https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1126 2026-09-15T04:54:41Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149069 Title: The Catholic Church in Gozo versus Jesus Christ Abstract: I write this article today because as a concerned Catholic I feel perturbed by the report in the local newspapers whereby the Gozo Bishop has not taken any disciplinary steps against a Gozitan priest who, in my humble opinion, failed in his priestly duties.; The Gozo Bishop states that he is in receipt of two reports that appear to absolve the priest concerned from any responsibility though it is not clear what type of responsibility this is, that is, whether it is criminal or moral, or both. [excerpt] 2026-09-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148976 Title: Jury trials and the right to give reasons Abstract: I have already had the opportunity to comment on the jury system a few weeks ago (‘Does the jury system breach human rights’, The Malta Independent on Sunday, 16 August 2026). In that piece I had recommended that the government appoints a Commission of Inquiry to report on the jury system and to make recommendations thereupon.; The jury system is a relic of colonialism. It was imposed on Malta by the British. It does not necessarily mean that what works in the United Kingdom necessarily works in Malta or that it is still valid today. 2026-09-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148869 Title: Foreword [Judgecraft and the art of rhetoric] Abstract: Judgecraft and the art of rhetoric is a timely and very insightful study that combines two separate and distinct legal institutes, one a craft – judgecraft – the other an art – rhetoric. Notwithstanding their differences, both subjects require the person who employs them to exercise an element of skill and creativity.; Judge Silvio Meli must be commended for his originality in pursuing a study of these extremely interesting subjects for the purpose of this pioneering effort that unravels to the reader two novel institutes that, although well familiar with the judicial and legal professions abroad, are being brought to light locally through this seminal opus thereby filling an important gap in extant Maltese legal literature. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148792 Title: The state versus the people Abstract: This piece starts with the words ‘the State’ and not ‘the People’ for the simple reason that in our polity the people are insignificant.; To change the title to read ‘The People versus the State’ would have given overarching importance to an entity that constitutionally speaking is more of an non-entity.; We live in an era where the State is omnipotent and the People are completely powerless. [excerpt] 2026-08-01T00:00:00Z