also invested in physical and digital infrastructure to upgrade its services.

This is not limited to the main law courts building, but in other premises where court services will be given, such as the setting up of the Commercial Court. In the coming weeks a call for public tenders will also be issued for another building that will host a number of new halls for the Criminal Court.

The government believes that efficiency will not only be improved by adding new courtrooms, but by also using the existing space more effectively.