The procedure of civil and commercial mediation should be revised to allow the court to nominate mediators rather than referring cases to the Mediation Centre, according to Mr Justice Robert Mangion.

Mr Justice Mangion, who has vast experience in mediation, spoke about the need to promote the concept of mediation in court.

During mediation, a neutral third party helped communication between those involved, possibly leading to an agreed solution and avoiding the need for a judgement, he said during his first court sitting as judge.

Retired judges had a great potential to act as mediators because of their vast experience, which made it ideal for them to take up the post of a neutral third party facilitating agreements.

Mr Justice Mangion also spoke about the lack of safety in the Gozo courts, referring to a recent case where a man was stabbed and a lawyer injured during a sitting.

“It should have never taken place but should act as an eye-opener,” he said.

Security needed to be upped at court buildings and everyone should be ready to make an effort and do their part, even though this might not be as “comfortable”, Mr Justice Mangion said.

The security issue was also raised by Chamber of Advocates president Reuben Balzan, who said the installation of metal detectors, although a deterrent, was not the solution.

He called for a heavier presence of police officers, especially in mediation rooms at the Family Court, where parties usually end up being involved in brawls.

Referring to a recent article in The Times which claimed that the legal aid system was in shambles, Dr Balzan said the present system needed to be reviewed, especially with regard to the bad conditions lawyers were being offered.