Juan Luis Lorenzo calls for the establishment of new courts and the consolidation of parties while expressing skepticism towards the ‘City of Justice’ project in Santa Cruz.
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 10th June (EUROPA PRESS) –
The President of the Superior Court of Justice of the Canary Islands (TSJC), Juan Luis Lorenzo, has urged the Canary Islands Parliament on Monday to form a “pact for justice” – a proposal put forward by the Socialist Group – to ensure that the high volume of legal cases in the islands corresponds with the available judicial resources.
During a parliamentary session to present the previous year’s activity report, he called for a comprehensive plan for judicial infrastructure in the medium and long term, the consolidation of parties, and the establishment of courts across the Canary Islands based on models such as the Children’s Violence Court in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which is considered groundbreaking at an international level.
Lorenzo highlighted the “alarming statistics” regarding cases of sexual violence against minors, exceeding 50% in criminal courts, stressing the importance of addressing this issue in a holistic manner, following the example of the aforementioned court which coordinates all necessary resources for the victims.
He emphasized the necessity for additional judicial bodies and stressed the importance of their timely implementation. He noted the significant delays in the launch of three new courts in Granadilla (Tenerife) and San Bartolomé de Tirajana (Gran Canaria) in 2022, highlighting the urgent need for further implementation.
Furthermore, in 2023, six more courts were established and are set to commence operations this month, with an additional eleven required by the end of the year.
Lorenzo also called for the provision of victim support services, increased psychosocial resources, and highlighted areas of potential enhancement in the functioning of Legal Medicine Institutes.
He also urged the completion of the regionalization of efforts against violence towards women, the amalgamation of the Arona and Granadilla parties beyond local interests, and the resolution of technological shortcomings, amongst other issues.
APPEAL TO CEASE ATTACKS ON JUDICIARY
Lorenzo expressed his desire for fewer lawsuits and for citizens to seek alternative dispute resolution methods; however, he acknowledged the increasing number of legal proceedings each year, often due to legislators introducing new rights that pave the way for legal claims, citing the Second Chance Law as an example.
In this regard, he wryly noted that the justice system is adaptable, with the main challenge being delays, as trials are already scheduled for late 2025.
“Without additional courts, responses will be delayed. It is all a matter of resources, with current overload and tension,” he remarked, pointing out that 61 judicial bodies exceed 150% of their capacity, jeopardizing the well-being of the staff.
He described distressing scenes in two gender violence courts in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, nearing overcrowding levels, endangering the rights of victims and witnesses. Consequently, he urged the prompt adaptation of the ‘Auditorium’ building, though construction contracts have yet to be awarded.
Similar delays were mentioned regarding the ‘City of Justice’ project, which is unlikely to materialize in the near future.
During his appearance before the Regional Chamber, Lorenzo issued a plea for politicians to exercise restraint in their criticism of the legal framework, asserting that accusations of ‘lawfare’ only contribute to the erosion of democracy.
He strongly condemned the ongoing attacks on the judiciary, emphasizing the importance of respecting judges to preserve social harmony. He also highlighted his disapproval of the blockade of the CGPJ.
According to the report, last year witnessed a 5.9% increase in cases filed across the 211 judicial bodies in the Canary Islands, totaling 417,539 cases. The resolution of cases grew by 1.3%, while pending cases surged by 20.3%.
For the fourth consecutive year, the Canary Islands topped the chart as the autonomous community with the highest litigation rate at 188.6 cases per 1,000 inhabitants, boasting the highest annual average of sentences in the country at 322.
