Plans to increase powers of JPs

JUSTICE MINISTER Delroy Chuck says that plans are in place to significantly increase the range of matters over which justices of the peace (JPs) serving as lay magistrates can preside.

This is part of the overarching strategy targeting a reduction in the backlog of court cases.

“It is important that you understand that your current limited jurisdiction is in no way a reflection of the enormity of your role, responsibility, and importance in the advancement of justice,” the minister told justices of the peace recently at the graduation for those who received specialised training to serve as lay magistrates.

The ministry’s chief technical director, Grace Ann Stewart, said that the latest cohort of participants is among 123 undergoing lay magistrates training since January.

“This represents the forward thrust of the ministry as it advances the new face of justice by improving access to justice services and increasing the efficiency of the courts,” she said.

Acting Chief Parish Judge for St Andrew Cheste Crooks said that JPs play a critical role in the justice system.

FIRST POINT OF CONTACT

“You are the first point of contact or sometimes the only point of contact that some of our citizens will have with the justice system. An even greater burden and duty is placed on justices of the peace,” he said.

Crooks encouraged the graduates to familiarise themselves with the code of conduct for JPs, which is in the first schedule of the Justice of the Peace Act, 2018.

“We cannot have JPs sitting as judicial officers when we have other members out on the street collecting money to sign documents. Such practices have to be stopped and cannot be endorsed,” he emphasised.

CONTRIBUTED Acting Chief Parish Judge for St Andrew Chester Crooks (left) presents Justice of the Peace (JP) for Kingston Lt Col (Ret’d) Euken Mills with his trophy for achieving the highest mark during a lay magistrates training programme, which was conducted by the Justice Ministry for 40 Corporate Area JPs earlier this year. The presentation was made during the graduation ceremony at the Medallion Hall Hotel in St Andrew last week.