Billions paid out in judgment debt; parish courts backlog free

 

The government has paid out billions of dollars to litigants who were successful in their legal claims against the state. 

 

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck made the disclosure during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate and the House of Representatives on Tuesday afternoon. 

 

He said the timely payout forms part of the ministry's drive to improve efficiency in the justice system. 

 

"Madam Speaker, on the matter of judgment debts, we are proud to declare that we have paid almost $7 billion, which is a far cry from the dismal situation we inherited in 2016. Madam Speaker, in 2016, lawyers, litigants were calling me, begging me to make sure that their debt, the judgment debt that they have spent years to pursue, that we could pay these judgments debt on time. Billions of dollars were owed, Madam Speaker. But we, since 2016, have ensured that nobody can say we owe them any judgment debt. Any that is owed is in the system coming through," he announced.

 

The minister said resolving these long-standing financial obligations has restored confidence in Jamaica's legal system to pay its debt to successful litigants. 

 

Minister Chuck added that the government has paid out millions to legal aid attorneys for representation in criminal matters. 

 

"Legal aid attorneys are no longer forced to wait months for their payments. In fact, we are now in position where our team members at the Ministry of Justice literally ask attorneys to submit their claims on time to facilitate payments due to them within the fiscal year. Indeed, Madam Speaker, if members look at Appendix 11, you will see that so much have been paid out. What is more, Madam Speaker, for the last three years and more, every January, February, we literally call attorneys to send in their claims because we have money available to pay them," the minister touted.

 

Meanwhile, the government has made a significant breakthrough in attempts to cut the backlog and delays in local courts, as the judiciary is now operating in line with global standards.

 

The clear-up rate for delayed cases now falls below the global five per cent threshold. 

 

According to Minister Chuck, this has resulted in the timely delivery of justice to Jamaicans. 

 

"Today, we have less than two per cent backlog. International standards state that once you are below the threshold of five per cent, you are considered backlog free. Madam Speaker, this is a historic achievement. As we continue to advance justice, we can now see that more than 70 per cent of the parish court cases are now completed within 12 months. Today, the justice system is undeniably, more efficient and responsive," he stressed. 

 

Additionally, roughly 72 per cent of those who apply to have their criminal records cleared have been successfully pardoned by the government.

 

Mr. Chuck said the ministry has taken the necessary steps to ensure offenders can have a better chance at reintegration. 

 

"Since 2016, more than 7,000 expungement applications have been approved, out of a total of almost 11,000 for this justice service, which is always in high demand. In fiscal year 24-25, 1,800 applications were approved out of approximately 2,500 applicants. To the best of my knowledge, we have not had any case of persons expunged...committing further offences," he noted.