Cabinet has approved the appointment of Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani and lawyer Robert Mangion as judges.

The appointments are the first made by Justice Minister Chris Said since he took over the justice portfolio in January.

Dr Padovani, 52, from Valletta, graduated from the University of Malta in 1984 and was admitted to the bar as magistrate in 1991. She is married to Ivan Padovani and has one child.

Dr Mangion, 50, from Qormi graduated from the University of Malta in 1986 and was president of the Chamber of Advocates between 2003 and 2006. He is married to Rita Catherine and has four children.

The appointments come after Judge Albert Magri retired from the bench at 65.

Another two judges and three magistrates were sworn in last year when magistrates Silvio Meli and Anthony Ellul took the oath of office as judges of the Superior Courts, while lawyers Francesco Depasquale, Josette Demicoli and Neville Camilleri were appointed magistrates of the Inferior Courts.