The government is addressing concerns about the slow transformation of the legal sector, particularly in the briefing patterns that favor certain practitioners. Deputy Minister of Justice Andries Nel emphasized the need for unity and fairness in the profession, highlighting the department’s efforts to support previously disadvantaged and female legal practitioners.
The government is taking steps to establish the Legal Sector Charter Council to further promote transformation in the legal profession. Despite some challenges in payment timelines for legal practitioners, the department is focused on improving access to justice services and enhancing court facilities.
While the department received an unqualified audit outcome, there are still service delivery concerns, including backlog cases and maintenance issues in various court facilities. The Auditor-General raised red flags about these issues and the need for a more integrated system within the criminal justice system.
Efforts are being made to expedite the resolution of backlog cases, especially those related to serious offenses like rape and murder. Addressing these challenges will not only improve the legal process but also restore trust in the justice system.
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