PNG CJ says number of judges needs to double

12:31 pm on 7 February 2018

The Papua New Guinea Chief Justice says the judiciary needs between 80 and 100 judges to deal with the increase in the number of cases coming before the courts.

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During the opening of the legal year Sir Salamo Injia said the country needed more judges given the growth in the economy.

The National newspaper reported Sir Salamo also said 50 years ago, the total case-load in the Supreme and National courts was 30 percent civil cases and 70 percent criminal cases.

He said that had now reversed with 30 percent criminal and 70 percent civil.

He attributed this to the growth in the economy which has generated a lot of finance-related cases.

The Chief Justice was hopeful that courts would undergo a restructure in the next two years.

Sir Salamo said then PNG could increase the number of judges from 44 to 80, and divide judges among the three courts so they can deal with people quickly and efficiently.

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