Mullings wants explanation for raid on lawyers' chambers
published: Monday | February 10, 2003
CLIVE MULLINGS, Jamaica Labour Party MP for West Central St. James, moved the following resolution in the House last Tuesday against the background of a recent raid on the Chambers of two lawyers by members of the police force.
WHEREAS recent action by members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force accompanied
by two members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police involved the invasion
of the Chambers of two law firms; and
Whereas this invasion was executed by over 25 heavily armed police officers
who searched attorneys briefs, read and seized the files of several clients;
and
Whereas members of staff and clients present, were detained against their
will for over four hours; and
Whereas this action constitutes a dangerous breach of the fundamental legal
principle which guarantee confidentiality and privilege in a lawyer/client
relationship; and
Whereas this type of breach serves to severely undermine the very foundation
of our justice system.
Be It Resolved that this Honourable House calls on the Minister of Justice to table a report to Parliament on the circumstances surrounding the invasion of the Chambers of Messrs. Ernest Smith and Company and Messrs. Gifford Thompson and Bright on the 27th and 28th of January, 2003, respectively, by members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force; and
Be It Further Resolved that this Honourable House calls on the Government to state its position on the principle regarding the sanctity of the Attorney/ Client privilege.
