With amendments to the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) Act pending, Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck, says the Commission will not be given prosecutorial powers. The decision is aligned to a Privy Council Court ruling handed down in May, that INDECOM has no power to arrest or prosecute police personnel. Speaking at a JIS Think Tank on November 10,...

Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck, has hailed the development of the Witness Care Strategy and Action Plan, noting that it will encourage greater participation by members of the public in the justice system. He said that the majority of Jamaican witnesses have a problem in coming forward and making court appearances to assist with criminal cases. “We do have...

Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck, says the Government is looking to make video-linked technology a more central feature of the courts, particularly to assist in securing testimony from witnesses. The technology has already been installed in three courtrooms at the Supreme Court and the St. Andrew and Montego Bay parish courts, as well as additional courtrooms across the island,...

The Judiciary of Jamaica has established and launched its media protocol to guide effective communication between the courts and the press. It covers multiple areas, including how reporters operate inside and outside the courtroom, how to address judges, how the media should treat with children and social media as well as dress codes and retractions. Speaking at the recent Conversation...

The matrimonial and probate divisions of the island’s courts are now up to date with processing recently filed matters. The progress being made has resulted in matters filed within the last three to four weeks being processed at this time. Chief Justice, Brian Sykes, made the announcement yesterday (October 29), during his opening presentation at the Conversation with the Judiciary....

Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck, is calling for dog owners to have their animals spayed or neutered as one measure to reduce attacks on members of the public. He made the call while closing the debate on the Dogs (Liability for Attacks) Act, 2020 during the sitting of the House of Representatives on Tuesday (October 27). Spaying involves sterilising...

The Judiciary, on October 29, announced findings from the Mental Health (Offenders) Inquiry Committee Report, including the main recommendation to effect the statutory revocation of indefinite detention. The Mental Health (Offenders) Inquiry Committee was commissioned in June to assess how the court treats with the mentally ill or disordered in conflict with the law, being detained in correctional institutions for...