Joe Azzopardi was sworn in as judge yesterday afternoon as President Guido de Marco expressed his preoccupation over the number of pending court cases.
Senglea-born Mr Justice Azzopardi, 48, replaces Mr Justice Franco Depasquale, who retired last February.
Following the swearing-in-ceremony held at the Ambassador's Room, at The Palace, in Valletta Mr Justice Azzopardi thanked the government for the appointment and promised to carry out his duties in the best possible way, ensuring honesty and sincerity throughout.
Mr Justice Azzopardi admitted it had been difficult for him to relinquish his day-time job as lawyer, a profession he has held for the last 23 years.
He said the problems facing the courts system were evident, but added that the members of the judiciary were professional individuals who could see such problems through.
Prof. de Marco said it was important for the courts to see to the 1,870 cases which he described as being "in limbo".
He augured that there would be an improvement in numbers when the time comes in January for magistrates and judges to report those cases which have been pending for over five years.
Last October the government recommended André Camilleri to replace Mr Justice Depasquale, but the Commission for the Administration of Justice, whose advice was sought by the prime minister, had said he might not have the required minimum of 12 years' legal practice at the law courts. Dr Camilleri subsequently turned down the nomination.
Mr Justice Azzopardi graduated as lawyer in 1979 and was shortly afterwards appointed director of Mid-Med Bank.
In 1997, he was appointed as a board member on the Housing Authority and also occupied the post of president of the Chamber of Advocates.
For the past six years he has also served as Commissioner for Justice.
Present for Dr Azzopardi's ceremony were Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami, Minister of Justice and Home Affairs Tonio Borg and Chief Justice Vincent de Gaetano, among others.
Mr Justice Azzopardi is married to Maria neé Attard and has a 17-year old daughter.