Golding questions role of Attorney General

Questions have again been raised about the role of the Attorney General's Department and its relationship with the Justice Ministry.

     

The matter has been brought to the fore by Opposition Spokesman on Justice Senator Mark Golding, in reaction to proposals by the Attorney General Marlene Malahoo Forte.

    

In Parliament on Tuesday, the Attorney General announced several measures the government proposes to tackle the crime issue. They involve amendments to legislation and possible curtailing of some human rights.

   

Senator Golding argues that the position she has taken is inappropriate because of the nature of the office of Attorney General.  

    

He points out that under the Constitution, the Attorney General plays a critical role as all laws must be certified as constitutional by that office before being sent to the Governor General.

    

Senator Golding states that the Attorney General should not be the one outlining government policy.                

"We have a Minster of Justice; we have a Minister of National Security and it's their role to deal with issues of policy around national security issues and justice issues. I don't think it's appropriate that the Attorney General should be putting forward policy positions which are draconian and which would tend to restrict the rights of the Jamaica people in dealing with the state," he asserted.

 

Mr. Golding is of the opinion that the Attorney General has misunderstood her role and a review is needed.