The Editor, Sir:

I refer to a Gleaner headline on November 16, and the report which followed.

This report informed us of a Judge, then presiding in the Resident Magistrate's Court (Spanish Town), who used the following language by way of reprimand to a Police Inspector "You are damn rude."

As far as I can recall this ill-tempered and unfortunate language by a Judge in a court of law, sets a precedent which cannot and must not be allowed to become common practice.

In as much as this downward trend of unaceptable conduct in our society generally appears to be unstoppable, our courts of law must be the very last bastion to capitulate to this menacing contagion.

Consequently, I call upon our Chief Justice and other relevant authorities to take note and increase their vigilance in this regard.

As for the alarmed Inspector who reportedly in protest, declared the court adjourned, albeit without authority, before making his hasty exit therefrom, his unauthorised act, no doubt, will be to a degree mitigated by the unprecedented circumstances which attended these events.

I am, etc.,

GEOFFREY RAMSAY

Judge of the Resident

Magistrate's

Court (Retired)

7a Highland Drive

Kingston 19