By FAUSTINE KAPAMA-Judiciary
THE Chief Registrar
of Judiciary of Tanzania, Hon. Wilbert Chuma, has directed new magistrates to
consider human rights principles, people's lives, welfare and the country’s security
when carrying out their constitutional duties as enshrined under Article 107A
(2).
Hon. Chuma gave such an
appeal yesterday when opening a five-day training session being held at the
Institute of Judicial Administration (IJA) Lushoto in Tanga Region which
brought together 38 Magistrates to chart out on various judicial issues and
their respective mandates.
"This duty
requires not only legal knowledge but also an unwavering commitment to respect
the rule of law and protect the rights of all people who come before you,"
the Chief Registrar said.
Hon. Chuma told the
magistrates that the Judiciary of Tanzania is continuing its journey of
improvements in the best way to serve the people, so they should be part of such
journey in order to increase access to justice on time, transparency and great
efficiency.
He reminded them of
the call made by the Chief Justice of Tanzania, Hon. Prof. Ibrahim Juma on the day
of their swearing-in that it is good for them to consider the ethics for the
magistrates, including integrity, competence and impartiality.
The Chief Registrar
told the magistrates that in order for them to be successful in their judicial
works they need to have sufficient cooperation with the stakeholders of justice
and comply with the law and also avoid being the source of complaints and, instead
be part of finding solutions.
He asked them to
protect the image of the Court by building trust in the public by observing the
tradition and culture of the judiciary and refraining from improper use of
social networks.
"Use social
networks for benefit and productivity. I don't expect you to use social media,
for example to claim your rights instead of using existing public service
procedures according to the guidelines. Improper use of social networks can
lead you to ethical mistakes," he warned.
Likewise, the Chief
Registrar urged the Magistrates to protect their health and refrain from
actions that will give them anxiety or stress or damage their mental health,
including excessive alcoholism, debts, bad relationships with inappropriate
people or friends.
"These things,
despite being harmful to your well-being, can also cause problems in your
employment and work performance. I don't expect to see any of you fired for
misconduct. Take care of your life and respect your oaths," he said.
Hon. Chuma also reminded
the magistrates that the 21st century is dominated by the use of technology in
serving the people, so the Judiciary and the Government are using Information
and Communication Technology (ICT) to a large extent in providing services.
He encouraged them to
learn the use of ICT systems managed by the judiciary so that they could not
find difficulty when carrying out their duties. Such systems include TANZLII, JSDS2 which is
currently known as Advanced Case Management, e-Wakili and e-Library, among others.
The training,
coordinated by the Judiciary of Tanzania in collaboration with IJA aims to
build the capacity of Magistrates to fulfill their task of dispensing justice.
The magistrates are also trained on judicial ethics, case management, evidence
evaluation, better writing of judgments and the best way to give punishments.
Principal Resident Magistrate
and Director of Training at IJA, Hon. Dr. Patricia Kisinda speaking during the
opening session of such training.
A
section of new Magistrates who are attending the training in question.
Photo
by Yusufu Ahmadi-IJA, Lushoto
Hakuna maoni:
Chapisha Maoni