Settlement Officers Sworn in to Reduce Court Backlog

The Senior Courts of Belize marked a major milestone this week with the swearing-in of senior lawyers as settlement officers, officially launching the Judicial Settlement Conference (JSC) system. The initiative is designed to help people resolve civil disputes more efficiently and collaboratively.

Speaking at the ceremony, Justice Martha Alexander called the programme an “important institutional milestone” in Belize’s legal system. “It reflects the continued growth of our justice system into one that is modern, responsive, and focused on delivering justice efficiently,” she said.

Under the JSC system, people involved in disputes can meet privately in a safe space to work out an agreement with the help of a neutral guide, who are the newly appointed settlement officers. “It works alongside the trial process to achieve a resolution that is fair and in the interests of both sides,” Alexander explained.

The programme is expected to reduce the backlog of civil cases by encouraging settlements before cases go to trial. “A judicial settlement conference does not trump litigation, nor is it a substitute,” Alexander said.

The newly appointed settlement officers, all experienced senior lawyers, will play a key role in guiding these discussions. “You are entrusted with the huge responsibility to facilitate the settlement of matters,” Alexander told them. “We thank you for agreeing to lend your experience, sound judgment, and practical and legal insight.”

The Judicial Settlement Conference Management Committee, chaired by the Chief Justice, will oversee the programme and support settlement officers in carrying out their work.