Justice Ministry Unveils Key Reforms And Investments For The Year Ahead

The Ministry for Justice has presented a detailed account of its work and projects over the past year, alongside upcoming initiatives, in anticipation of the opening of the Forensic Year on 1 October.

Minister Jonathan Attard underlined that the extensive list of completed projects, particularly the statistics provided, demonstrate the Ministry’s commitment to acting on the recommendations of the Chief Justice through open dialogue and concrete action.

“In the past twelve months alone, more than one Bill a month was brought before Parliament, including significant reforms in the field of justice,” said Minister Attard, stressing the importance of continuing to work towards a justice system that is more efficient and effective.

Major reforms implemented included; Drug Court Reform, offering greater opportunities for rehabilitation and more efficient procedures, reform of Magisterial Inquiries, strengthening procedures regarding expert appointments and costs, bolstering victims’ rights, and inaugurating a new building for the Inquiring Magistrate and commercial Court, the creation of a specialised court supported by legislative and infrastructural measures, including a new building in Valletta.

The Minister also announced that two further major reforms in the Family Court and in Compilation Proceedings will be tabled in Parliament by year’s end, aimed at ensuring faster and more effective processes.

Chief Executive of the Court Services Agency, Dr Vanessa Grech, highlighted the significant administrative progress achieved. The Agency now employs more than 588 staff, the highest number in its history, underpinned by a collective agreement already in force and fresh negotiations for improved conditions underway. The judiciary is supported by 44 Court Attorneys and 53 Judicial Assistants, with nearly 100 lawyers providing assistance.

Dr Grech also noted that the Court Registries processed tens of thousands of acts this year within stipulated timeframes. Between January and September alone, the superior and inferior courts received more than 68,457 acts, with an additional 15,718 filed in the Family Court, 25,277 in the Criminal Court registry, and 9,581 in the Voluntary Jurisdiction registry.

New services, including a Help Desk and the 153 helpline, are already delivering tangible benefits. The Help Desk has received over 780 in-person visitors, more than 2,300 phone calls, around 240 messages via Messenger, and over 1,000 emails to the Agency’s dedicated address.

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