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Minister of Justice, Senator Hon. Mark Golding, has informed that the Ministry intends to launch a revised Victims' Charter soon. He said that the revision is underway and Cabinet submission is being finalised to seek approval for the adoption of the revised document. Mr. Golding was addressing the official launch of Restorative Justice Week on Feb. 2, at the Ministry's...

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Roger Clarke, says employment of traceability and identification mechanisms for produce, is essential in tackling praedial larceny. He noted that one such method involved utilising receipt books, once the produce has entered the food chain. “It is now more vital than ever, that farmers and vendors issue to purchasers a receipt for produce bought....

The opening of restorative justice centres in four pilot project communities, where the initiative was started three years ago, will highlight activities marking Restorative Justice Week, January 29 to February 4. Minister of Justice, Senator the Hon. Mark Golding, said the centres will be opened at Tower Hill, Kingston; Spanish Town, St. Catherine; May Pen, Clarendon; and Granville, St. James....

Justice Minister, Senator the Hon. Mark Golding, says Justices of the Peace (JPs) are ideally suited to assist in the government’s efforts to implement pro-active and holistic approaches to solving conflicts within communities, such as the restorative justice initiative. Speaking at the Manchester Lay Magistrates Association’s half yearly meeting at the Golf View Hotel, Mandeville, on January 19; Senator Golding...

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....