The Judiciary of Seychelles this Wednesday 6 May welcomed students from the Seychelles Business Studies Academy (SBSA) to the Supreme Court for an educational visit that provided valuable insight into the role of the Commercial Court and the broader justice system.
The session was led by Judge Natasha Burian, who sits on the Commercial Court. Through an engaging and informative presentation, Judge Burian introduced students to the complexities of commercial law and highlighted the evolving nature of financial crimes in Seychelles.
Her presentation explored the different ways financial crimes must be addressed, emphasising the importance of strong legal frameworks. She also explained how mechanisms such as mediation and the establishment of a dedicated Commercial Court contribute to strengthening investor confidence, both in Seychelles as a jurisdiction and within its business sector.
Drawing from her experience on the bench, Judge Burian shared practical insights into current trends observed in court. These included emerging legal issues surrounding cryptocurrency, disputes involving construction companies, and cases where businesses rely on arbitration clauses in their contracts. She also highlighted the growing need for qualified arbitrators, noting the importance of expanding the pool of professionals the Judiciary can recommend to support alternative dispute resolution processes.
The session was interactive, with students engaging in discussions and posing questions. The exchange provided a unique opportunity for students to connect academic learning with real-world legal practice.
Following the presentation, students were given a guided visit of the courtroom, where they were able to further interact with Judge Burian and gain a deeper understanding of court procedures and the judicial environment.
Building on the success of this visit, the Judiciary is exploring the possibility of hosting these students in smaller groups to observe live court proceedings after the school holidays. This initiative aims to further enhance students’ understanding of the justice system and inspire greater interest in legal and judicial careers.
The Judiciary of Seychelles remains committed to fostering public awareness and education, particularly among young people, as part of its broader mission to promote transparency, accessibility and confidence in the administration of justice.