Chief Justice Welcomes Praedial Larceny Training

Chief Justice, Hon.  Zaila McCalla, says the sensitisation of Resident Magistrates and Clerks of Courts on laws governing the Praedial Larceny Act will greatly enhance the delivery of justice in the courts.

Delivering remarks at a training session on Saturday (January 16), at the Jewel Runaway Bay Resort in St. Ann, Mrs. McCalla said it is important for court staff to be aware of all the issues relating to praedial larceny and how the cases should be handled.

“If the cases are not properly prosecuted and investigated, then it means that persons, who have committed crimes, may go free or get off on technicalities,” Mrs. McCalla said.

She told the Clerks of Courts that as prosecutors they have a burden of proof in relation to every case that comes before them and a standard of proof, which must be attained in order to secure convictions.

“Areas such as proof of ownership of goods will pose challenges at times and requires very, very detailed investigations before matters can be successfully prosecuted,” she said.

“You have to be aware of all these things in the performance of your duties especially as regards to attention to duty so that you can offer guidance where necessary to the persons, who are investigating a particular matter,” she noted further.