CHIEF Justice Sir Albert Palmer says absenteeism and punctuality is a common problem in the legal and court offices.
Sir Albert made the comments during the opening of the Legal Year on Monday this week held at the High Court.
“Of great concern is when the courts are not sitting on time as scheduled because judicial or legal officers were always late.
“This is unacceptable and it is incumbent on all legal and judicial officers to ensure that they are in court well before court convenes.
“All our legal and support staff should also be working towards ensuring that court sits on time,” he said.
He said all the legal and registry offices should be manned during public hours and staff attendance and punctuality improved.
“I know various approaches have been tried to address this ongoing problem but at the end of the day, all of us should be aiming to be in office at the right times.”
The chief justice said for persistent breaches, other disciplinary measures should be considered to address the issue.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
