Karugarama tables bill on court bailiffs

The Chamber of Deputies, on Monday, agreed to consider a bill establishing court bailiffs and brokers. The law, if passed, will put in place mechanisms to monitor court bailiffs and brokers, specify their responsibilities and draw limits, set ethical conduct and minimal requirements for anyone to practice. Presenting the draft legislation to the House, the Minister of Justice, Tharcisse Karugarama, said the proposed organ was crucial for the country’s judicial system.He said the law would establish a model to guide courts in enforcing court decisions. “The law will pave way for a more transparent system of handling compensation-related cases with regard to Penal Code provisions. There will also be critical assessment of practicing individuals, contrary to the current situation where only academic documents are considered,“ he said. Karugarama added that the minimum qualification for court bailiffs will be a certificate in legal related studies. The draft law will put in place both professional and non-professional practitioners. The minister also told the House that the law would enhance professionalism and efficiency succeeding the current law which had loopholes in the execution of judgements. However, some MPs expressed concerns on the inclusion of non-professionals in the body, saying it would undermine the profession. The minister responded that everyone would be held accountable for their acts, and that the inclusion of non-professional bailiffs was intended to involve the general public in the dispensation of justice. The draft law was sent to the parliamentary political committee for further scrutiny. Ends

National

Karugarama tables bill on court bailiffs