Justice Chibita: Poorly written judgments erode public trust
Justice Mike Chibita has urged magistrates in Uganda to improve the quality and timeliness of their legal judgments to maintain public trust. The Judiciary is introducing digital tools, such as a new judgment-writing platform, to assist judicial officers in this process.
Why it matters
Clear and timely judicial writing is essential for the rule of law and public confidence in the legal system, particularly in developing judicial infrastructures.
Magistrates have been urged to write clear, well-reasoned and timely judgments to strengthen public confidence in the Judiciary and promote transparency and accountability in the administration of justice.
Justice Mike Chibita, the chairperson of the Judicial Training Institute Governing Council, said poorly written judgments could undermine public trust in the courts, even where proceedings had been competently conducted.
“A well-written judgment promotes transparency, consistency, accountability and public confidence in the administration of justice. It tells parties whether they understand the outcome and their responsibilities and provides a clear basis for appeal, if any,” Justice Chibita said.
He was speaking to more than 200 magistrates from Western Uganda who attended a training session on judgment writing in Kampala on Thursday.
Justice Chibita, who is also a Supreme Court judge, warned that judgments that lack proper structure, adequate reasoning or are delivered after undue delays could weaken confidence in the judicial process.
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