The Ministry of Justice gave an account of the work and projects carried out over the past year together with the upcoming initiatives, in anticipation of the opening of the Forensic Year on 1 October.
Minister Jonathan Attard began by emphasizing that the list of works carried out, especially the figures presented, show that the Ministry continues to pay attention to the recommendations of the Chief Justice and works to implement them through open dialogue and concrete action. “In the last twelve months alone, more than one bill per month has been presented to Parliament, including key reforms in the field of justice,” he said, while speaking about the importance of the Ministry continuing to work towards a more efficient and effective justice system.
Among the major reforms carried out are: Drug Court Reform – more rehabilitation opportunities and more efficient procedures. Magisterial Inquiries Reform – the process of hiring and costs of experts, rights for victims and their relatives, as well as strengthening the procedure have been strengthened. All this together with the opening of a new building for the Inquiring Magistrate. Commercial Court – creation of a specialized court with legislative and infrastructural support, including a new building in Valletta.
The Minister also announced that by the end of the year two other major reforms will be presented to parliament, which are the Family Court Reform and the Compilations Reform, with the ultimate goal of a more expeditious and effective process.
The Chief Executive of the Court Services Agency, Dr Vanessa Grech, emphasized administrative progress. Today the Agency has more than 588 workers, the highest number in history, with a collective agreement already in force and new negotiations that have begun for enhanced conditions. The Judiciary is also being supported by 44 Court Attorneys and 53 Judicial Assistants, with almost 100 lawyers assisting it. Dr Grech pointed out that the Court Registries have processed tens of thousands of acts this year within the stipulated time.
In fact, from January to September of this year, more than 68,457 acts were presented to the Court in the superior and inferior courts, 15,718 in the Family Court, 25,277 in the Criminal Court registry as well as 9581 in the voluntary court registry. While new services such as the Help Desk and the helpline 153 are also already bearing fruit. Regarding the helpdesk, more than 780 people went in person, more than 2300 phone calls were received, 240 messages on messenger and more than 1,000 more on the Agency’s email address. Infrastructure investment remained a key priority for the Ministry.
Recent projects include new courtrooms, modernisation of registries, more mediation spaces, a new building for investigating magistrates, as well as the start of work on the building of the Court of Criminal Appeals in Valletta, which will include three modern courtrooms and additional facilities for the judiciary, staff and victims.
Minister Attard also reiterated that reforms will be put forward for the small claims tribunal, notifications to banks and digital systems in relation to secret wills and requests for exemption from jury duty. “The reforms and investment in justice are unprecedented with a record number of judges and workers. Through reforms and substantial investment, we are building a modern, efficient and accessible system that responds to today’s realities and prepares for tomorrow’s challenges,” concluded Minister Attard.
Photo: MJR
