Lawyers on appointments commission: unacceptable for PM to hand-pick judges

The Chamber of Advocates has declared that a Bill proposing a judicial appointments commission to recommend suitable candidates to the judiciary, is “unacceptable” because it does not bind the Prime Minister with its recommendations.

The Chamber met justice minister Owen Bonnici on Wednesday to discuss his bill, which seeks to create a commission that will evaluate candidates for the posts of magistrate, to be then recommended by the commission for appointment to the bench.

“We have expressed our reservation on the principle within the Bill that allows the Prime Minister to appoint members of the judiciary without the recommendation of the judicial appointments commission. It is unacceptable and unless the prime minister is bound by the commission’s recommendation, the Chamber cannot agree with the Bill,” the Chamber said.

The Chamber on the other hand expressed satisfaction at the minister’s disposition in considering proposals it made on the number of years’ experience necessary for lawyers to be nominated to the bench, as well as proposals on the disciplinary procedure for the judiciary.

Bonnici reiterates government’s openness to proposals

In a statement issued earlier today, Bonnici said that given the fact that the draft touched upon some delicate and intricate issues, the government was open to proposals from various parties including to those coming from the Chamber of Advocates.

“The government is open to proposals that seek to make appointment procedures better and improve the conditions of the judiciary,” he added.

The minister also noted the positive feedback received following a meeting between the minister and the chamber. He further thanked the chamber for its proactive participation and constructive proposals.