Judge reminisces about good old days

Newly-appointed Mr Justice Michael Mallia held his first sitting yesterday, dedicating the traditional inaugural address to his parents, especially his father, Paul Mallia, who for over 50 years had worked very hard in the law courts.

He recalled a time when he was just eight or 10-years-old when he would run almost out of breath with his father from the court house in Merchant Street, Valletta to the lower court house in Strada Forni (Old Bakery Street) where he learnt "unspeakable words in Maltese".

Today's young lawyers driving Mercedes and BMW convertibles and Alfa Romeos were a far cry from the time when he was young. Yet, the work back then still attracted him.

He said lawyers in his father's time would demonstrate friendship and trust and would behave in a gentlemanly manner with each other. Despite being legal eagles in the courtroom they would be jovial outside and share jokes. He wondered what had happened to those times.

Mr Justice Mallia said the increase in the number of police inspectors meant there was more work for magistrates, where he served before being appointed judge, and also more pressure. While it was not all bad, working under pressure would in the long run have negative effects on the psyche of the adjudicator.

The judge also recalled the 15 years he had spent in Gozo saying he had learned a lot and enjoyed the support of excellent staff.