‘Historic moment’ as five members of bench are sworn in

Two newly sworn-in judges and three magistrates were gently reminded by President George Abela yesterday that all their actions would always be subject to public scrutiny.

“While they hand down judgment, they will also be judged by public scrutiny and everything, including their private lives, has to conform to their position,” Dr Abela said yesterday.

Magistrates Silvio Meli and Anthony Ellul were promoted to judge while three new magistrates were appointed – lawyers Francesco Depasquale, 40, Josette Demicoli, 37, and Neville Camilleri, 37 – during a swearing-in ceremony at the Palace.

Dr Abela pointed out it was the first time that five members of the judiciary were sworn in at once and that it was an “important day” and “historic moment”. “They are competent, diligent and ready to fulfil their duty,” he said.

After serving in the Magistrates’ court for the past 11 years, Mr Justice Meli, 56, said he hoped his years of experience would help him fulfil his mandate with dignity.

Even Mr Justice Ellul, 44, said he would turn to his four years of experience – in the Gozo courts – to help him in his new post.

He admitted he had been “sceptical” when informed of the post by former Chief Justice Vincent Degaetano but thanked him yesterday for making that choice.

Magistrate Depasquale said he always wanted to work in the legal field and stepped into the law courts for the first time when he was only seven years old.

He would turn to his experience as a lawyer and that handed down by his father, Judge Franco Depasquale, to help him in his new role. “If I fail, however, I need to be told, but I will do my utmost for justice to be served,” he said.

Magistrate Camilleri pointed out that the role of the judiciary brought along with it a great sense of responsibility and also criticism, which he said he was ready for.

Previously a lawyer in the Church Ecclesiastical Tribunal and a mediator, Magistrate Camilleri’s swearing-in was underscored by the electric lights dimming slightly after a private contractor damaged a cable outside City Gate.

Magistrate Demicoli admitted she had “mixed emotions”. “While I’m very happy about this new role, I feel the weight of its responsibility on my shoulders – it wasn’t an easy decision,” she said.

However, it was something she felt she was called to do. “I was called to give a service to the country and the people who will appear before me and I will do my best to always remember that,” she said.

The ceremony was also attended by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Chief Justice Silvio Camilleri, Attorney General Peter Grech and Justice Minister Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici.