DCJ Hosts Commonwealth Lawyers Association President, Discusses ADR and Association's Initiatives
(L-R): Ms. Pheona Wall Nabasa, Hon. Justice Buteera (DCJ), Mr. Peter D. Maynard (President of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA), HW Gakyaro Mpirwe Allan, Personal Assistant to the DCJ.
Earlier, the President of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA), Mr. Peter D. Maynard, paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Richard Buteera at the Court of Appeal.
He was accompanied by Ms. Pheona Wall Nabasa, a council member of the CLA.
The purpose of the visit was to discuss the activities of the CLA and to invite DCJ to attend the Commonwealth Lawyers Association Conference, scheduled to take place from April6 to 10, 2025, in Malta. Additionally, the president sought to explore future partnerships with the Judiciary.
The CLA plays a pivotal role in advocating for the promotion of the rule of law, access to justice and the promotion of human rights.
The DCJ expressed his gratitude for the visit, noting the importance of collaboration between the Judiciary and legal practitioners. He emphasized that the Judiciary relies on lawyers who represent the public and bring cases before the courts, highlighting that a mutual understanding between the Judiciary and lawyers fosters better public trust.
Justice Buteera appreciated the CLA's training programs, particularly those focused on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). He remarked, "When you talk about ADR, that's something dear to us." He explained that the Judiciary has a Mediation program and has trained 72 mediators, including retired judges. He expressed interest in the CLA's training programs for lawyers in Mediation, stating that lawyers trained in ADR could effectively promote Mediation as a dispute resolution method.
The DCJ also stated that the Judiciary's initiative is to involve traditional and religious leaders in resolving disputes. He noted that applying ADR methods, such as Mediation and Plea Bargaining, could significantly reduce case backlog and expedite the justice process.
He praised the CLA's program for training young lawyers, emphasizing that well-trained lawyers help move cases faster and ensure fair justice. Justice Buteera highlighted the successful start of Mediation in the Judiciary and the pilot of appellate mediation at the Court of Appeal. He also informed Mr. Maynard about an upcoming Case Settlement Week in courts.
Mr. Maynard shared that the Commonwealth Lawyers Association conducts training across Commonwealth member countries. These include Clinical Legal Education and the promotion of ADR, particularly Mediation, to foster a culture of quick and affordable justice.
Furthermore, he said the Association provides training in family and commercial law and offers talent development programs for young lawyers within the Commonwealth member countries. The Association also runs projects to help refugees gain access to justice.
In attendance was HW Gakyaro Mpirwe Allan, Personal Assistant to the DCJ.
Posted 16th, July 2024
