Justice Juggernaut: Courts Across Cambodia Accelerate Registry Case Resolutions

In a groundbreaking move, capital and provincial courts nationwide have successfully tackled 47% of civil registry cases, marking a signific...

In a groundbreaking move, capital and provincial courts nationwide have successfully tackled 47% of civil registry cases, marking a significant stride in the Cambodian legal landscape. The Phnom Penh Court of Appeal is leading the charge, urging its key personnel to expedite proceedings not only for registry cases but also for matters involving drug offenses and fatal road incidents.

The Ministry of Justice’s Information and Public Relations Working Group released a report on February 3, revealing that the courts were initially handling 6,850 registry cases before targeted campaigns were launched to address specific legal concerns. Post-initiatives, an additional 1,880 cases were registered, pushing the total count to 8,730 by January 31.

“In the 23 days since the launch of two campaigns, the capital and provincial courts have impressively resolved 47.2% [4,120] of registry cases,” the report stated, highlighting the impactful outcomes of the justice initiatives.

The Ministry underscores that these efforts aim to expedite case resolutions, bolster transparency, and fortify integrity in the judicial process. The initiatives have received both acclaim and constructive criticism from various quarters.

Am Sam Ath, operations director of the rights group LICADHO, lauds the swift handling of registry cases for their vital role in people's daily lives but emphasizes the need for an exemplary process. He urges the courts to accelerate justice for all cases, not just those prioritized by the government, to foster public trust and uphold equal justice under the law.

Civil society organizations (CSOs) persistently advocate for comprehensive legal system and judiciary reforms to ensure independence, legal equality, and the eradication of irregularities within the Cambodian courts. Sam Ath emphasizes the continuous need for governmental attention to these broader concerns.

Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, applauds the efficacy of the campaigns. He acknowledges the Ministry's rapid resolution of registry cases as crucial for people's daily lives, emphasizing that thousands of stalled cases could disrupt local economies and socio-economic activities.

Seng Sivutha, president of the Phnom Penh Appeal Court, has passionately urged court members to expedite case resolutions. Specifically addressing drug offense cases, he calls for trials to be completed by March 2024, showcasing a commitment to swift justice.

In conclusion, Cambodia's legal landscape is witnessing a paradigm shift as courts intensify efforts to resolve registry cases promptly. While praised for its effectiveness, the system faces calls for broader reforms to ensure a holistic and equitable legal environment.