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Minister of Justice, Senator the Hon. Mark Golding, said the government is of the view that political affiliation should not bar anyone from public service or from serving on a public sector board. He stated that the primary consideration should be competence, honesty, integrity and other such principles. In fact, he said, many of the boards that now exist; have...

Minister of Justice, Senator the Hon. Mark Golding, says the Bills to amend the Evidence Act, which have been under development for several years, are expected to be tabled in Parliament  during October. "These Bills are my immediate priority in this area, and it is my hope and intention to introduce them to Parliament during October without further delay," he...

Minister of Justice, Senator the Hon. Mark Golding, says the nation, particularly the average Jamaican, stands to benefit greatly from accession to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). "There is a lot to be gained for Jamaica, not just for the Government, but for the average person in terms of access to the court, which is the critical thing. The...

Chief Justice, Hon. Zaila McCalla, says no single group can improve the justice system, and called for for a unified effort to clear the backlog of cases.  She emphasised that everyone has an interest in seeing that the system works properly and if they unite, “we will see a marked improvement in the justice system". The Chief Justice was speaking...

Four judges, who have been appointed to serve in the Supreme Court, were sworn into office on September 13, at a ceremony held at King's House. They are: David George Batts, who will serve as Puisne Judge; Sharon Ayton George, Master-in-Chambers; while Sonia Bertram Linton and Vivene Juliet Harris have been appointed to Act as Master-in-Chambers. Governor-General, His Excellency the...

Chief Justice, Hon. Zalia McCalla, is urging Clerks of the Court to be thorough in their preparation for praedial larcey cases. She described praedial larceny as a problem that has plagued the country for many decades, and another area where criminal elements continue to try and weaken and destabilise the foundation of the society. Addressing a Sensitisation Seminar for Clerks...

Custos of Kingston, Hon. Steadman Fuller, has called on Justices of the Peace (JPs) to play their role in the further transformation of the country’s justice system. “I firmly believe that we can assist in the transformation of the system, if for example, we play our roles as mediators in the communities in which we live or work, or volunteer...

The Court Management Services (CMS) made significant strides in enhancing and improving the operations of the island’s courts for the 2011/2012 financial year. Highlighting the performance of the entity over the period under review, Principal Executive Officer (PEO) at the CMS, Deborah Gardner, notes that a significant achievement was the CMS’ efforts to reduce the huge backlog in Juror payments....

The Court Management Services (CMS) has extended its offerings with the official launch of its website, which will allow users to become more informed about the role and functions of the entity. The website, www.cms.gov.jm boasts a user-friendly capability, which makes the services offered more easily accessible to the public, said ICT Infrastructure Manager at the entity, Ryan Morris. Mr....

Minister of Justice, Senator the Hon. Mark Golding, said it is time for a review of the roles and functions of the General Legal Council. "The time has come for a further review. The Bar has put forward suggestions, the General Legal Council has views on those suggestions and that will become something that we move to deal with in...

Chief Justice, Hon. Mrs. Justice Zaila McCalla, has highlighted the important role of the Court Management Services (CMS) in restructuring the institutional framework, through which administrative services are provided for the courts. Speaking at the CMS’ Year-in-Review conference at the Knutsford Court Hotel in Kingston, on July 12, the Chief Justice said the CMS will work at strengthening judicial independence...

Principal Executive Officer of Court Management Services, (CMS) Deborah Gardner, has described the family court as a “beacon of hope,” offering opportunities for growth and development. She noted that not only does the court “execute the aspects of the law that relate to preventing family breakdown and ensuring that the welfare of children is protected, but also provides social services...