Chuck: Justice system must deliver 'results, results, results'
Published:Sunday | June 3, 2018 | 12:00 AMPaul Clarke/Gleaner Writer
Newly commissioned justices of the peace yesterday received an up close and personal charge from Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck, who asked that they be part of the network of Jamaicans helping to solve the country's myriad problems.
Chuck said that, as part of the plan, the courts, with their help, must dispense justice in an effective and timely manner to boost public confidence.
"I am dreaming and spending a lot of time dreaming of a justice system that can be First World, and even if that means I will be stepping on toes, I need to get things done. I need results, results, results!" declared Chuck.
He told the 53 new justices of the peace for St Andrew that the role they were being tasked with taking up involved being selfless and committed to nation building through justice and peace.
Chuck reiterated his stance that cases in the nation's courts must not be held over for more than three to six months and that he will be taking a zero-tolerance approach to judges who rely heavily on adjournments, noting the practice is a major cause of the backlog of cases.
"I know our judges are working hard, but I'd like to see a justice system where anything that stands in the system is completed within two years," he said.
"It may not happen during my tenure as the minister of justice, but it must still be the target. I am giving the chief justice my full support to transform our justice system into a First-World system," Chuck said.
He said that last year's Chief Justice Report showed a probate case lasting 39 years. In addition, he said that a civil case in the Supreme Court has 21 years on it, making it the oldest on the books.
Meanwhile, Custos Rotulorum Dr Patricia Dunwell urged the new justices of the peace to develop and maintain a caring, professional attitude and to deliver justice with equity and fairness.