7 – The best lawyers for the people

In a criminal court there are two sides facing the judge.

On the one side there’s the accused, innocent until proven guilty, protected as they should be by all the safeguards to ensure that no innocent person is punished for a crime they did not commit.

On the other side the Maltese state conducting the prosecution. In some ways the state speaks for the victims because even if the losses they suffered cannot be altogether recovered, they deserve at the very least to see justice done.

But the state also represents us, the people, we who have not committed a crime and who deserve to live in a peaceful society. Every time a guilty person walks unpunished, that right – to live in a peaceful society – is hurt some more.

The law says that the two sides in front of a judge should have equality of arms.

That means that the accused is entitled to the best possible representation, lawyers that can speak for them and protect their interests. That’s fair.

It’s also fair that the people have good representation. Too often we don’t. Prosecutions are systemically defeated because our prosecution service is under-staffed, inexperienced, under-resourced, and unequipped.

In public hospitals we expect to get the best doctors. The prosecution service should have the best lawyers.

In order to fight crime, the state must be better equipped with competent and experienced representation.

The state should train and provide adequate pay to those who dedicate their lives to ensuring that justice is done with victims and society. 

Written by Manuel Delia
Video Production & Voiceover: Michael Kaden