Two New Magistrates Called to the Bar in Belize City

Belize’s judiciary continues to be strengthened with the addition of new legal minds, as two incoming magistrates were formally called to the Bar this week in Belize City.  The ceremony took place on Monday before Chief Justice Louise Esther Blenman at the High Court, where David Edmund and Jana Peccoo were officially admitted to practice law in Belize, clearing a key requirement for their appointment to the Magistracy.  Their call comes amid preparations for the expected arrival of several new magistrates to bolster the lower courts.  Magistrates in Belize play a critical frontline role in the administration of justice, presiding over the Magistrates’ Courts where the majority of criminal matters, particularly summary offences, as well as civil disputes, family matters, and preliminary inquiries for indictable cases are heard. The expansion of the Magistracy is seen as essential in addressing case backlogs and ensuring greater access to justice for Belizeans.