PRESS RELEASES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

July 30, 2008

The Government's Anti-Crime Plan

The Council of the Jamaican Bar Association takes note of the Government’s anticrime plan and is in the process of studying the individual components. There has been a sharp increase in serious crime that has had a negative impact on law abiding citizens from all strata of life. We recognize the need for a comprehensive and firm plan for reducing crime and thus improving the quality of life for all. While we give further consideration to the details we wish to note some relevant facts and restate the following broad principles. Read more...

 

June 27, 2008

Response to Gleaner Article calling Attorneys 'Hustlers'

The Jamaican Bar Association notes the article carried on the front page of the Daily Gleaner of June 25, 2008, in which a Resident Magistrate is reported as describing the legal profession as reduced to hustling.  Unfortunately, the Jamaican Bar Association, although invited to attend, was unable to send a representative to the forum as our president and other members were unavailable due to their obligations to the court and their clients. However, we use this medium to respond.  Read more...

 

June 19, 2008

Opposition to Detention of Persons for Extended Periods Without Charge

The Jamaican Bar Association registers its opposition to any new law to legalize the detention of persons for extended periods without charge. We affirm our commitment to the fundamental legal and constitutional principle that persons should only be deprived of their freedom on the basis of cogent evidence leading to reasonable suspicion that they have committed a crime. The law requires that such a person be charged and placed before the court forthwith or be released within forty-eight (48) hours. Read more...