Ministry of Justice
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Role of JPs to be Expanded
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MONTEGO BAY (JIS):
Saturday, April 26, 2008
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The role of Justices of the Peace (JPs) will be expanded to include jurisdiction over Small Claims Courts.
The move is part of the Justice Reform Programme and is aimed at reducing the work load of Resident Magistrates, explained Judge of the Corporate Area Civil Court, Marlene Malahoo Forte.
She was addressing the swearing-in ceremony for 23 new JPs for Westmoreland at the Negril Hills Golf Club in Sheffield on April 23.
"It is proposed that some of the jurisdiction currently exercised by the judges of the Resident Magistrate Court will be given to Justices of the Peace. We have what we call the Small Claims Court and that court deals with civil disputes in the sum of $50,000 and under in which no attorney appears. The proposal is that Justices of the Peace will be given the jurisdiction for the Small Claims Court," she stated.
She commended the appointees and warned them that their position is not a place of privilege, but rather "a seat of high responsibility that is to be used in service to the people of Jamaica."
She urged them to serve Jamaica and its citizens with love and integrity, noting that the country needed more men and women of unquestionable character and steadfast allegiance.
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