Better legal, judicial services eyed

The work of the Office of the Public Solicitor cannot be underestimated or ignored any more if legal systems, administration and delivery of judicial service are to make sense to the citizens.
Minister for Justice and Attorney-General Davis Steven said this in his addresses at the Public Solicitor’s Office policy manual launching on Thursday.
“I hold the view that respect for our laws and our Constitution can begin or strengthened if we start protecting the rights of our ordinary people,” he said.
“I look at the Constitution and the pedantic legal statement on social and economic responsibilities of the State, and the array of human rights-related guarantees and basic social obligations to see a vision of a nation that is built on justice, equality and righteousness.
“Despite our many challenges, we can ill afford to remain stagnant.
“We must do what we can with what we have.
“Government’s commitment to the rule of law and improving our institutional capacity to maintain a robust judicial system is a priority inked in many policy commitments and accords including the famous Alotau Accord.
“Our resolve to improve our corruption perception internally and externally is a personal challenge.
“I have today received the resolution of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC) to instigate court restructure.
“I am working on National Executive Council endorsement of a policy position for the Law and Justice Sector to be captured in a white paper – a task that is now priority for my Department.
“With your support and commitment, and continued support of our development partners, and the Law and Justice Sector we can achieve this outcome despite resource constraints and other challenges.”