Lay Magistrates Urged to Show Respect To Fellow Citizens

Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte, has called on newly appointed Lay Magistrates in St James to show respect toward their fellow citizens, as they fulfill their duties to the public.

The Minister was speaking at a ceremony where 30 Justices of the Peace (JPs) received Certificates of Completion for training in Criminal Law and Procedure, to serve in the Lay Magistrate’s Courts, at the Grand A View Hotel, Montego Bay, St James, on September 26.

“I look forward to you treating your fellow citizens with the level of respect that they deserve in the most trying circumstances,” she said.

The Minister highlighted that the Lay Magistrate’s Court is the foundation of the justice system.

“The Lay Magistrate’s Court is at the very base of the court system. Sometimes we believe that the real issues are left to those who are higher up… but big things are made up of small parts and small things,” the Minister argued.

Mrs. Malahoo-Forte pointed out that the little crimes that they (citizens) get away with embolden them to do the bigger ones.

“I am counting on you to pay close attention to the clues that you will see that will enable us to find the solutions to some of the most pressing problems in this parish of St. James,” she added.

The Minister emphasised that serving as an impartial adjudicator is fundamental to a successful justice system.

“It is not enough for you to meet the criteria for service at this level… . It’s not about functioning to the best of your ability either. It is about meeting the standard that you must meet as an impartial adjudicator,” she said.

For his part, Custos of St. James, Bishop the Hon. Conrad Pitkin, noted that respect from the public is directly linked to the effectiveness with which the JPs carry out their duties as Magistrates.

“You are required to display a high level of decorum that is befitting the office you now hold, and how you will be viewed by the public. Having the respect of the public is crucial in the execution of your duties as the Magistrates,” he said.

He urged the JPs to continue leading with the same passion and dedication that “brought you to this point”.

“Your service is invaluable, and your impact on the community will undoubtedly be profound,” the Custos said.