The Judicial and Legal Services Commission says it has taken note of the recent comments and concerns being expressed regarding the transfer of senior magistrates, insisting that such transfers ‘are routine’.
In a statement, the Commission defended the transfer of the magistrates to various districts across the country, saying it is in keeping with the Judicial and Legal Services Regulations, which governs the transfer of magistrates after a tour of two years.
‘While transfers are ordinarily conducted during the regular transfer period of July to August, the regulations provide that transfers may also be affected outside of this timeframe in cases where an exigency arises,’ It added.
The Commission said that when the positions of senior magistrates were created years ago the intention was for them to ‘be placed at strategic locations in the districts across Belize with the primary objective of strengthening the delivery of justice in the District Courts and enhancing capacity building among junior officers.
‘This initiative ensures that the public continues to receive efficient, fair, and accessible judicial services across the country,’ the Commission said, indicating that its decisions are guided by the rule of law, good governance, ‘and the ongoing need to improve access to justice and delivery of justice in the districts’.