President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has challenged Justices of Appeal decorated with the title of Senior Counsel (SC) to distinguish themselves in the society by leading exemplary lives.
Chakwera made the sentiments at the ceremony recognizing Justices of Appeal Healy Potani, John Nelson Katsala, Ivy Chatha Kamanga, Mankhamba Charles Ching’anyi Mkandawire, Sylvester Augusto Kalembera, Dingiswayo Madise, Rowland Mbvundula, and Dorothy Nyakaunda Kamanga, who have been designated the SC title.
He said the designation of the title SC to these justices demonstrates his government’s acknowledgement of their prowess in matters of the law.
Chakwera added that the awarded justices have demonstrated not only to Malawi, but the rest of the world that they are luminaries in their profession.
“In the past, the designation of some individuals in the legal profession as Senior Counsel has been shrouded in mystery and subjected to processes that were done without transparency and accountability. In fact, the whole business has at times been a topic of suspicion when some individuals are seen going about town engaging in conduct unbecoming of a member of the bar and yet doing so with the title Senior Counsel in tow, thus throwing the entire fraternity of legal professionals into disrepute and compromising the principles and practice of ethical behaviour in the context of upholding the rule of law,” he said.
President Chakwera announced an end to awarding of SC titles as a political favour, arguing that this is not a political appointment, but a fulfilment of what the law requires of the Honours Committee when it comes to those who have by their accomplishments and credentials in the legal profession distinguished themselves as being worthy of this designation.
“Technically speaking, my role here is one of endorsing such recommendations as the Constitution charges me to and of presiding over this ceremony, but all the credit for this momentous recognition goes to the awardees themselves for meeting the standards required by law as in the estimation of their peers and the Honours Committee.
“But even in my own opinion as a layman in these things, there is a strong impression in my mind that regardless of what one feels about these individuals on a personal level, there can be no debate that as legal professionals, my Ladies and my Lords the Justices of Appeal.
“As such, there is no hesitation on my part to award them this title and to create them Senior Counsel from this day forward, fully confident that they will not only meet the demands and responsibilities that come with this privilege, but also that they will never abuse it, for it is their example that will preserve the integrity associated with this title and that keeps this title an inspiring aspiration for others in their profession,” said Chakwera.
He has since called upon the justices to be as impartial, objective, studied, and circumspect as they have shown themselves to be in the courtroom.