Legal Year 2026 Officially Opens

The Legal Year 2026 was officially opened this week during a ceremonial sitting attended by Governor-General H. E. Dame Froyla Tzalam, Cabinet Secretary H. E. Ambassador Stuart Leslie, Attorney General Hon. Anthony Sylvestre, members of the judiciary, practicing attorneys, and court staff.

The annual ceremony provides an opportunity for leaders of the legal profession to review the past year’s performance and outline plans to strengthen the administration of justice. In her keynote address, Chief Justice Hon. Louise Esther Blenman reflected on the judiciary’s work in 2025 and highlighted key priorities for the year ahead.

Chief Justice Blenman reported that the Criminal Bar disposed of 224 cases in 2025 and noted that 19 Practice Directions were issued to improve court efficiency and streamline procedures. She emphasized the importance of modernization within the justice system, including plans for targeted training for judges and attorneys.

The Chief Justice further announced that new rules and procedures are being developed to better regulate the non-contentious administration of estates. She also stressed the need to strengthen institutional capacity through improved court resources.