Chief Justice Bryan Sykes is reporting an increase in the clearance rate for parish courts last year despite the challenges of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The court clearance rate is measured in terms of the number of cases disposed of per 100 cases. In 2020, the parish courts saw 37,000 cases, both criminal and civil. Speaking at the virtual launch...

The Portland police and Children’s Court judge are being commended for their efforts in supporting the National Child Diversion Programme. Child Diversion Officer for Portland, Simmonette Rose Daniels, said that as diversion partners, the court and police force play a key role in directing child offenders to the programme and keeping them out of the formal criminal justice system. “The...

The National Child Diversion Programme is reporting a low non-compliance rate among participants of less than three per cent. This means that children are consenting to and are engaging in the treatment programme designed as part of the diversion process. Addressing a recent JIS Think Tank, National Child Diversion Consultant, Ruth Carey, told JIS News that the low non-compliance rate...

The Judiciary of Jamaica has established the Commission of the Senior Judges of the Parish Courts to strengthen the leadership and management of the Parish Courts. The Commission, consisting of Senior Judges, will provide leadership to transform the lower courts into institutions of excellence through continuous improved results in the provision of sound, timely judgments and efficient legal services to...

The Justice Ministry is working to increase the use of technology and virtual sessions in the administration of Justice across the island. So far, training sessions, court hearings and public education initiatives have been executed using virtual modalities. There has also been a marked increase in the use of audio-visual equipment in the country’s courts. Speaking at a JIS Think...

The Ministry of Justice has incorporated the use of virtual sessions in the delivery of its National Child Diversion Programme. The use of this modality, has come necessary due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking in an interview with JIS News, National Child Diversion Consultant, Ruth Carey, said the general operation of the programme has been impacted by...

The Justice Ministry is reporting that 305 children have been referred to the National Child Diversion Programme since its implementation in March 2020. The programme involves implementing measures to divert children, who come into conflict with the law, away from the formal criminal justice system. It is in line with the country’s obligations under the Convention on the Rights of...