High-level seminars organised with the Academy of European Law focus on child-friendly justice and the ethical use of technology in courts.
Minister Jonathan Attard addressing the seminars organised with the Academy of European Law (ERA).
Ministry for Justice Hosts High-Level Seminars on Children’s Rights and Artificial Intelligence in the Justice System
The Ministry for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector, in collaboration with the Academy of European Law (ERA), has organised two high-level seminars focusing on key pillars of contemporary legal reform: the procedural rights of children and the responsible integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the justice system.
The first seminar brought together members of the judiciary, mediators, child advocates, and legal professionals to examine evolving standards in child-friendly justice. The discussions form part of the Ministry’s preparations for the forthcoming restructuring of the Family Court, described as one of the most significant justice reforms in recent years.
Addressing participants, Minister for Justice Jonathan Attard underscored the need for a fundamental shift in how minors are perceived within judicial proceedings.
“Children are not accessories to proceedings. They are rightsholders. They deserve protection, to be heard, and to be supported,” Minister Attard stated. He emphasised that safeguarding children’s procedural rights represents the ethical foundation of a modern justice system—one that is humane, transparent, and responsive to the realities faced by families.
The Minister also highlighted Malta’s active engagement at the European level, referring to the recent conference on the Best Interests of the Child held under the Maltese Presidency of the Council of Europe, which reinforced shared European commitments in this area.
The second seminar focused on the digital evolution of the judiciary, with particular attention to the opportunities and challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence. Discussions addressed EU guidelines on trustworthy AI, data protection requirements, and practical applications of AI in judicial administration, including case management systems.
Minister Attard reassured legal professionals that Malta’s approach to AI is firmly grounded in transparency, accountability, and human oversight.
“AI will never replace human judgment; it supports it. Technology must help us deliver justice that is more efficient, more accessible, and more trusted, without ever compromising fairness, dignity, or the rule of law,” he said.
He outlined ongoing investments under the Malta Digital Justice Strategy, including the introduction of a new Court Information Management System, upgraded courtroom audio infrastructure, and enhanced digital connectivity tools designed to improve the efficiency and accessibility of judicial services.
Concluding the seminars, Minister Attard expressed his appreciation to the experts from the Academy of European Law and to ministry officials involved in the organisation of the events. He stressed that meaningful reform is only achievable through continuous professional development and institutional collaboration.
“Whether we are discussing children’s rights or the role of technology, the objective remains the same: justice that hears better, protects better, and decides better,” the Minister concluded.
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