Two defence attorneys in Barbados have warned that making judge-alone trials compulsory in some cases could weaken safeguards for accused people and further tilt criminal justice reforms in favour of the prosecution.
Their concerns follow comments by Chief Justice Leslie Haynes suggesting that Barbados should consider removing the requirement for an accused person's consent to have their case heard by a judge alone rather than a jury, particularly in certain cases.
The Chief Justice says as in other countries, Barbados should consider removing the need for agreement, especially in charges of unlawful possession, whether it be firearms or drugs.
The focus he says has to be on the efficient administration of justice, whilst ensuring that fairness and equity are at the forefront.
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