What to Expect from Social Policy?
The Junior Chamber of Advocates’ Social Policy Office is concerned with the way the social and legal spheres develop and interact with one another on a national and international level. Its aim is to represent the Junior Chamber of Advocates and the opinion of its members in various legal and social issues, which continuously shape the development of our society. The Social Policy Office predominantly handles the organisations’ participation and contribution to various fora and publications.
Our Social Policy Papers
The Recent Amendments to IVF Law
Compiled By Michaela Ellul
“The recent amendments to the IVF law have sparked significant controversy and debate. The introduction of new regulations around surrogacy, donor gametes, and the age of patients seeking treatment has sparked a heated debate within Maltese society about the balance between reproductive rights and ethical considerations. While some argue that the amendments are necessary to ensure the protection of vulnerable individuals, whilst other critics argue that the amendments are overly restrictive and discriminatory.”
Check out our Social Policy Paper, titled ‘The Recent Amendments to IVF Law’, compiled by JCA’s Social Policy Officer, Michaela Ellul, after researching the topic and holding discussions and consulting with Dr. Daniel Bianchi, one of Malta’s most reputable authorities in the area of medicine and law.
Domestic Violence on Society’s Vulnerable: Overlooked and Disregarded?
Compiled By Emma Shaw
“With the ever-growing number of cases of gender-based violence and domestic violence, especially in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, the main aim of this policy paper is to shed light on the effects of abuse on society’s most vulnerable, while highlighting any prevalent legal issues in this regard.”
Check out our Social Policy Paper, titled ‘Domestic Violence on Society’s Vulnerable: Overlooked and Disregarded?’, compiled by JCA’s Social Policy Officer, Emma Shaw, after researching the topic and holding discussions with Prof. Frances Camilleri-Cassar as well as consulting Dr Ruth Farrugia, two of Malta’s most reputable authorities in the area of gender-based and domestic violence law.
Analysing the Recent Amendments to the Method of Judicial Appointments
Compiled By Krista Spiteri Lucas
In the social policy paper entitled Social Policy Paper 2020/2021L: Analysing the Recent Amendments to the Method of Judicial Appointments, the Junior Chamber of Advocates makes extensive reference to the Venice Commission’s proposals for Malta in relation to the appointment and removal of members of the judiciary, the conflicting opinion of the EU Advocate General Gerald Hogan, and the Maltese Government’s reply so as to examine whether the recently implemented proposals truly do improve the state of the rule of law and democracy in Malta.
In order for the Junior Chamber of Advocates to inform itself better on the subject and arrive at an informed conclusion as to where it stands in view of such proposals, JCA has also consulted with Dr Tonio Borg and Mr. Justice Emeritus Giovanni Bonello.
The proposals put forward by the Venice Commission, which are delved into individually in this social policy paper, primarily relate to judicial vacancies, the Judicial Appointments Committee, the role of the President of the Republic of Malta in regards to the appointment and removal of members of the judiciary, including that of the Chief Justice, in order that the judicial process may become less politicised. Furthermore, a comparison is also created between the old system of appointment and removal of members of the judiciary and the newly-implemented system put forward by the Venice Commission. The functions of the Attorney General and the State Advocate in view of such amendments are also examined in this social policy paper, whilst the importance of an independent judiciary is also emphasised in order that the protection of the rule of law may be guaranteed and the doctrine of the separation of powers be upheld.
Ultimately, JCA is in favour of these amendments and agrees with the conclusions reached by the Final Report of the Commission for a Holistic Reform in the Field of Justice and its call for improved criteria in regards to Judicial Appointments so that justice may be both guaranteed and safeguarded.
Junior Chamber of Advocates 