THE EDITOR, Sir:
"WE ARE tinkering with justice", as Mr. Beresford Hay says. This to my mind is not all bad, as it is the first step in overhauling our system of justice that has outlived it usefulness. With this said, I vigorously disagree with Mr. Hay's objection to the removal of extradition matters from the lower courts to the Supreme Court.
Time and again, especially recently, our nationals are extradited to foreign lands to pacify foreign powers. In instances, men were extradited on evidence, some secret, that could not meet muster in the courts of the very country that seeks their extradition. This leaves a lot of unanswered questions.
I believe that extradition cases should not be decided by one Judge, but should be decided by the full (Supreme) court. This will clear up any ambiguity or doubt that justice is served. Moreso, it will take the burden off of a sole judge and end speculation that judges might feel pressured into ordering the extradition of a defendant or risk having visas (for themselves and the members of their families) revoked.
And yes, the fact that corruption is so rampant and a way of life in our country, it would be foolish to think some of our judges will not fall prey to this scourge.
The necessary judicial reform will not come overnight, but should include sting operations to nab judges that might yield to temptation. So, let's fast-forward the tinkering until we get it right.
I am, etc.,
AUTHNEL REID
authnelreid@aol.com
Middlesex, NJ
Via Go-Jamaica
