Legal Sector Reform Program

Results achieved at the end of the project include: (1)The prosecution function was transferred from the police to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. The number of regional offices of the Director of Public Prosecutions increased from 13 in 2008 to 21 in 2013 thus bringing the service closer to the people.(2) Gender and Children’s desks have been established in police stations to ensure that reported cases of gender based violence or child abuse are dealt with compassionately and appropriately. The standard operating procedures and guidelines for Gender and Children’s desks and the investigation guidelines on child abuse have been rolled out in all police stations; (3) An increase in the efficiency of the administration of justice evidenced by a reduction of total prisoners from 18 879 in 2012 to 17 497 in March 2013 ( a 7.8% decongestion rate); (4) The time taken to resolve a case has been reduced from 730 days in 2008 to approximately 360 days in 2013; (5) Enhanced records management and adoption of a new filing system reduced the time required to retrieve a case file by the judiciary. Monthly cases files are now kept in different color-coded files by case type for easy identification and quick retrieval; (6) The law school of Tanzania is 100% completed. By March 30 2013 a total of 2 049 students graduated from the law school. This would potentially increase the number of practicing lawyers in the country which is currently only about 3 000; (7) Completion of the draft bill of the Legal Aid Act which supports the enhancement of legal aid and paralegal services in country. These results contributed to the improved efficiency in the administration of justice improved knowledge and skills of legal professionals and increased access to justice for the poor.