McFarlane chides gov't for increasing criminal penalties without improving justice system

 

Defence attorney Lloyd McFarlane is rapping the government for what he says is its focus on increasing criminal penalties while neglecting to implement measures to address inefficiencies within the justice system.

 

Speaking with Radio Jamaica News following Wednesday's opening of the Easter Term at the Home Circuit Court, Mr. McFarlane noted moves towards longer sentences. However, he pointed out that there are no additional prison spaces. 

 

"Legislators are often trying to suggest that the court is soft in relation to the sentences for convicted criminals and they insist on enacting legislation calling for mandatory and longer sentences, yet at the same, they do not provide the type of space required in prison to house the persons who are going to be spending a longer period of time in prison," he reasoned. 

 

Mr. McFarlane also emphasized that if the justice system is not fixed, the backlog at the beginning of each term will remain daunting. 

 

"Our legislature has been enacting laws like the anti-gang legislation, which now places more pressure on the court, in that the courts now have to be dealing with cases involving 20 or even 30 accused persons. The present one now has two courtrooms essentially locked down in terms of availability to other courts for a full calendar year," he argued, referencing the Clansman/One Don Gang trial that has been ongoing since last year. 

 

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck recently told Radio Jamaica News that there is no plan for the establishment of a special court for gang trials at this time, despite a request from Chief Justice Bryan Sykes.

 

Mr. Chuck said the judiciary will have to make do with current facilities.