Mail & Guardian Reporter
JUSTICE Minister Dullah Omar has news for advocates who have settled down to t he idea of competition in court from attorneys.
In his “Vision 2000” strategy document for the justice system, Omar says he wi ll investigate further the possibility of allowing law students to appear in m agistrate’s courts. And he will examine expanding reciprocal recognition of fo reign legal qualifications.
Another controversial feature of Omar’s plan is the possibility of appointing lay people as assessors — hardly the cure for what some believe is the decl ining quality of the judiciary. However, many lawyers believe it is crucial th at lay people — especially blacks — be brought in alongside judges to pr ovide an antidote to the white, male approach to life.
Omar said he did not think his plan was too long term to cater for the justice system’s widespread failings. In any case, he said, much needs to be done bef
ore it is implemented — especially matters which do not require legislation . “There are lots of things which need addressing, such as racism, which do no t require legislation”.
Omar criticised the state prosecutors’ “work-to-rule” action over pay, pointin g out that the prosecutors had agreed to their increases at the central bargai ning council. It was only when the magistrates got a meatier increase that the y complained, he added.