New President of the TSJC Identifies Key Challenges in Canary Islands’ Justice System
Juan Avello Formoso has taken over as president of the High Court of Justice of the Canary Islands (TSJC), supported by strong consensus among judges after nearly two decades in Gran Canaria. He highlights an urgent need to modernise the justice system, enhance resources, and prioritise people at the centre of legal processes.
The Canary Islands has topped Spain’s litigation rates for seven consecutive years, resulting in overwhelmed courts and significant backlogs, especially with thousands of immigration cases clogging up Tenerife’s system. In a recent interview, Avello tackled the persistent issues within the islands’ justice system, including outdated technology, infrastructure shortcomings, and the impacts of gender-based violence. He warned that judges are struggling to maintain public service standards at the cost of their own well-being.
Avello attributes the high litigation rates to several factors: a conflict-prone society, a vulnerable economy reliant on tourism, and unclear laws that lead to disputes. He noted that compared to more industrialised regions, such as Navarra, litigation is significantly higher in service-dominated areas like the Canary Islands.
In response to the high output of judgments from Canarian judges, Avello sees this as both a testament to their dedication and a symptom of chronic overload. He called for increased resources and better workloads, emphasising the need for judges to function effectively without compromising their health.
He aims for a “revolution” in justice characterised by placing the citizen at the forefront. Over the last few years, Canarian judicial bodies have received quality awards, illustrating a commitment to improvement despite challenges. Avello asserts that it is possible to put citizens at the centre of the justice system.
Regarding the specialised court for Child and Adolescent Violence in Las Palmas, Avello plans to implement this model in other judicial districts, stressing the importance of dignity and care for young victims.
As for systemic challenges, he acknowledged ongoing issues with the Atlante management system, which has caused delays. He vows to address these issues by collaborating with the technological team to find swift solutions.
Avello intends to visit all islands to better understand the specific challenges faced by judges, particularly in Tenerife, where immigration cases have created a backlog that could take nine years to clear. He believes the key lies in increasing staff numbers to alleviate the burden on existing judges.
On the topic of gender-based violence, Avello highlighted the pressing need for education to prevent victimisation. He reiterated the importance of improving facilities for women victims and sharing best practices between regions.
Overall, Avello is determined to champion necessary reforms in judicial infrastructure throughout the Canary Islands, promoting greater efficiency and improved working conditions for judges to ensure citizens receive the justice they deserve.
