Criminal bench book launched for district courts

The Magisterial Service has launched a criminal benchbook and service charter for district courts to assist magistrates and improve dialogue with court users.
Minister for Justice and Attorney-General Davis Steven launched the book and charter during the biennial magistrates conference in Port Moresby.
Steven pointed out that the launching of the two documents was a result of the organisational transformation reform programme introduced last year.
He reminded magistrates and clerks of court of the challenges they faced and also the purpose of the conference.
“The backlog continues to increase, matters are adjourned time and time again. You have the power and capacity to change this,” Steven said.
”Our people do not just want to see statistics. You can say that we did so many national court proceedings or hearings. But what the people want to know is how many decisions have been delivered.”
Steven made special mention of the juvenile component of the criminal bench book which would give a more comprehensive guide to magistrates when dealing with minors and also the feedback procedures in court which allows court users to give feedback or make suggestions.
Steven acknowledged the support of the Australian government through the Justice Services and Stability for Development programme in the development and design of the two documents that were launched.
He urged participants of the conference to follow its theme of “excellence in district court service delivery”.