New court to focus exclusively on drug cases

The government is planning to set up a court focusing exclusively on drug cases, on the model of the Family Court, new Justice Minister Chris Said said this morning.

He said the plan is to house the new Drugs Court in the building in Strait Street where the Family Court is currently located.

The Family Court will be moved to another, larger building in the same street. No timeframes have been set.

Dr Said was speaking during a tour of the new judiciary building in Strait Street, across the road from the rear side of the law courts building.

The minister said nearly €1.8 million are being spent on the new judiciary building - where two old houses have been joined and extra floors added for a total of eight storeys. The façade of the old buildings has been retained.

The building will house the private chambers of the members of the judiciary and other offices. Work started in March last year and will be completed by the end of this year. Talks are being held with Mepa on building a bridge to link the building with the law courts.

Dr Said said this project would free up space in the law court building and it will thus be possible to set up new Halls there.

He said the process on the installation of digital recording systems in the law courts is well underway, with equipment installed in half of the courts. The process will continue in the coming months.

The government is also tapping EU social funds for the training of court personnel.

Dr Said he said he has started meetings with stakeholders on improving efficiency at the law courts, including reducing in the number of pending cases.

See also

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111129/local/First-time-drug-users-to-receive-a-warning.396065