The Office of the Attorney-General has received the Civil Rules Review Report from acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo.
The report, which outlines a review of the existing High Court rules and Magistrate’s Court rules on the principles of better case management was presented to Justice Temo in June.
The Office of the A-G stated the committee mandated to carry out the review was chaired by Justice Anare Tuilevuka.
“(Justice Temo’s) concerns were borne out of the chronic delays in the civil justice system which ultimately undermines public confidence in the Judiciary,” the statement read.
“Reviewing the Civil Court Rules addresses one of the main factors causing delays.
“The Civil Rules Review Report highlights the problems in the current High Court and Magistrate’s Court Rules and suggests solutions based on the collective experiences of the judicial officers.
“The suggestions include reduction in timelines for applications, whether interlocutory or final, and determinations, pre-trial conferences with judicial officers on first call and mandatory mediation.”
The director of the Law Reform Commission will conduct further consultations with stakeholders as well as the members of the public before tabling the draft amendments.
