The Judiciary of Jamaica has introduced direct deposit payments as a more efficient and convenient way to collect maintenance, jury duty stipends and reimbursement of bail bonds from the relevant courts. Director of Court Administration, Mrs. Tricia Cameron-Anglin, described direct deposit as game-changing for the courts, adding that several cheques have become stale dated because of non-collection. This forms part...

The Justice Ministry is now undertaking work to renovate the Manchester Parish Court, following damage to the upper storey of the historic building in a fire. The building is scheduled for operationalisation in the first quarter of the 2021/22 Financial Year and will accommodate a dedicated Family Court for the parish comprising a court room; Judges’ Chambers; office and administrative...

Ten judges were sworn into higher office on Thursday (January 7) by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, during a ceremony at King’s House. They are Vivene Harris, who was appointed to serve as a judge in the Court of Appeal effective January 11, and Carole Barnaby, who will serve as Puisne Judge from January 7. Also...

Effective February 2021, jury trials are to resume on a phased basis for the Home Circuit Court and some Rural Circuit Courts of the Hilary Term. Jury trials for matters excepting where the death penalty is in issue; will proceed at courts, which can accommodate jurors with adequate space for physical distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please see...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the Government is committed to making the justice system robust, efficient and more capable of serving the interests of all Jamaicans. It is in pursuit of this goal, he said, that “we are seeking to improve and strengthen the rule of law, and pursue timely justice outcomes. We are also updating a...

An additional 45 persons have been commissioned as Justices of the Peace (JPs) for the parish of St. James. Minister of Justice, Hon Delroy Chuck; and Custos Rotulorum for St. James, Bishop the Hon. Conrad Pitkin, headed the officials and guests in attendance at the commissioning ceremony, which was held at the S Hotel Conference and Events Centre in Montego...

Legislation enabling drug samples and photographs of evidence to be received as evidence of large exhibits in court proceedings, was passed in the House of Representatives on December 8. The Bills – Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill, 2020 and the Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2020 – were piloted by Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck. Mr. Chuck said the Dangerous Drugs Act...