Editor,
Please, Justices, let us make timely final decisions on our society’s civil cases. We are currently waiting on a decision for several years from one of our most prestigious judges at the Judiciary of The Bahamas. We understand that the court system has challenges, and we appreciate that the appropriate authorities are working to rectify those challenges and issues. However, I must emphasize that our court system needs to make a more concerted effort to reduce the time it takes to render final decisions on civil litigations for the citizens of The Bahamas.
If an accused person in a criminal case can have their matter heard and resolved within a reasonable time, why is it that a person alleging wrongdoing in a civil case cannot expect a similarly timely resolution? Why does it seem that our court system places more emphasis and priority on criminal cases over civil cases in our society?
There is a saying I’ve often heard from prominent individuals in various sectors of our nation: “Justice delayed is justice denied.” This quote holds profound truth both figuratively and literally. The longer it takes for our courts to reach a final decision, the more justice is delayed.
For example, in a civil case, there are usually one or more parties involved. Once all the evidence and arguments are fairly presented by the litigants, it is the responsibility of the presiding justice to carefully consider the matter and come to a fair and final decision. The victorious party is recognized, while the losing party is informed of their wrongdoing. The party who has been wronged receives the justice they sought, often through compensation or some other remedy that addresses the harm done.
Given this process, the time it takes a justice to deliver a final decision in a civil case is both paramount and crucial. If a person who has been wronged seeks resolution and adheres to our country’s laws in pursuing redress, but the judge delays their decision—especially in cases involving physically ill parties or minors who require expedited outcomes—an injustice is being done.
This sector of society is not only expected to administer justice but to uphold the law and ensure justice is accessible to Bahamian citizens seeking redress. A prolonged delay by a judge in reaching a final decision not only hinders justice but may also prevent affected parties from moving forward with their lives. It delays peace of mind, access to funds necessary to address the situation, or simply the satisfaction of knowing they pursued a righteous path through the legal system.
All these facets are essential to an individual’s mental well-being, emotional stability, and physical health—key components of a reasonable standard of living in Bahamian society.
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