Anthony Licari (October 29) missed the whole point of why the people are not satisfied with the mess at the law courts. I agree that sour faces, Pharisee style, are now passé. But this is only part of the story. Next time he should expand also on the responsibilities. A judge must not only be fair but be seen to be fair. A judge must not only deliver but be seen to deliver.

Contrary to the 83 per cent that do not agree with a rise for our judiciary, I am very much in favour, but in turn they have to appreciate the qualms of the people and give ample proof of how things are done. By the time I am writing this letter well over 17,000 had participated in timesofmalta.com survey which is a substantial figure for Malta. The fact that due to certain restraints the judiciary never comment is wrong. They should have a spokesman. Collectively they should address the perceived shortcomings. Unfortunately their silence is being misconstrued and misinterpreted.

Justice must be seen to be done properly, without fear or favour. The limited social aspect is to avoid having too many friends in a small place like Malta, where everyone knows everybody else.

Yes they should have a rise, yes they should stay longer on the bench and yes they should have a better pension so as not to be subject to the administration for additional work after they retire. Yes they should have all the help and assistance they need to carry out a proper job.

However, they must also do their part and unfortunately some (who impinge on the others) do not seem to be doing so. To the man in the street two particular topics are very worrying indeed, namely the delays and certain decisions where the culprit is receiving better treatment than the victim.

I have to pose the question – are there some instructions to minimise the number of persons being sent to prison as the facilities cannot cope with any more? Is the administration worried of having minor miscreants mix with hardened criminals?

The solution is simple, have separate facilities, away from Corradino and provide those “silly” blokes with educational and psychological help as used to be done at the St Philip Neri School.

Finally there is no justification for the excessive delays. Justice delayed is justice denied. All members of Parliament should wake up and find ways and means how to upgrade our justice system which, unfortunately, is found to be lacking.