Dionne Rose, Staff Reporter
THE CRIMINAL Justice (Plea Negotiations and Agreements) Act 2005, which will formalise the system of plea negotiations currently in use in the legal system, is to be returned for debate in the House of Representatives later this month.
This follows yesterday's final meeting of the Joint Select Committee of Parliament, which is examining the bill.
Dr. Peter Phillips, Minister of National Security and committee chairman, said the committee members were unanimous on the changes made to the bill.
"I am hopeful that we will be able to get this report to the House so that it can be debated on the 25th (of this month) or if not debated, at least laid," he said.
The bill is expected to formalise the system of plea negotiations currently in use in the legal system. It will allow accused persons to be able to negotiate for a lesser charge, have punishment for a particular crime reduced or have charges against them dropped in exchange for information that may assist in solving crimes or catching henchmen and crime lords.
COURT NOTIFIED
Some of the changes made by the committee include that the court be warned that plea negotiations are planned. The committee recommended that amendments be made to clause eight to permit victims to make representation to the director of public prosecutions in writing prior to the conclusion of the plea agreement.
It also suggested that the document in which the victim's position is presented should be included in the record of the bargain to be brought before the court.
The committee, when considering the legislation, received submissions from the Jamaican Bar Association and the Jamaica Polygraph Association.
