— Judiciary urged to come up with instruments against early marriages

Judiciary urged to come up with instruments against early marriages

Livingstone, September 8 th, 2014, ZANIS —-  Vice President Dr. Guy Scott says the country has a good record of women representation in the judiciary.

 

And Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association(CMJA)President Justice John Vertes says the conference was aimed at promoting better understanding of judicial independence issues and finding ways of approaching different judicial issues affecting Commonwealth countries.

 

And Acting Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda said the judiciary should address the issue of corruption, which has proved to be a huge challenge in protection and promotion of judicial independence.

 

Dr. Scott says  the country was faring well regarding women representation in the judiciary saying  currently Zambia has about 51 percent of women serving in the judiciary.

 

ZANIS reports that the Vice President said this in Livingstone when he officially opened the 18th Annual Magistrates and Judges Association Conference held at Zambezi Sun hotel, today.

 

The conference was held  under the theme: "Judicial Independence, the challenges of the modern Era."

 

The Vice President said in terms of judicial independence the three arms of government are operating independently as there is no interference in their operations.

 

He also said there is need for the judiciary to come up with legal instruments or mechanisms that would curb increased cases of early marriages in the country.

 

Dr. Scott  said early marriages were a source of concern in the country as many young girls were being forced into marriages.

 

And Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association(CMJA)President Justice John Vertes says the conference was aimed at promoting better understanding of judicial independence issues and finding ways of approaching different judicial issues affecting Commonwealth countries.

 

Justice Vertes further says the conference enhances networking amongst the Magistrates and Judges from Commonwealth countries on issues pertaining to judicial developments.

 

Speaking at the same function, Acting Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda said the judiciary should address the issue of corruption, which has proved to be a huge challenge in protection and promotion of judicial independence.

 

Justice Chibesakunda said bribes compromise judicial independence and diminish the reputation and integrity of the judiciary.

 

She has since called for zero tolerance approach to corruption in the legal system.

 

The Magistrates and Judges Annual Conference has attracted delegates from 64 Commonwealth countries.