A recent study conducted by the Federal Court of First Instance reveals a 76% public satisfaction rate with its service delivery. While the survey indicates significant improvements, particularly in appointment scheduling and accessibility, it also highlights persistent challenges that require further attention.
The study, encompassing responses from 4,110 stakeholders over nine months, assessed the efficiency, transparency, accessibility, and impartiality of judicial services. The surveyed cases included family (18%), inheritance (17%), criminal (14%), and civil (8%) matters. Twenty-seven questions were used to measure public perception of the court's performance.
While a majority expressed satisfaction, users emphasized the need for consistent technological implementation and further improvements to address remaining inefficiencies. The introduction of a single-window service has significantly reduced waiting times, with clients reporting that cases are now being heard within two appointments, a notable improvement from previous experiences.
However, the study also uncovered ongoing issues that hinder optimal service delivery. Some clients reported continued delays and disruptions, echoing concerns previously raised with the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC). Specific complaints centred around the quality of court decisions, the inconsistent application of technology, and the need for even shorter appointment times.
These concerns were further elaborated on ETV's "Addis Kan Live TV Program”, where participants stressed the importance of thoroughly reviewing and addressing the quality of decisions made by the Federal First Instance Courts. The call for consistent technology implementation highlights the need for standardized procedures and equitable access to digital resources across all court departments.
Fuad Kiyar, President of the Federal First Instance Court, addressed the issue of judicial ethics during the broadcast. He emphasized that re-hearing a case after a judgment has been rendered, except in specific circumstances, deviates from established legal principles and should be avoided. This statement underscored the importance of upholding the integrity and finality of court decisions.
Legal expert Paulos Tessema, also interviewed on EBC, attributed delays in justice to several factors, including the complexity of charges, the responsiveness of parties involved, limitations within the court system, and, in some cases, judicial negligence. These contributing factors highlight the systemic challenges that must be addressed to ensure timely and effective justice delivery.
To sum up, while the 76% satisfaction rate indicates positive progress within the Federal Court of First Instance, the study demonstrates the need for continuous improvement. Addressing the persistent issues of decision quality, technological consistency, and appointment scheduling, along with mitigating the broader systemic challenges highlighted by legal experts, is crucial to further enhance public trust and ensure equitable access to justice for all citizens. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing evaluation and responsive adaptation within the judicial system to meet the evolving needs of the Ethiopian public.