Refining legislation and legal process vital for effective legal system

Prime Minister James Marape has emphasized the importance of refining legislation and legal procedures to ensure clarity and flexibility in PNG's legal system.

Mr Marape has urged all legal institutions to remain proactive in addressing legal and governance challenges and has asked the Department of Justice and Attorney General to push for legislative reviews that align the country’s legal system with global standards.

“Legal reforms are an ongoing process, and the laws need to be continuously reviewed and refined to uphold the principles of fairness and justice, ensuring the legal framework is fit for purpose in a rapidly evolving world,” Mr Marape said.

Mr Marape assured that his government will ensure the functions and independence of the judiciary is paramount and remains free from political influence.

He has also highlighted the need for digital transformation in the judiciary to improve efficiency, accessibility, and transparency.

The Prime Minister said case management needs modernizing, streamlined legal procedures, and leveraged technology to improve service delivery where cases need to be resolved on time.

Meanwhile, in terms of maintaining staff capacity, the Prime Minister said it is important to recruit and retain the top legal minds, among others, to build an effective justice system.

He also noted that housing and resource allocation for legal professionals is a key priority in ensuring a strong judiciary.

Prime Minister Marape added that an independent judiciary is non-negotiable, and they must be provided with the necessary support to ensure justice is dispersed fairly and immediately.

Mr Marape highlighted this at a meeting with the Secretary for Department of Justice and Attorney General Dr Eric Kwa and other agency heads in Port Moresby

Prime Minister James Marape during a meeting with Secretary for Department for Justice and Attorney General Dr. Eric Kwa and other agencies' heads emphasized the importance of refining legislation and legal procedures to ensure clarity and flexibility, and efficiency in the legal system.