PHILIPSBURG:--- As promised, MP Roseburg has submitted a new amendment aimed at ensuring diligence, integrity, and accessibility in Sint Maarten’s judiciary. Drawing on her extensive experience as an attorney in complex criminal and family law cases, MP Roseburg has focused on two key reforms: introducing a ‘small claims court’ and allowing complex cases to be handled by a panel of judges.
Over the past few months, MP Roseburg committed to working tirelessly for the people of Sint Maarten, and she has delivered. The current legal system is too complex and costly for many, particularly for cases with limited financial value. MP Roseburg’s proposed small claims court will offer a fast, affordable process for disputes up to NAf 10,000, providing citizens with the justice they deserve.
Currently, the Small Claims Court of Sint & Maarten is not regulated by law but instead governed by the procedural rules of the Joint Court of Justice.MP Roseburg insists that regulating this court by law is essential for its permanence and consistency. Enshrining it in law ensures stability, fairness, and legal certainty for all citizens.
The Need for More Judges:
In the current legal system of Sint Maarten, many cases, even highly complex ones, are often decided by a single judge. This structure can be problematic, especially in cases that involve serious criminal offenses or intricate family disputes. When only one judge is responsible for making a decision, the risk of errors or biased rulings increases, given that the entire case hinges on a single perspective.
MP Roseburg’s amendment addresses this critical issue by proposing that complex cases be handled by a panel of judges rather than a single judge. A multi-judge panel would bring together diverse legal expertise and perspectives, ensuring that all aspects of a case are thoroughly considered. This collaborative approach reduces the likelihood of oversight or mistakes and bolsters public confidence in the judiciary.
Moreover, with the growing number of cases in Sint Maarten, the workload on individual judges has become overwhelming. This can lead to delays in rulings and can compromise the quality of judicial decisions. By having more judges involved in the decision-making process, not only will the accuracy and fairness of rulings improve, but the overall efficiency of the judicial system will be enhanced, allowing cases to be resolved more swiftly.
MP Roseburg said she would work for you, and she has been working for you and wants to continue to do so. With these amendments, she has laid the foundation for a stronger, more accessible legal system. But the work isn’t done. Re-elect MP Roseburg to ensure these crucial reforms become a reality.
