LawyersCollege condemns Panama judicial system

THE GROWING scandal over the resignation of a judge after alleged pressure  from Supreme Court judges, who in turn were bending to the ruling administration has bought out a press statement from Panama’s College of Lawyers.

It reads:
ONE The statements of former Judge Alexis Ballesteros are serious accusations and reflect a deterioration of what citizens EXPECT of the administration of justice.
TWO: Proceedings in the media represent an imminent danger to citizens' rights such as the violation of the presumption of innocence of any individual.
THREE : Transparency and proper handling of such statements test the capacity of the judiciary and the Public Ministry to recover the tarnished image of the administration of justice to citizens .
FOUR : The inactivity of the Assembly of Deputies over allegations presented to themin their judicial function add items that do not contribute to the proper performance of justice in our country.
FIVE : The adequacy of legal professionals that make up the administration of justice is challenged with such accusations, and makes it necessary to discuss how the different positions are designated.
SIX : justice administrators who remain in their positions have a legal and moral obligation to defend their independence by requiring system improvements and to provide support for their personal and professional potential in the development of the administration of justice .
SEVEN : The disciplinary investigation system operators through " Appointing Authority " has shown that it does not work; therefore lacks credibility. The community and lawyers want clear answers. The system that pairs judges must end. A clear, compelling message for citizens to start believing in the Judiciary and Public Prosecution is needed.
RESOLVED:

FIRST: CONDEMN the inactivity of the authorities responsible for initiating investigations related to the statements of former Judge Alexis Ballesteros.

SECOND : DEMAND the immediate opening of a transparent investigation where the principle of bilateralism and material truth lead us to establish ethical and criminal liability that this matter requires .

THIRD: CALL to men and women who care and are part of the administration of justice to ponder what legacy is left to future generations of Panamanians and what is their role in the serious moments ofthe administration of justice.
FOURTH: REMIND all legal professionals of their role as auxiliaries of justice and the obligation to be vigilant for the proper performance of the judicial authorities.
FIFTH: ASSESS the capabilities and skills required of our administrators of justice and whether those designated meet those aspirations.
SIXTH: DEMAND the prosecution the operators of the System of Administration of Justice through the Judicial Council.
SEVEN : REQUEST that the Judicial Career Law is submitted as soon as possible and require the National Assembly to approve it , to provide the judges of job stability , independence and propriety that demands the exercise of their judicial functions , and end interim appointments makes them vulnerable to their superiors and to external factors .
EIGHT : CONDEMN in the strongest way officials who fail to punish judicial officials who violate the law and ethics.
NINE CALL for bringing to justice the judiciary and education agents who have incurred dishonest and criminal acts prior to legal procedures and punish them vigorously.