By FAUSTINE KAPAMA-Judiciary, Dar es Salaam
The Judge in Charge of
the High Court of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam Sub-Registry, Hon. Salma Maghimbi has
urged judicial officers to observe ethics and remain accountable to the public
when exercising responsibilities of administering justice.
Hon. Maghimbi made such
an appeal today dated February 26, 2025 when opening a training on Bangalore
Principles and Organizational Measures Deriving from the Bangalore Principles
at Fourt Point by Sheraton Hotel in Dar es Salaam, organized by Institute of Judicial
Administration Lushoto (IJA).
About 30 Resident
Magistrates serving on different capacities from District Courts across the
country are attending the training, which has been sponsored by GIZ Regional
Project, with two High Court Judges, Hon. Joachim Tiganga from Mbeya and Hon.
Lilian Itemba from Bukoba, attending as Facilitators.
Judge Maghimbi told the
participants to such crucial three-days training session that the Bangalore
principles provide a universal framework that help judges and magistrates
navigate ethical challenges in a manner that ensure independence, impartiality
and accountability.
“These principles of judicial
independence, impartiality, integrity, propriety, equality, competence and diligence
are not just and ideals but essential pillars of our judicial responsibility. They
guide our actions in and out of court room and help us maintain the confidence
of the public we serve,” she said.
The judge in charge
pointed out that in today’s rapidly evolving world, judges and magistrates are
faced with increasing ethical dilemmas, the rise of social media, the change in
nature of public scrutiny and complexity of modern legal issues, all require them
to be more conscious of their ethical obligations.
Therefore, she said, such
training will allow them to explore such challenges and share insights on how they
could apply the Bangalore principles effectively in their respective
jurisdictions.
Judge Maghimbi reminded
the participants also that over the next three days of the training, the
facilitators will guide them on how their own values shape decision making and
what they can do to ensure they align with their professional responsibilities.
“You will be also be able
to strike the right balance between the independent and remain accountable to
the public and the rule of law, understanding the dipper meaning behind the
oath we take and how they translate into our daily conduct. So, will know how
to put those values in our day today work,” she said.
The judge in charge further
reminded the participants that it was not a passive training, but an
opportunity to open dialogue and knowledge sharing.
She, therefore, encourage
each of them to actively participate, ask questions and contribute their experiences,
as the judiciary is strengthened when learning from one another and work
together to uphold shared values.
“As we embark on this training,
let us remember that ethical integrity is not a destination, but a continues
journey. The choices we make, the principles we uphold and the leadership we
demonstrate in ethical matters will define the future of the judiciary,” Judge
Maghimbi said.
Speaking during the
opening session, the Legal Advisor GIZ Tanzania, Ms Neema Ndemno explained that
it was a second training of the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct, which
the GIZ Regional Project of Rule of Law and Judiciary in Africa supported in Tanzania.
The first batch, she
said, was conducted in June 2024 at Mwanza where a total of 30 judges were
trained and some of them are the facilitators of the training in question.
The GIZ Legal Advisor
pointed out that the Bangalore principles adopted in 2002 provide a
comprehensive framework that guide judges in their conduct both inside and
outside the courtroom.
“These principles serve
as a vital tool in ensuring that our judicial decisions are not only fair but
also seen to be fair by the public, reinforcing the trust and confidence placed
in our judicial system,” she said.
Ms Neema told the
participants to the training that as judicial officers they hold a unique and
critical responsibility to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of all
individuals who come before them.
She explained that the
conduct of judicial officers, both professional and personal, plays a
significant role in maintaining the integrity of courts and ensuring that
justice is delivered impartially and without bias.
Hakuna maoni:
Chapisha Maoni