People should be given incentives to settle cases out of court through mediation in order to reduce court delays, according to the law students association.

In a document about the proposed justice reform, GhSL said incentives could come in the form of higher costs for court applications.

The students proposed more training for judges to ensure that members of the judiciary were specialised in particular areas. There should also be system of internships with judges and magistrates for those wanting to prepare themselves for such a role.

GhSL added that the courts should be modernized through the introduction of digital filing.

Parliamentary secretary for justice Owen Bonnici thanked the students for their contribution and said he was particularly struck by the emphasis on mediation.

He said this was an innovative proposal though he stressed that this should not impinge on access to justice for all.

Dr Bonnici said the country was now in a historically unique position of having the recommendations of all stakeholders including the judiciary, the Attorney General and the Chamber of Advocates.

The Bonello Commission will submit its final recommendations to the Government in October after taking cognisance of all the feedback received so that the main pillars of the reform would be implemented by the end of the year.