There is a backlog of up to 5,000 family law cases in the Magistrates’ Court, a seminar heard today.

The figure was revealed by British judge Christopher Barnett QC, who is on the Island to lead a training workshop for justice workers.

Mr. Barnett told an audience at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess that a new review of the Island’s family law recommends the creation of a unified family court which places mediation at the heart of its work.

“We are not here to debate the need for change; the review reflects a consensus that change is necessary,” he said. “The starting gun has already been fired. Our role now is to prepare for the implementation of the recommendations made.”

The Justice for Families report — produced by a subcommittee of the Law Reform Commission — reveals that up to 50 percent of children in Bermuda will have direct experience of a family in dispute.

“As to the backlog of cases, it is said there are over 4,000 open family law files in the Magistrates’ Court alone,” said Mr. Barnett, adding that the Island’s two family court magistrates estimated the true figure to be closer to 5,000. “This affects some 8,000 adults or ten percent of the population.”

* See tomorrow’s edition of The Royal Gazette for the full story.