If you ask the average man or woman on the street what's wrong with the justice system - almost no one would say that. It's because we need more attorneys. In fact most would say that we have too many as it is!
But, the Chief Justice says there is a shortage of one type of attorney - and she explained why they are needed at Tuesday's Supreme Court Opening:
Louise Blenman, Chief Justice
"However, there is an urgent need for more defense attorneys at the criminal bar, and I take this opportunity to encourage attorneys at law to accept this invitation to take up the mantle and play an active part in ensuring an efficient criminal justice system."
"There are simply too few lawyers at the defense bar. Also, I cannot ignore the fact that the remand population remains unacceptably high."
"I visited the central prison and noted that young people are among the detainees there. In Belize, it is not unusual for prisons to have to wait in excess of eight years for a trial. This is highly unsatisfactory and is being addressed as a matter of priority."
"Our justices in the Criminal Division continue to work tirelessly and they are committed to ensuring that no case takes in excess of two years to be disposed."
