Legal aid pilot project commences next year

ISAIAH MOREWAGAE
Staff Writer | Thursday November 11, 2010 00:00

During the State of the Nation Address on Monday, President Ian Khama averred that the pilot legal aid project will be implemented at two centres during the first quarter of 2011.

Khama said effective delivery of the justice system recognises access to legal assistance for all. 'To this end, the office of the Attorney General is working on the modalities of providing legal aid to those who may need it,' he said.

He acknowledged the proactive efforts by the Administration of Justice, Industrial Court and Attorney General's Chambers, in accelerating case disposal through new case management systems.

Khama said that in other efforts to improve delivery, the judiciary has introduced special courts for small claims and stock theft, whose open procedures allow people to seek redress without incurring heavy legal expenses. He stated that the public's positive response to these courts is reflected in the large number of cases that have been registered before them.

He said small claims courts were started on a pilot basis in Gaborone and Francistown, while four stock theft courts have so far been established. 'They shall thus be extended elsewhere,' Khama said. The President was impressed with the judiciary and its good reputation. 'We respect the independence of the judiciary and recognise that it is human nature that people will comment one way or the other on decisions made by the courts,' he said. He stressed that the rule of law requires that decisions be fair and legally sound in order to enhance public confidence in the judicial system.

'It is important, therefore, that our judiciary continue to strive for excellence in this manner and further strengthen public confidence, through displaying conduct that is consistent with the ethics and highest standards of the legal profession,' Khama said.