We should consider part-time judges

Like anyone who represents a party or parties before our courts, I read with concern the comments by the President of the High Court about a shortage of judges.

Perhaps one way to address this matter would be to amend our Constitution to permit the appointment of part-time or deputy judges? One perceived difficulty with the present system is that once a judge is appointed if he or she demonstrates a lack of judicial ability, it is very hard to do very much about it, save for impeachment.

Appointing a deputy would address any judicial shortages as well as allow the Judicial Appointments Board take into account the aptitude and experience of a deputy judge when considering her/him for a full-time appointment. It might also make the proposed amendment on blasphemy more relevant to voters if another constitutional amendment was proposed along with it.