History of the law courts exhibition

Interesting exhibitions covering different facets of the history of the law courts in Malta will characterise an Open Weekend at the law courts building on Saturday and Sunday.

The Open Days will be held to mark the European Day of Civil Justice.

All the court halls and other sections of the building in Republic Street will be open for viewing.

The exhibitions will include pictures of the various buildings which over the ages housed the courts including a palace in Mdina, the police station at Birkirkara, the San Gejtanu Band Club in Hamrun - where the wartime trial of Carmelo Borg Pisani started - the local council offices in Balzan, the Auberge d'Auverge, the Auberge d'Italie and the School of Arts in Valletta, among other buildings.

The exhibition also features pictures of the building of the current court building and proposals for other buildings, including one in Floriana.

Also on display will be gowns and berets worn by many of Malta's Chief Justices, a copy of a gown worn at the time of the Knights and documents relating to important trials, such as that of Dun Mikiel Xerri.

Insignia awarded to Maltese judges, particularly Sir Anthony Mamo, will also be displayed.

The law courts building will be open from 9.30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.