The limit for claims filed before the Small Claims Tribunal is to increase to €5,000, Justice Minister Owen Bonnici said yesterday.

Addressing a press conference to unveil a series of reforms in civil proceedings, Dr Bonnici said the tribunal reform would cut down by around 150 the number of cases filed in court each year. Currently one can claim up to €3,494 before the tribunal.

The tribunal, he said, had a much faster clearance rate, of around 120 per cent, meaning cases would be handled quicker than if they were filed in court.

The savings would be administrative and also financial. Dr Bonnici said filing a case in court cost around €275 and an appeal cost a further €260, meaning “overnight savings” of some €500 per appealed case. Filing a case before the tribunal costs around €54.

Other reforms include empowering the appeal courts to correctmistakes in judicial acts

Dr Bonnici said the reform would come into force as soon as the Bill, already tabled, was approved by Parliament.

The tribunal would also be given a fast track option through the introduction of ex tempore sentences – a system already in place across most countries of Europe, which allows faster judgments. Ex tempore sentences allow for judgements to be given “summarily”, meaning the reasons behind a decision would only need to be given if the decision is appealed – substantially cutting down on the length of time a judgment takes to be delivered.

Dr Bonnici also announced a reform in the process for the revocation of proxy documents. The process currently costs on average €2,000, which Dr Bonnici described as “restrictive”.

Other reforms include empowering the appeal courts to correct mistakes in judicial acts which often go unnoticed until after years of court proceedings. Dr Bonnici said this would save time and the credibility of the judicial system.

An electronic “interdiction and incapacitation registry” will also be set up.

Dr Bonnici said this would be made available to lawyers, notaries and legal procurators. The registry will help the public avoid paying substantial recurring expenses and will also notify all on the list of decisions regarding interdiction and incapacitation.