CJ stresses timely dispensation of justices

THE Chief Justice of Tanzania, Professor Ibrahim Juma, has appealed to all institutions and stakeholders in the country’s criminal justice system to review their mandates and ensure timely dispensation of justice, which is crucial for the well-being of the nation. Prof Juma made this call on Wednesday while speaking to journalists at the Integrated Centre for Family Matters in Temeke, Dar es Salaam, during the celebration of Law Week and Law Day for 2024. The theme for this year’s celebration is “The Importance of the Concept of Justice for the Welfare of the Nation: The Role of Judiciary and Stakeholders in Improving the Integrated Criminal Justice System.” “This theme provides another opportunity for criminal justice institutions to reflect on the recommendations of the Presidential Commission and explore ways to improve these institutions. It emphasises the need for justice to be valued in all measures, institutions, and stages of criminal proceedings,” he said. Elaborating further on the theme, the Chief Justice highlighted the various important steps involved in the criminal justice process, including investigations, arrests, prosecution by the National Office of Prosecution, court hearings, and the responsibility of the Prison Service in keeping prisoners or detainees. “Law Week will be used by criminal justice institutions to educate the public on various matters related to criminal justice. One of the challenges identified by the President’s Commission is the lack of communication and information sharing among institutions involved in criminal justice. This hampers timely access to justice as it delays investigations and court proceedings. It also affects the operation and management of other justice institutions,” he explained. The Chief Justice also announced that the Judiciary of Tanzania will celebrate Law Week and Day at the national level from January 24th to 30th this year at Mwalimu Nyerere Square in the capital city of Dodoma. Similar celebrations will also take place in all High Court Zones in regions and districts across the country. He added that the official launch of the Law Week exhibition will be held on January 27, 2024, with a special walk starting at 6.00 at Dodoma Integrated Justice Centre and culminating at the Mwalimu Nyerere grounds. “The guest of honour will be the Speaker of the National Assembly, who also serves as the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Dr Tulia Ackson,” he said. The climax of Law Day will be held on February 1st this year at the Chinangali grounds in Dodoma, and it will be graced by President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The judiciary has been working on improving its services to provide better service to the people through the Five-Year Strategic Plan Phase Two (2020/21 – 2024/25). The plan focuses on good governance, accountability, resource management, timely access to justice, and valuing the opinions of citizens, court users, stakeholders, and society in general. The involvement of citizens, court users, stakeholders, and society in general is particularly important, as it is a key aspect of the Judiciary of Tanzania’s commitment to judicial activities.