Decision on Jamaica's final appeal court should be put to referendum - Champagnie

   

Attorney Peter Champagnie, KC, says any decision to change the country's final appellate jurisdiction should be put to a referendum.

 

His comment comes amid debate about whether a public vote should be held to decide on the retention or removal of the UK-based Privy Council as Jamaica's top court. 

 

"It can't be a situation where you have politicians...on both sides, coming together and saying, this is going to be our final court, without involving the people. It think it is so fundamental a principle that we need to have a say to determine the way forward. And it may ultimately be a situation where we end up with the Caribbean Court of Justice," Mr. Champagnie suggested.

 

He was speaking on TVJ's Smile Jamaica, on Wednesday. 

 

The Constitution does not require a referendum to remove the Privy Council.