The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry for Justice and the Reform of the Construction Sector and the Faculty of Law within the University of Malta, that took place on Thursday 18 April 2024, sees the Ministry financially support the Faculty with funding to start publishing an international academic journey.

This journal will contribute to there being more academic awareness in the legal sector, and bring fresh perspectives on legal issues. It will also offer another forum for academics and students, especially those reading for Masters degrees and Doctorates, the chance to publish their research.

Another initiative that has also been agreed upon through this MoU is the legal expertise from the Faculty on the TEMI platform, a digital platform currently being worked on, that’ll eventually give access to knowledge and information on various subjects in the justice sector.

Justice Minister, Hon. Jonathan Attard said this creates a dialogue between the academic world and the one where lawyers practice their skills, something which is necessary to be able to explore the possibility of other projects.

Education Minister, Hon. Clifton Grima, who was also present for the MoU, said UM has an important role in the creation of knowledge, and that this journal is another tool for the Faculty students to have another reliable source of information in their studies.

Faculty of Laws Dean Dr Ivan Mifsud said that the Faculty always understood that it is part of a large institution and an active society, which is what prompts an understanding that practice and research need to be emphasised. He praised the initiative, saying that the Faculty is committed to continuing to follow this direction.

UM Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella said this journal is an important step signalling an increase in practicing lawyers and the need for new collaborations in the future.

Justice Ministry Permanent Secretary Johan Galea, Justice Ministry Director Joanne Battistino, and Faculty of Law Deputy Dean, Prof. Ivan Sammut were also present for the signing.