CJ: Most new advocates lack mastery of English

Chief Justice Prof Ibrahim Juma and Principal Judge of the High Court of Tanzania Dr Eliezer Feleshi (left) tete-a-tete during the 59th enrolment and admission ceremony of new advocates at the Law School of Tanzania grounds in Dar es Salaam yesterday. PHOTO | SALIM SHAO

What you need to know:

  • The Chief Justice advises new advocates to undergo courses to improve their mastery of English

Dar es Salaam. Chief Justice Prof Ibrahim Juma has challenged new advocates coming out of the law school to ensure they improved their mastery of the English language as most still had difficulties in it.

He further advised the advocates to take advantage of technology and learn the widely-used language through online platforms to improve their level of competence in it. “In compliance with the Advocates Act Section 8 (3), I have mandate to assess your professional qualifications and level of competence in using language of the court,” he said.

He added: “Let me be honest with you, your competence in English language is still lacking, you must address that challenge.”

Prof Juma made the remarks yesterday when he presided over the 59th enrolment and admission ceremony at the Law School grounds in the city, where 909 new advocates were admitted to the bar.

Meanwhile, the Chief Justice said the Judiciary was contemplating to conduct an operation aimed at registering all advocates’ offices following revelation that a number of them were undertaking legal activities in unregistered offices.

“Soon, we will require all the advocates to register the addresses of their offices, so that we can easily reach them,” Prof Juma said.

He urged all judicial officers to adhere to the professional code of conduct and ethics in order to administer justice properly. “Lawyers play a key role in preserving peace and harmony in the country. Their contribution is remarkable,” said the CJ.

The colourful ceremony was attended by top judicial officers including Attorney General Dr Adelardus Kilangi, the President of Tanganyika Law Society, Ms Fatma Karume, Justices of Appeal, Judges of High Court and retired Judges, among others. Also, the new advocates were handed admission certificates and officially enrolled and admitted into judiciary system of the Tanzania.