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Chief Justice, Hon. Zaila McCalla, says there should be progress this year in addressing some of the challenges that affect the justice system, including inadequate space and the need for more Supreme Court judges. She said with the expansion of the Supreme Court, which is expected to be completed by May, some of the prevailing issues related to space will...

Minister of Justice, Senator the Hon. Mark Golding, says the Government intends to expand the jurisdiction of Justices of the Peace (JPs), to enable them to assume an enhanced role in the court system, particularly in reducing case backlog. "I see the role of the Justice of the Peace, which is an ancient role…taking on a new life, as we...

Veteran Attorney-at-Law, Hon Patrick Atkinson, was sworn as Jamaica's new Attorney General by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, at King's House on Tuesday (January 10). Mr. Atkinson described his appointment as a "privileged and priceless" opportunity to serve the people of Jamaica. "It is indeed a privilege to serve one's country and, although some may seek...

In a bid to reduce the number of child -related matters before the courts, Chief Justice Zailia McCalla has indicated that provisions are being made for additional judges to hasten the disposition of such matters before the courts. Mrs. McCalla made the announcement on Monday, December 19 at a signing ceremony at the Ministry of National Security’s office in Kingston....

KINGSTON — For years, the Legal Aid Council has been defending the rights of persons of modest means in crime related matters, as it carries out its mandate of administering legal aid across Jamaica, ensuring that no citizen is denied access to justice. An arm of the Ministry of Justice, the body was established by the Legal Aid Act, which...

KINGSTON — Mixed emotions filled the atmosphere, as inmates at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Facility, in Kingston, were allowed to interact with their children as part of a Christmas project. Tears of joys and smiles, punctuated by hugs and kisses between parents and children, illustrated untold stories of broken family bonds reunited, if only for minutes. Overcome with joy,...

KINGSTON — Persons seeking free legal advice are being encouraged to participate in two justice fairs, which will be held simultaneously in Kingston and Montego Bay early next year. Scheduled for February 11, the events are part of a series of information fairs being staged by the Legal Aid Council in keeping with efforts to improve access to justice for...

The Government will now have the resources to improve the service delivery and management capacity of justice sector institutions, following the launch of the Justice Undertakings for Social Transformation (JUST) Programme. This programme seeks to reform Jamaica’s justice system, making it more available, accessible, accountable, flexible, fair and affordable in a timely, courteous, respectful and competent manner for all citizens....

MONTEGO BAY — Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck, says there are plans, by his Ministry, to grant Justices of the Peace (JPs) a ‘stipend’, to cover their expenses while serving in Lay Magistrate’s Courts and Community Justice Tribunals.        Addressing about 150 JPs in St. Ann on Tuesday (December 6), at a special meeting at the Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort...

KINGSTON — Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck, is calling on state agencies to carry out their functions with care for the public, as when they are negligent it costs the state to compensate those who suffer from misconduct. "It is absolutely important for our state agencies to recognise that when they fail to act professionally, there is someone who...

KINGSTON — Justice Minister, Hon. Delroy Chuck, is urging  Justices of the Peace (JPs) to be more pro-active in promoting and instilling good values within the society. The Minister said that JPs islandwide should go out and generate leadership in the various communities. Speaking  at a recent restorative  justice sensitisation forum at the Morant Bay  Parish Church in St. Thomas,...

KINGSTON — Justice Minister, Hon. Delroy Chuck, has urged Justices of the Peace (JPs) to participate in the Ministry's various training programmes, tailored towards enhancing dispute resolution skills and processes. Speaking at a recent restorative justice national stakeholders' sensitisation forum at the Morant Bay Parish Church in St. Thomas, Mr. Chuck said the training forms part of the series of...