Chief Justice wants removal of unsworn statements from trial process

Chief Justice of Jamaica Bryan Sykes is again calling for further reforms of the justice system.

In a wide-ranging address, at last evening's annual awards banquet of the St. Elizabeth Justices of the Peace Association, Chief Justice Sykes recommended the removal of unsworn statements from the trial process.

The Chief Justice's latest call comes against the backdrop of the recent acquittal of Adidja Palmer (Vybz Kartel) and his three co-accused.

Justice Sykes has also been pushing for an end to jury trials, but in Saturday night's address, he turned his attention to the issue of unsworn statements in the trial process.

According to Justice Sykes, the vast majority of defendants choose the route of making an unsworn statement.

He said this aspect of the criminal justice process should now be abolished.

He also drew reference to the matter of unsworn statements and the impact these have on sexual offence trials involving minors as young as 6 years old, who are called to testify.

The Chief Justice insists the revamping of the matter of unsworn statements is ripe for change.