With the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) now in operation, the Guyanese government is optimistic about swift actions to fill multiple vacancies for judges.
Attorney General Anil Nandlall shared during a recent press conference that expediting this process is crucial to significantly reduce the backlog of legal matters.
Over the past few months, the JSC has advertised various vacancies for judges and magistrates in local publications.
Attorney General Nandlall appreciates this positive step but emphasizes the need to accelerate the process further to enhance the current judicial workforce.
Nandlall expressed a concern about the lack of advertised vacancies for appeals court judges.
Despite changes in the law to increase the number of appeals court judges, he has not observed corresponding advertisements.
The revised law suggests a range of at least five to no more than nine judges.
The Attorney General remains hopeful that the Court of Appeal will conduct sittings in the counties of Berbice and Essequibo, potentially reducing the necessity for cases to be heard exclusively in Demerara County.
In addition to addressing the vacancies, the government is contemplating legal amendments to permit judge-alone trials.
This move aligns with practices adopted by various countries, including England and several Caribbean nations, where judge-alone trials have proven effective.
Judge-alone trials offer transparency, as the judge is required to provide explicit reasons for the verdict.
This contrasts with jury decisions, which remain confidential. The government believes that embracing judge-alone trials could contribute to a more efficient and transparent judicial process.
As Guyana continues its efforts to enhance its legal infrastructure, the establishment and proactive functioning of the JSC mark a significant step toward addressing judicial vacancies and improving the overall legal system.