asked the Minister for Justice if he can take any steps to ensure uniformity in the interpretation and administration of the law by District Justices.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Law Interpretation and Administration.
38.
The question of securing, so far as practicable, uniformity among district justices was considered carefully when the Courts (Establishment and Constitution) Bill and the Courts (Supplemental Provisions) Bill were being prepared. Both Bills were enacted last year.
I felt at the time that undue divergences in the exercise of their functions by district justices could most suitably be avoided if the justices were enabled to discuss these matters among themselves. Accordingly, the Courts (Supplemental Provisions) Act, 1961, contains (Section 36, subsection (3)) a provision enabling the President of the District Court to convene meetings of the justices of the District Court for the purpose of discussing matters relating to the discharge of the business of that court, including, in particular, such matters as the avoidance of undue divergence in the exercise by the justices of the jurisdiction of that court and the general level of fines and other penalties. Expenses incurred by justices in attending such meetings are defrayed from public funds. The first such meeting of district justices took place in December, 1961, and I am hopeful that in time these meetings will lead to beneficial results.