Chief Justice acts to reduce backlog of cases before courts

Thu, 13 Apr 2017 08:24:24 +0000

By CHIKUMBI K ATEBE

MORE than 200 cases have been referred for mediation settlement in an effort to decongest a huge backlog of court matters in the judiciary system, Chief Justice Ireen Mambilima has said.

Justice Mambilima said the mediation settlement would allow for quick disposal of cases as well as reduce costs for litigants.

She was speaking during the launch of the first Mediation Settlement week at the High Court grounds yesterday where she said the idea was to open up the courts for public inquiries on legal proceedings.

“The purpose of Mediation Settlement week is not only to provide an opportunity to litigants to have their disputes tabled before a mediator, but it is also an open day for the court for purposes of providing a forum for interaction between judges, counsels, litigants and the mediators,

“They are also available to receive any suggestions that you may have that will help us improve the service we are providing, I, therefore urge you to feel free in y our consultation,” she said.

The Chief Justice said lawyers must take advantage of the opportunity to dispose of their cases before the matter goes to trial and over-turn the backlog of cases before court, adding that “it also makes you (lawyer) as you would have provided a satisfactory service to your client by having his or her case resolved quickly and at minimum cost”.

And Lusaka High Court Judge in Charge, Justice Gertrude Chawatama said the huge backlog of cases continued to obstruct the flow of justice, adding that the Mediation Settlement would help cut down the congestion.

Meanwhile, Law Association of Zambia (LAZ president Linda Kasonde explained that mediation settlement would help dispose off cases quickly, as well as reduce costs, increase confidentiality and encourage party participation in coming to a mutual agreement on their matters.

She said with mediation, cases would close efficiently and speedily to encourage friendship after litigation.