Hampering the course of justice

It is not enough for justice to be done, but it should be seen to be done. I do not recall who said these words, but if they were to be applied to the police force I dare say that this saying only demonstrates the arrogance of certain of its members.

On July 8, a tribunal court session was scheduled in a case regarding a house left to us by our grandparents. For the fifth consecutive time, the session, which was assigned to Dr Joe Buttigieg to hear evidence in proceedings instituted by the police, was postponed. The case is being heard by the Criminal Court.

The arbiter had no alternative but to postpone the case to October 2, as the police inspector failed to notify the parties concerned. The lawyers in the case were only informed of the session thanks to the initiative of Dr Buttigieg.

The police once again showed utter disrespect for the court. It is shameful that they should act in such a way and show complete nonchalance.

The police force is supposed to be composed of members that swear loyalty to the Republic of Malta and their full dedication to see that the laws of our islands are observed. But similar incidents to this give me the impression that some high-ranking officers do not give a hoot about the bad example they set to the honest citizen. It is unacceptable that a police officer shows such disrespect towards persons in the legal profession whose job it is to see to it that justice is done.

I just wonder how the Parliamentary Secretary for justice, Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici, dares send his constituents pamphlets in which he boasts of his endeavours to reduce the time it takes for court cases to be decided and to see that justice is done without delay. The consecutive police absences in this case ridicule Dr Mifsud Bonnici's boasting of efficiency at the courts.

Such cases confuse me and prompt me to ask: In the course of justice, which is supreme, the police or the courts?