PARLIAMENT IS giving the Jamaican Bar Association (JBA) and other interest groups two weeks to submit views on new plea-bargaining legislation under its consideration.
The joint select committee of Parliament examining the legislation met yesterday to begin discussions on the bill.
However, Opposition spokesman on justice, Delroy Chuck suggested that the views of the JBA and other members of the public should be heard before any further discussions.
Mr. Chuck said the legislation was not expected to be contentious as it reflects what takes place in the courts currently, but on an ad hoc basis.
Opposition Senator, Dorothy Lightbourne also told the committee that the bar association was currently looking at the legislation.
The Criminal Justice (Plea Negotiations and Agreements) Bill provides for the director of public prosecutions and an accused person, through his attorney, to negotiate a plea agreement.
Under the agreement, the perpetrator of a crime may plead to a lesser charge while providing evidence against the organiser of the crime.
The legislation is expected to assist in convicting persons who are commonly identified as the 'kingpins' of organised crime.
The committee will meet again in three weeks to examine the submissions and to hear the views of those who wish to participate in person.
