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The list of efficiency improvement measures introduced or being pursued within the Judiciary in recent months ran into some 30 items and ranged from the small to the big: from providing extra public telephones in court premises, through the introduction of state-of-the-art computerisation, a more efficient and flexible listing system, to a fresh approach in its interface with the public symbolised by the Serving the Community pledge.
"An important and ready indicator of judicial efficiency is court waiting time," he said. "I am glad to say that with the fine-tuning of our listing system and the appointment of a Listing Judge in the High Court since last November, the situation has improved considerably and is continuing to improve."
High Court criminal case waiting time had for example dropped significantly over the last year from an average of seven months to four.
The Chief Justice warned that a key factor in keeping court waiting times within reasonable limits and in enhancing judicial efficiency would be more control over the progress of cases by judges themselves.
"In the vast majority of cases, delays occur because of unnecessarily long examination of witnesses, prolix submissions, frequent and prolonged adjournments and the vast number of documents and witnesses," he explained.
"There is a growing body of opinion both here and in jurisdictions elsewhere, that the trial judge should take a more interventionist approach in proceedings, exercising more control over the conduct of cases to avoid time-wasting and repetition, and cutting down on delays and costs."
Sir Ti Liang affirmed that "we need a more robust case management culture" and promised that the Judicial Studies Board would be looking into it in the months ahead.
On sentencing policy, the Chief Justice warned against dictation by public opinion instead of the law as it is, the facts of the case and the background of the accused.
"It would be a sad day," he said, "if a judge were to hand down sentences merely on the strength of, and in the light of, media or public opinion. This would not help the administration of justice and the independence of the Judiciary."
End/Monday, January 9, 1995