Delays in receiving legal instructions from government ministries are creating serious financial consequences for the State, including incurring court penalties that amount to thousands of dollars and damaging its credibility within the judiciary. Solicitor-General Ropate Green has highlighted the ongoing challenges his office faces in meeting strict court deadlines due to the late or incomplete responses from the relevant ministries.
Courts in the system impose fixed deadlines that may be as short as seven days, and the State is subjected to financial penalties when it fails to comply with these timelines. Green noted that judges often express frustration when the State does not provide timely responses, underscoring the broader expectation that the government should uphold the highest legal standards.
“When we don’t comply, the court gets very agitated. Particularly when the judge is a former officer of the Attorney General’s Office, we experience criticism from the judicial branch for not responding promptly to directives,” Green stated.
The Solicitor-General stressed the critical need for better coordination between his office and client ministries. He remarked, “We cannot appear in court without instructions from you, our clients. We cannot appear in court without instructions from the Ministries.”
Green’s call for enhanced communication aims not only to protect public funds and ensure adherence to court processes but also to strengthen public trust in the justice system. This proactive request reflects an effort to enhance the effectiveness of legal proceedings and maintain the integrity of government in judicial matters. As the issue receives greater attention, there is optimism that reforms will create a more agile legal framework, better equipped to meet the demands of the judiciary and ultimately bolster public confidence in the legal system.