Anthony Henry

The Government is to seek the establishment of a Joint Select Committee to examine broader reforms to the Jury Act, including whether jury trials should remain a central feature of Jamaica’s justice system.

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Delroy Chuck, KC, said the committee would receive submissions from justice-sector stakeholders and the wider public on whether certain cases should be tried by juries, heard by judges alone, or whether jury trials should be abolished entirely in favour of bench trials.

The issue has gained renewed attention amid concerns over delays in criminal proceedings. Chief Justice Bryan Sykes has indicated that more than 3,000 criminal cases are currently awaiting trial in the Supreme and Circuit Courts.

Chuck said court availability is not the primary issue, noting that the number of judges and prosecutors has increased significantly over the past decade. He argued that structural reform is now required to ensure cases are completed within a reasonable time.

The minister again urged greater use of the Plea Negotiations and Agreements Act, pointing out that while plea bargaining resolves the vast majority of criminal cases in the United States, Jamaica continues to rely heavily on full trials.

He called on prosecutors to be more proactive in offering plea negotiations once case files are complete and encouraged defence attorneys to advise clients appropriately.

“Not every case needs to go to trial,” Chuck said, adding that effective use of plea bargaining could significantly reduce backlogs while still serving the interests of justice.