Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda has called for a cordial relationship between judges and lawyers, so as to ensure a legal system that is collaborative in nature.
He made the call at the second edition of the Bench-Bar Symposium held in Blantyre.
The event convened legal practitioners and stakeholders to discuss the critical importance of improving working relations to enhance justice delivery across Malawi.
During the symposium, which focused on the theme “Accountability of the Judiciary and the Legal Profession: Reflections on Regulatory Frameworks,” Mzikamanda emphasized that the dynamics within the courtroom have a profound impact on society.
“What happens in court affects the entire nation. People who come to court for justice want to see justice not interrupted by bad relations between the bench and the bar,” he stated.
The Chief Justice therefore lobbied for collective responsibility of legal professionals to serve the public effectively.
On his part, Malawi Law Society president Davis Njobvu said they seek to advocate for a platform where judges and lawyers can openly engage in discussions beyond individual cases.
“In court, we only look at a particular case, but there are many issues that need addressing outside the courtroom for the benefit of the public. Accountability to court users is paramount,” he said.
According to Njobvu, the interface is further meant to contribute to the discourse on enhancing professional standards within the judiciary.
The symposium allowed participants to analyze regulatory frameworks and share strategies aimed at fostering trust and accountability within the justice system.
