PM orders Review of the Evidence Act

[Lazie]

Prime Minister Bruce Golding has ordered a review of the Evidence Act, following the recent confession by a policeman that he fabricated statements. The Act allows the Courts to accept sworn statements from witnesses who, for whatever reason, do not appear in court to face cross examination.

Prime Minister Golding says he has directed the Attorney General to undertake an immediate review of the Act.

He wants the Attorney General to indicate what measures can be implemented to prevent the perversion of justice by the admission into evidence of statements which may be fabricated.

According to the Prime Minister, while it is commendable that the police Constable confessed to his wrong doing, it raises grave concern about the integrity of criminal proceedings and could place the judicial process into disrepute.

Last Tuesday a police constable in Montego Bay told the court that he had fabricated statements in an effort to get a conviction for a man accused of murder.

[Rockman]

I guess it is AG's agenda Bruce is pushing, but I can't see how an amendment or two could've prevented that perversion of ...., well it is the reason he is calling for a review.



Blessed

[Baddaz]

when jamaica finds a perfect system, someone please let me know... this prime minister needs to be careful he doesnt lose focus on other important matters and become another 'review and report' pm...

[Baddaz]

seems as if the pm is now into garrison assuagement mode...

[Rockman]

It has to do with a few potential investors, but the youths that kill because of politricks surely will be forced to see the truth.

Baddaz, I am missing don #4 on Shields' list of 4 dons that has to go. Zeeks was #1, #2 is the mourning don, the real business man is #3(no one has a case on him), #4 the unknown.
Who is #4?

Blessed

[Muadib]

No Justice, No Peace.

What is more important ?

[Lazie]

when jamaica finds a perfect system, someone please let me know... this prime minister needs to be careful he doesnt lose focus on other important matters and become another 'review and report' pm...

... and you don't see the importance of this move? Amazing!

[Mosiah]

And do you understand how it could in fact turn out to be not so significant?

[Lazie]

And do you understand how it could in fact turn out to be not so significant?

... wait ... fi a man that preach bout justice, you don't have a problem with what the amended law allow?

[Mosiah]

Stick to my point, Lazie. You need to settle down sometimes and read and understand.

I fully agree with what the PM is doing here, but have we not seen in the past where some of our prime ministers have been quick to put in every legal framework and establish bodies to make sure things are done right but they either become rubberstamps of the status quo or just plain effective?

That's my point and we have to guard against it. That's all I'm saying. Baddaz may have been a little negative in his post but history has shown us that we need to watch out for these things.

Tell mi is lie mi talking!

[Lazie]

Stick to my point, Lazie. You need to settle down sometimes and read and understand.

I fully agree with what the PM is doing here, but have we not seen in the past where some of our prime ministers have been quick to put in every legal framework and establish bodies to make sure things are done right but they either become rubberstamps of the status quo or just plain effective?

That's my point and we have to guard against it. That's all I'm saying. Baddaz may have been a little negative in his post but history has shown us that we need to watch out for these things.

Tell mi is lie mi talking!

The fact of the matter is there is a need to review this law and the PM has taken the first step to address it. Based on the feedback from stakeholders in the legal field, if he should follow the route of other PMs, he will certainly face a backlash.

[Assasin]

what is so wrong with ording a review?

We have to await the changes to see if them make sense.

It is good to check upon things especially if they are not working the way they were intended and make changes according.