Justice, Home Affairs split comes as no surprise to Minister

The separation of Justice from Home Affairs comes as no surprise to Minister Manoel Mallia. "They were always under the umbrella of two separate people," the Minister said. "Now Justice will form part of the OPM's remit, as it should".

He said this as he presented the warrant to 11 new lawyers, explaining the move is further proof that the government is committed to listening to the public.

Franco Debono and others had long lobbied in favour of this move. The separation of Justice and Home Affairs follows the guidelines of the Labour government which continues turning concepts into realities, Mallia said.

Addressing the newly appointed lawyers, the Minister said the warrant was not the end but simply a milestone. He emphasised the need for ongoing studies.

"The legal profession demands constant studies from those working in the sector. The provision of a service to others should not be frowned upon but looked upon as a blessing," he said.

Minister Mallia urged the new lawyers to follow the rule of law and behave with a sense of ethics. "Temptations are rife but stay strong and remember the oath you took. The repercussions can be disastrous," he said, while wishing the 11 an excellent legal career.

Chief Justice Silvio Camilleri stated he does not look at himself as the 'capo' of the judiciary. He emphasised the importance of humility and reminded his former students how presumption can be ruinous.

"The result of your actions and advise will ripple over to your clients," he said.

Observing the law is the most natural basic prerequisite for lawyers. Moreover, lawyers should strive to do that which is right and not give in to temptation.

"If you fail at this, you could hide your shame from others, but it will eat you from inside. It will be a burden. You carry for life," he said.

Eliza Calleja, Leontine Calleja, Maxine Camilleri, Jennifer Cosaitis, Anthea Pace, Stephan Piazza, Claudia Schembri, Bernardine Sciberras, Christina Sillato Warrington, Charlene Vella and Jeremy Buttigieg are the 11 newly warranted.awyers.

Nine notaries were also presented with warrants. These were Maria Aquilina, Katrin Bartolo, Roberta Cassar, Joanne Cutajar, Michael Joseph Galea, Christian Meilak, Leanne Sammut, Dorian Sciberras and George Spiteri Debono.