Ombudsman delivers lecture on the Rule of Law to MA students at the University of Malta

Ombudsman delivers lecture on the Rule of Law to MA students at the University of Malta

Published November 11, 2025

The Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, delivered a lecture on The Rule of Law to students following the study unit Good Governance and Leadership as part of the MA in Ombudsman Law and Governance at the University of Malta.

The session was held at the invitation of Prof. Anne Marie Thake, associate professor at the Department of Policy, Politics and Governance, Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy.

The MA in Ombudsman Law and Governance is a joint initiative between the Office of the Ombudsman, the Department of Policy, Politics and Governance within the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy (FEMA), and the Faculty of Laws. Students from the M.Sc. in Public Policy and Strategic Management and the M.A. in Public Policy Leadership also attended, together with academics Prof. Mario Thomas Vassallo and Dr. George Vital Zammit.

In his lecture, the Ombudsman explored the concept of the rule of law as the cornerstone of a fair and democratic society. He described it as the principle that ensures all persons and authorities are bound by and benefit from laws that are public, clear, and applied without discrimination. Drawing on the writings of Lord Tom Bingham, he emphasised that the rule of law is not a slogan but a living principle that safeguards justice, equality, and good governance.

Judge Zammit McKeon highlighted the core principles that underpin the rule of law, including legal clarity, equality before the law, proper use of power, accountability, access to justice, and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms. He stressed that the rule of law requires laws to be applied fairly and consistently, and that the exercise of public power must always be grounded in law, not discretion.

He also reflected on the importance of the separation of powers, the role of oversight bodies, and the contribution of the Ombudsman in ensuring that public administration remains transparent, accountable, and respectful of citizens’ rights.

The lecture concluded with an open discussion, where students engaged with the Ombudsman on questions related to governance, fairness, and the challenges of maintaining the rule of law in public administration.