Judge Elis pledges quick and fair justice for Enga Province

Hon Judge Graham Elis was officially welcomed last month as the new residential judge for Enga Province.

In his address to the National Court in Enga, Judge Elis said the court will focus on quick and fair hearings to prevent conflicts that often arise from long delays in court cases. He also confirmed that all cases started before 2024 will be finalized by the end of this year.

Judge Elis has already shown his commitment by ordering the release of a murder suspect who had been held for seven years without trial at Baisu Correctional Institute. He said this action is part of efforts to address ongoing tribal conflicts in the Wapenamanda district.

The new judge is no stranger to Enga, having served in the province between 2009 and 2011. He said he was saddened to hear from Australia that tribal fighting was still a problem in the province.

Judge Elis made it clear that under his leadership, the National Court in Enga will move faster to clear the backlog of criminal cases. He said all pending cases should be completed by the end of this month.

He also reminded that under subsection 14 of section 37 of the Constitution, any accused person should have their trial start within four months of being committed. He expects the Enga National Court to complete criminal cases within one month.

Judge Elis said by the middle of next year, the goal is for every civil case in Wabag to be completed within one year of starting.

He also reminded the public that, under the law, anyone involved in a crime, whether directly or indirectly, faces the same tough penalties.