Prime Minister Robert Abela, together with Justice and Construction Sector Reform Minister Jonathan Attard, officially inaugurated a new court building dedicated to Inquiring Magistrates.The new Inquiring Magistrates’ Building, known as “Palazzo Conte”, will host the specialised section of Inquiring Magistrates, the Registry of the Court of Voluntary Jurisdiction, and other related offices. By relocating these services, pressure on the main Courts of Justice will be reduced, allowing for more space, better organisation, and improved efficiency.Abela described the inauguration as a milestone in Malta’s ongoing judicial reforms, noting that the creation of a specialised section of Inquiring Magistrates was a crucial step in this process. He stressed that the reform of the inquiry system is central to protecting victims’ rights while ensuring that requests are based on legitimate purposes and clear evidence.“We are equipping the judiciary with the tools needed to work efficiently, while ensuring it continues to draw the best legal minds and human resources,” Abela said. He also pointed to substantial investments in digitalisation, including a €10 million Court Case Management System currently at tendering stage, the new fully digitalised Legal Aid Management System, and a €2 million EU-funded project to install a modern audio system in all courtrooms, ensuring accurate and secure recording of proceedings.Minister Attard emphasised that with the opening of Palazzo Conte, Malta now has a fully operational specialised section of Inquiring Magistrates working within a dedicated space equipped with modern resources. He noted the section’s strong performance since its establishment earlier this year: between January and August 2024, 1,251 magisterial inquiries were filed, of which more than 830 were concluded — a completion rate exceeding 65%.Vanessa Grech, Chief Executive of the Agency for Court Services, stressed the public service role of the judiciary. “It is our responsibility to provide modern infrastructure, the best tools, and skilled human resources to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow,” she said. Grech highlighted the Agency’s growth in recent years, noting that the Courts now employ more than 580 staff, including nearly 100 lawyers who directly support the judiciary.•