Download PDF - The Judiciary

State of Judiciary 2011-2012
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Figure 3.1: How cases at the Office of the Judiciary Ombudsperson
were handled
COMPLAINTS HANDLED
closed successful- Issues resolved 5,256
Open- matters still being handled 2,227
New – complaints received 1,069
Closed with workaround- complaints awaiting further
intervention 909
Merged – complaints follow up on initial complaint 277
Closed unsuccessful- complaints resolved however
complainant unsatisfied 38
9,776
3.3 Public Engagement
The Judiciary has historically appeared distant and remote
from the public. This posture has affected its operations and
undermined public confidence in it. As a consequence, the
notions of service, accessibility, and accountability have been
lost. Article 10 of the Constitution requires State organs and
officers to uphold and promote the values of public participation,
transparency and accountability.
In the past year, the Judiciary has undertaken a wide range of
measures to promote public engagement by its judicial and
administrative branches. This has been informed by the provisions
of Article 159 of the Constitution, which states that judicial
authority is derived from the people.
Administratively, the Directorate of Public Affairs and
Communication (DPAC) has been established as one of the
new service delivery units in the Judiciary. DPAC is responsible
for a range of institutional strategic priorities. Its work relates to
broad aspects of internal and external relations in the Judiciary.
The Office of the Chief Justice has been highly visible and
continues to robustly engage with the public by explaining
ongoing reform activities and communicating policy.