Jury Is Needed Says DPP: It’s a Fulfilment of Civic Duty

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Paula Lewellyn is reacting to suggestions that jury trials should be abolished. She says if Jamaicans are denied this choice, it will have negative implications on the administration of justice locally.

Llewellyn believes there is room for jury trials in a hybrid context as it provides a valuable choice for stakeholders in the justice system. This following declaration from Attorney Tom Tavares- Simpson to abolish the practice in criminal trials.

Lewellyn says the jury provides the opportunity for participatory citizenship, a fulfillment of civic duty. She shares that for the remainder of the Easter term, 31 matters have been set to be tried by a single judge and 10 by juries.

While she does agree that a majority of cases can be adjudicated by a judge alone, if at this time jury trials are abolished, it will eliminate a necessary avenue for community involvement. More details in the report:

Reporter: Jhanielle Powell.

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