Justice Glen Brown - file photo
High Court judge Glen Brown has chastised the Ministry of Justice for what he says is the scant regard paid to court infrastructure across the country.
Addressing the opening of the four-week Circuit Court sitting in St. Elizabeth on Monday, Justice Brown said the majority of court buildings are in need of upgrading while parishes such as St. Elizabeth, Manchester and Trelawny are in need of a new building.
Justice Brown was also critical of those who were involved in the commissioning of the courthouse in Balaclava, declaring that it would have been better utilised if the building had been constructed in Black River.
The High Court judge also commented on the type of training now being provided for lawyers. He said those involved need to bring a more professional aspect to the training manual. He added that many young attorneys lack respect for the court in the way they attend and prepare themselves in defence of their clients.
The High Court judge has also taken a swipe at the police for their attitude in the preparation of case files.
Justice Brown said for the justice system to been seen as transparent and fair, all participants in the process need to cooperate. He added that the Justice Ministry needs to play its part in providing the staff and infrastructure to make it possible.
Hilary Session
In the meantine, 95 cases are down for trial in the Hilary session of the St. Elizabeth Circuit Court. Thirty-two are gun related, while 22 involve lottery scamming.
Justice Brown observed that it appeared that St. Elizabeth is slowly becoming the next lottery scamming capital.
It was announced that, at the end of the four-week sitting on July 8, a special sitting of the Gun Court will be held in the parish in August.
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