Legal Aid Council Continues To Provide Equal Access To Justice For All

During 2021, the Legal Aid Council (LAC) continued to carry out its core mandate of providing equal access to justice to all Jamaicans.

Executive Director of the LAC, Dian Watson, told JIS News that the Council provides legal advice and representation for criminal matters to persons who cannot afford an attorney.

She said representation is provided by two methods, through the Duty Counsel scheme and legal representation in court.

“Under the duty counsel scheme, an attorney is provided to give legal advice to persons who are arrested or detained at the police station. The attorney will give legal advice, assist the person at a question-and-answer session or identification parade and if the person is charged, represent the person at the first court hearing,” Mrs. Watson said.

She noted that legal representation in court is offered where a person has a case before the court.

For the period, the Council provided 1,524 clients with the services of duty counsel and provided legal representation that resulted in the disposal of 2,644 court cases.

In addition, a total of 748 persons were assisted through the mobile justice unit utilising a blended approach of face-to-face and virtual consultation.

The LAC also continued its commitment to providing legal representation, especially to persons incarcerated who are mentally ill.

Mrs. Watson said families of mentally challenged persons can contact the LAC through telephone, email or by visiting the various legal-aid offices to make the necessary arrangements for representation.

“Counsel will investigate the matter to determine the service to be provided, whether it is duty counsel, legal representation in court or it could be to have the matter relisted before the courts for review of the case,” she explained.

She informed that during 2021, representation was provided for 59 persons with mental illness, held on remand in the adult correctional facilities.

“I would like to implore persons who have family members who are mentally challenged to contact the LAC. We are very happy to assist, and we need to work with these families to ensure that persons who are held in custody and who can be released by the court, that the necessary arrangements are made for their release,” Mrs. Watson said.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director noted that the Council has had to revise its mode of service delivery due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“Whereas persons previously had to visit our offices to make an application for legal representation in Court, this service is now provided virtually as well as in person. There is no need to make an appointment to visit our offices. For the in-person consultation just come in,” Ms. Watson said.

“Of course, the usual COVID protocols are observed, as we need to ensure the safety of our staff, as well as members of the public,” she added.

She also informed that the Mobile Unit has resumed operations since December 2021, and so far, the Unit has visited more than12 Justice Centres across the island.

“Of course, we continue to observe all COVID-19 protocols to ensure the safety of all. Persons who require service can visit the Justice Centres in their parish to schedule an appointment,” Mrs. Watson told JIS News.

In the meantime, the Executive Director noted that the major plan for this year is to increase outreach activities.

She said the aim is to empower citizens by raising awareness of their rights, entitlements and obligations.

“We welcome all invitations to participate in community, church or school activities. Just give us a call or send us an email and we will be happy to participate,” Mrs. Watson stated.

There are 851 attorneys serving on the panel of the Legal Aid Council.

Persons who require the services of the Legal Aid Council can do so by calling 876-948-6999 or sending an email to aid.legal@moj.gov.jm.

They can also contact the LAC through its website at https://legalaidcouncil.moj.gov.jm.

Persons who have cases before the court may apply to the court for a lawyer to be assigned to their case.