GOVERNMENT is planning to introduce an Office of Lord Chancellor to deal with inefficiencies in the judicial system.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar made the announcement on Monday night as she spoke at a United National Congress (UNC) Monday night report in Penal.

She said the introduction of such an Office would greatly assist the Chief Justice so that he can focus on his core duties instead of being bogged down by the day-to-day running of the Judiciary.

Those core functions included delivering judgements and monitoring judicial appointees.

Speaking to UNC supporters, Persad-Bissessar explained what such an Office would do for the judicial system.

She said currently, the Chief Justice has to do administration, deliver judgement and oversee the entire operations of the Judiciary.

Persad-Bissessar said, “The way the country has grown, we have outlived that kind of model because everything is more.”

In addition, the number of cases being filed was growing.

She said discussions were held with Attorney General John Jeremie and the Law Reform Commission to examine the establishment of the Office of Lord Chancellor.

Persad-Bissessar said, “The Law Reform Commission has prepared a research note and we will be reviewing that in the Cabinet. The Chief Justice will still be in charge of the Judiciary but the Chancellor will oversee the day to day logistics   and the running of the courts.”

“The Chief Justice will focus on managing legal cases and overseeing the judges, magistrates, masters and other judicial personnel.”

She said the problems in the judiciary can be solved by having fit human resources.

Legislation should be drafted by October just in time for Parliament and nationwide consultations would be held, Persad-Bissessar said.

She added, “We cannot do the same things over and over again and expect to have change.”

The Commission is responsible for promoting reform of the law and keeping under review all the laws applicable to Trinidad and Tobago. The Commission reports to Parliament through the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs.

According to the UK Parliament, the Lord Chancellor is one of the most ancient offices of state, dating back many centuries.

The Lord Chancellor is appointed by the Monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister and is a senior member of the Cabinet heading the Ministry of Justice as the Secretary of State for Justice.

The Lord Chancellor was also head of the judiciary and the senior judge of the House of Lords in its judicial capacity. However, under the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, the Lord Chancellor ceased to be the Speaker of the Lords and was replaced by the Lord Speaker.

In addition, the Lord Chief Justice is now head of the judiciary and the Lord Chancellor may no longer sit as a judge.