Updated: New judge, magistrates sworn in; Chief Justice expresses disappointment

The Chief Justice this morning expressed his disappointment that the judiciary learnt about the changes being proposed by the Justice Reform Commission from newspapers. Speaking during the swearing in ceremony of Mr Justice Antonio Mizzi and magistrates Aaron Bugeja and Charmaine Galea, Chief Justice Silvio Camilleri said the judiciary would be affected by any changes and the situation could have been handled better. One consolation was, however, that things could only get better. He said that while some of the proposals were positive, others were not. Chief Justice Camilleri said that the only time he was mentioned in his role as Chief Justice was when it was stated that he could be demoted. He said he felt this was a lack of appreciation for his role not only in relation to the judiciary but also as mediator between the judiciary and the administration. Chief Justice Camilleri said he was surprised at the way the Commission for the Administration of Justice was not mentioned in the report. He noted that the judiciary was currently studying the report to give its feedback. Chief Justice Camilleri said that certain matters were not negotiable and while the judiciary might be...