Home News Govt approves amendment of Legal Practitioners Act

Govt approves amendment of Legal Practitioners Act

by Bustop TV News

By Lerato Ndlovu

Government has approved the proposed amendment to the legal practitioners act aimed at ensuring high standards of professional ethics.

Speaking at a post cabinet briefing, Tuesday, Information minister, Monica Mutsvangwa said the proposed amendment was presented by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi.

“Cabinet advises that the Legal Practitioners Act [Chapter 27:07] regulates the legal profession in Zimbabwe and also established the Law Society of Zimbabwe, a corporate body which was incorporated in terms of the Law Society of Zimbabwe (Private) Act [Chapter 223 of 1974].

“It is highlighted that there are several provisions of the Act that have been identified that need to be amended to ensure a high standard of professional ethics, efficient and economical use of resources as well as transparency and accountability,” Mutsvangwa said.

The Act chapter 27:07 was enacted in 1981 and stands to consolidate and amend the laws relating to the legal profession and to make new provision in regard thereto; and to provide for matters incidental to or connected with the foregoing.

She went on to say that the Act will be inserted with a new section that authorises the Justice minister to approve or disapprove issues in the justice system.

“The nation is informed that Section 52(o) of the Act that focuses on membership.of the Law Society will be amended by the insertion of a new section that authorises the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs to exercise his discretion to approve or disapprove external funding raised by the Law Society of Zimbabwe to ensure efficient and economical use of resources.

“This will ensure good corporate governance principles as entrenched in the Constitution.

“Section 54(1)(b) on constitution of the council is amended so that Ministerial appointments to the Law Society Council are increased from two to four Councilors in the national interest”.

Related Articles