IT HAS been said that the law is an ass and the maladministration of the court system in Jamaica, from the scheduling of cases to the misplacing of files, gives this credence. Persons trained in law, especially judges, are not necessarily good businessmen. Indeed, the judicial temperament tends instinctively to foster bureaucracy so unless proper systems are in place for the administration of justice and giving it a sense of urgency it inevitably grinds to a halt and frustrated citizens are tempted, often with disastrous results, to take it into their own hands.
Jamaica's justice system, its smooth and swift functioning so crucial to curtailing crime and protecting our democratic values, is in a state of decrepitude and suffering from administrative senility. Its overhaul is long overdue but there is no political will to get the job done, the main excuse being lack of resources. But is this really so?
It has now come to light that court reporters cannot prepare evidentiary transcripts on a timely basis because their stenographic machines are obsolete and constantly in need of repair. When a breakdown occurs during a trial, the case has to be adjourned until a replacement is found. New machines have been promised for the past three years but have not yet been delivered.
There is also a serious shortage of computers, only 15 for 30 reporters. In fact, the system needs more court reporters as well as more computers and machines. The absence of a heavy duty photocopier is also delaying court records for several months.
Mr. Michael Cohen, public relations officer in the Ministry of Justice, has cavalierly admitted that he was not aware of the shortage of stenographic machines and, as to the photocopier, the one supplied had to be returned because it was not a heavy duty model. Perhaps instead of public relations manager, the Ministry of Justice needs a competent purchasing officer.
Stenographic machines, computers and copying machines are not expensive items in the context of their absolute necessity for dispensing speedy justice. This situation is only one example of an inexcusable state of affairs in how our court system is being run. Corrective action is needed now!
THE OPINIONS ON THIS PAGE, EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE, DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GLEANER.
