(LUSAKATIMES) LAZ commends computerisation of national judicial system

LAZ commends computerisation of national judicial system
Monday, March 29, 2010, 10:58

Law Association of Zambia President Stephen Lungu (left) talks to Transparency International Zambia Executive Director Goodwell Lungu after the Supreme Court delivered a ruling in former President Frederick Chiluba

THE Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has commended Government and the judiciary for computerisation of the judicial system in the country.

LAZ president said in an interview yesterday that the computerisation of the judiciary will benefit the public, as it will strengthen the way cases are handled.

Mr Lungu said the development will also ensure speedy access to justice by members of the public.

“The launch of the computerisation of the judicial system is very good. It will provide for speedy access to justice,” he said.

Mr Lungu said his association is happy with the development.

He said the judiciary is making significant strides in speeding up the administration of justice.
Mr Lungu said apart from the computerised system, the judiciary last year launched the small-claims court in an effort to reinforce the administration of justice.

He hoped the project to computerise the system will continue and be sustainable.

“As lawyers we are happy. Government and the judiciary should be commended for launching the computerisation of the judicial system. We hope the process will continue and that it will have sustainability,” Mr Lungu said.

He called on all stakeholders to ensure the project continues.

Vice-President George Kunda launched phase one of the computerisation of the judicial system in Lusaka on Friday.

Mr Kunda said the country will be the first in Africa to use such a system.

He said the first phase will see the computerisation of the Supreme, High and Magistrates courts.
The project has been made possible by a grant from Investment Climate Facility for Africa (ICFA) in partnership with Government.

The grant of US$500,000 from the ICFA represents 75 percent of the total cost of the project.

[Zambia Daily Mail]