Delays from government ministries in providing legal instructions are resulting in significant financial repercussions for the State, leading to thousands of dollars in court penalties and undermining its credibility in the judiciary. Solicitor-General Ropate Green has pointed out that his office frequently struggles to meet stringent court deadlines due to late or incomplete instructions from the relevant ministries.
Courts enforce fixed deadlines that can be as brief as seven days, and when the State fails to meet these timelines, it faces financial penalties. Green noted that judges often display frustration when the State does not respond promptly, particularly because there is a general expectation that the government should adhere to the highest legal standards.
“When we don’t comply, the court gets very agitated. Especially if the judge is a former officer of the Attorney General’s Office, we receive backlash from the judicial offices, criticizing our office for not being prompt in responding to the court’s directives,” Green explained.
The Solicitor-General emphasized the urgent need for improved coordination between his office and the client ministries. He stated, “What we are facing at the moment is that we cannot appear in court without instructions from you, our clients. We cannot appear in court without instructions from the Ministries.”
Green advocates that enhancing communication will not only help safeguard public funds and ensure compliance with court processes but also bolster public confidence in the justice system. This call for better collaboration reflects a proactive approach toward improving the effectiveness of legal proceedings and upholding the integrity of the government in judicial matters. As this issue gains attention, there is hope that necessary reforms will lead to a more agile and responsive legal framework that meets the demands of the judiciary, ultimately reinforcing public trust in the legal system.