More efficient case files expected as JCF hires attorneys

By Racquel Porter   

 

The Ministry of Justice is expecting case files to be properly built out to provide compelling evidence against accused persons following a plan by the Jamaica Constabulary Force to hire 20 attorneys.

 

Fifteen positions have so far been filled.

 

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck says the attorneys will be working with prosecutors from the Financial Investigations Division, Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency and other investigative bodies to effectively manage the flow of cases through the criminal justice system. 

 

"A major challenge for the criminal justice system is that far too many cases are delayed for extended periods due to the failure of investigators to complete the investigative process and secure the relevant evidence to substantiate the charges laid, thereby ensuring the successful prosecution of the accused. In several instances, though the material evidence to move the cases to the trial stage exists, the bottleneck occurs in relation to the delivery of forensic, ballistic, and technological reports to complete the case files," he pointed out. 

 

With the JCF's hiring of the attorneys, the Justice Minister is insisting that all cases in the supreme, gun, and circuit courts should be disposed of within three years.