The Judiciary of Trinidad and Tobago has consulted judges, legal practitioners and justice-sector organisations on improving family court procedures and resolving cases more promptly.
Hosted on Friday by the Judicial Education Institute of Trinidad and Tobago, the consultation examined the practical application of the Family Proceedings Rules 1998 and possible areas for procedural reform, according to the Trinidad Guardian.
Discussions addressed difficulties in managing family matters, the effectiveness of existing procedures and opportunities to make court processes fairer and more efficient. Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh emphasised practical discussions aimed at improving services for court users and court performance.
A central issue was the Rules’ overriding objective: dealing with family matters justly, with children’s welfare taking first and paramount consideration in proceedings affecting them. Participants shared experiences and identified procedural and administrative challenges that could affect the fair and timely handling of cases.
Those attending included Justices of Appeal, High Court judges, other judicial officers and members of the Court Administrative Unit. Representatives also came from the Ministry of Justice, the Children’s Authority, the Law Association, Hugh Wooding Law School, the Faculty of Law and family law and other legal associations.
The Judiciary described the engagement as part of its continuing commitment to consultation and better administration of justice. The discussions explored potential improvements to the application of the Rules and court processes; the report did not announce adopted changes or an implementation timetable.