A lawyer who is reportedly set to be appointed magistrate, Nadine Lia, has undergone proceedings for misconduct.
The proceedings by the Committee for Advocates and Legal Procurators, within the Commission for the Administration of Justice, were over altercations in court in 2010 between Dr Lia and opposing lawyers. The incident was reportedly described by presiding Judge Michael Mallia as “shameful” and “appalling”.
Dr Lia has been under the media’s glare since The Malta Independent on Sunday reported last November that she would be appointed magistrate.
Last Wednesday the Times of Malta named her as one of three lawyers heading for judicial office, along with three sitting magistrates set to become judges. These appointments seem set to take place before the government implements promised changes to the judicial appointments system that has been roundly faulted by justice experts (see below).
Asked to deny or confirm that she would be appointed magistrate, Dr Lia declined to comment. Questions sent to Justice Minister Owen Bonnici via e-mail seeking verification of her nomination also remained unanswered.
The media reports on Dr Lia have generated particular controversy...
