Chief Justice Salesi Temo has announced important reforms aimed at enhancing Fiji’s civil court rules. During a ceremony for newly admitted legal practitioners, he expressed his worries about the prevalence of “slow-moving cases,” stating that legal disputes from as far back as the 1990s and early 2000s are still unresolved. This long-standing delay is a significant concern, as Justice Temo underscored the constitutional right to a timely trial, as defined in Section 15(3).
Highlighting the urgent need for changes, Justice Temo pointed out that numerous cases can remain unresolved for decades, emphasizing his commitment to improving the judiciary’s efficiency so that litigants do not suffer due to extended waits for justice. To support these reforms, he mentioned plans to consult with senior lawyers and other legal professionals to streamline legal processes.
These efforts are part of a larger initiative rooted in the Civil Rules Review Report received by the Office of the Attorney General, which focuses on enhancing case management and addressing persistent delays that undermine public trust in the judiciary. The report, created by the Civil Division Rules Committee, recommends several measures, including shorter deadlines for applications, conducting pre-trial conferences during initial hearings, and implementing mandatory mediation.
By leveraging the collective expertise of the judiciary and refining legal protocols, the government aims to restore confidence in the justice system and promote accountability in legal proceedings. These reforms, backed by the support of legal practitioners, pave the way for a more responsive and equitable judiciary, ensuring that timely justice becomes a reality for all citizens.
Overall, these initiatives signal a strong commitment to fostering an efficient legal framework, which is crucial for rebuilding public trust in the institution and creating a fair judicial process in Fiji.
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