Image Source: Malta-Media.com
Malta is set to introduce significant reforms to its magisterial inquiries, aimed at enhancing efficiency, accountability, and the overall administration of justice. A new bill, currently in the pipeline, will introduce a two-year deadline for the completion of inquiries, as well as a higher level of proof required to initiate proceedings. This overhaul is expected to bring much-needed clarity and transparency to the inquiry process, while also ensuring that justice is served in a timely and effective manner.
Under the proposed reforms, the police will be given a six-month window to determine whether there are sufficient grounds to launch an inquiry. This timeframe is designed to strike a balance between allowing the police sufficient time to gather evidence and ensuring that the inquiry process is not unduly delayed. Once the inquiry is underway, the two-year deadline will provide a clear timeline for its completion, helping to prevent unnecessary delays and ensuring that justice is served in a timely manner.
The requirement for a higher level of proof to initiate proceedings is also a significant development, as it will help to prevent frivolous or unfounded inquiries from proceeding. This enhanced threshold will ensure that only the most credible and compelling cases are brought forward, thereby maintaining the integrity of the inquiry process and preventing unnecessary harm to individuals or organizations.
The introduction of these reforms is a welcome development, as it demonstrates a clear commitment to enhancing the efficiency and accountability of Malta’s magisterial inquiries. By providing a clear timeline for inquiries and introducing a higher level of proof required to initiate proceedings, these reforms will help to ensure that justice is served in a fair, timely, and effective manner.
