11 September 2007
A Magistrates' conference is scheduled to take place at Gallagher Estate,
Midrand from 15 to 16 September 2007. The purpose of the conference is to
commence a dialogue on aspects relating to the transformation of the lower
courts, with a specific focus on efficiency and judicial accountability.
Media is invited to be part of this conference and will be allowed to attend
all sessions:
* 15 September 2007 at 08h30 to 16h45
* 16 September 2007 at 09h00 to 13h45
About 600 participants will attend the conference. The audience will among
others include a diverse audience with the vast knowledge and experience in the
administration of justice, including senior judges and magistrates, members
from the executive and the legislature, and esteemed members of the legal
profession.
South Africa is part of the commonwealth and participates in the structures
established for purposes of exchanging and sharing information on judicial
matters such as the rule of law, independence of the judiciary and aspect
relating to the judiciary. The commonwealth has nominated Justice Charles
Mkandawire to attend and participate in the conference.
The presence and contributions of other international guests will be
important to the objectives of the conference.
Delegates are to share experiences, exchange views and seek solutions on,
among others, the following:
* How the branches of State (legislature, the executive and the judiciary)
could strengthen their co-operation on matters relating to the administration
of justice for the nation good.
* streamlining the lower courts' judiciary and the high courts' judiciary in
pursuit of the goal of establishing a single judiciary
* Broad aspects on access to justice and improving the efficiency of the courts
which includes:
1. strategies to address case backlogs and case cycle times including the
Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism
2. the rationalisation of the lower courts and the review of their jurisdiction
including specialist courts
3. judicial education and practical legal training for judicial officers, legal
professionals and court administrators
4. language use in courts
5. strengthening partnerships with various role-players within the justice
sector to build sustainable programmes and strategies to provide an efficient
justice delivery system at the lower courts.
* The appointment mechanism for magistrates must be brought in line with the
appointment of judges as the latter is the most representative and transparent
mechanism for the appointment of judges.
* Share international experience on court modernisation programmes to improve
the functioning of courts.
Journalists who wish to attend the conference may confirm their attendance
with Heinrich Augustyn before Thursday, 13 September 2007, at 15h00 on 084 666
4499 or 012 315 1723.
Enquiries:
Phumla Mthala
Tel: 012 357 8234
Cell: 079 528 4661
Issued by: Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
11 September 2007
