Chief Justice lauds ‘open access’ in court corruption fight
Chief Justice of the Judiciary of Tanzania, Prof Ibrahim Hamis Juma, speaks during the TanzLII Open Access to Law in Tanzania conference, held in Dar es Salaam starting September 18 to 19, 2024. PHOTO | JUDICIARY OF TANZANIA
What you need to know:
- He expressed pride in the progress made in combating corruption, while acknowledging that challenges remain, particularly for ordinary citizens
Dar es Salaam. Open access to court information has significantly mitigated corruption in Tanzanian courts.
Speaking during the TanzLII Open Access to Law in Tanzania conference, held in Dar es Salaam starting September 18 to 19, 2024, Chief Justice of the Judiciary of Tanzania, Prof Ibrahim Hamis Juma, revealed that the introduction of open access has made it challenging for involved parties to conceal information or conduct cases in secrecy.
“By allowing public access to case details and documents, the system has reduced opportunities for court officials and others to accept bribes aimed at altering or hiding case outcomes,” he said.
Additionally, he noted that open access has empowered citizens to monitor justice proceedings, thereby enhancing accountability and transparency in the judicial system.
“In 1996, we had a commission to investigate the state of corruption in Tanzania. One of the heavily corrupt areas was the availability of court information.“Previously, obtaining a court judgement often required a bribe. I am proud that our efforts to combat corruption have improved, though challenges remain, particularly for ordinary citizens.”
Speaking at the event, Katharina Kuehn from GIZ Tanzania and East Africa emphasised the crucial role of open access to court information in enhancing judicial accountability.
“Open access is vital not only because it allows people to appear before the court, but it also ensures that the outcomes of their cases are transparent and accessible,” she stated.
“When decisions are public, it helps ensure they are binding and that the judiciary remains accountable. Access to laws and court decisions also empowers citizens by providing them with the knowledge needed to address the court effectively.”
She also highlighted that while open access is fundamental for transparency, it strengthens public trust in the judicial system.
The ability for the public to review and understand judicial decisions significantly upholds the integrity of legal processes.
Earlier, during opening remarks, another member of GIZ Tanzania and East Africa, Mr Muhamet Brahim, highlighted the transformative impact of digitalisation on legal access in the country.
“Digitalisation is a game changer because it moves us from theoretical to practical access. Open access to laws and judgements is crucial for ensuring that the rule of law is observed and that the judiciary remains transparent and accountable," he said.
"In Tanzania, we’ve seen significant advancements in providing easy access to legal information, which not only empowers citizens but also enhances the efficiency of legal processes. This shift allows for more effective research and access to legal resources, a vital improvement from traditional methods of handling printed documents."
