A Supreme Court judge, who was yesterday appointed to act as a judge of the Court of Appeal, said the Jamaican justice system is perhaps the only thing preventing the state from falling into disunity.

“I would dare say the judiciary is the last bastion preventing anarchy in this country,” Justice Mahadev Dukharan told an audience gathered at the swearing-in ceremony of himself and five other workers in the justice system at King’s House in St Andrew.

Dukharan, who was responding on behalf of those sworn in, said many people in Jamaica do not understand the obligations of judges and others who know better but who continue to criticise the justice system unduly for judgments made.

“If the law says one and one make two, only legislation can change it,” he noted.

Commenting on a recent incident in the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate’s Court, where a police officer reportedly adjourned the sitting, Dukharan said something like that should never happen again.

“(That) is Her Majesty’s court and only a judge of that court can adjourn it,” he said.

The other five people sworn in were: His Honour Martin Gayle, Her Honour Marva McDonald Bishop, Christine McDonald and His Honour Bertram Morrison, all of whom were appointed to act as puisne judges. Audre Whelma Lindo was appointed to act as Master-in-Chambers in the Supreme Court. The appointments of Gayle, Bishop and McDonald become effective on January 8, while the other appointments become effective on January 15.

One by one, the six yesterday walked to the lectern, held a Bible in their right hand and swore to “be faithful and bear true allegiance to Jamaica”.

In his brief address to them, Chief Justice Lensley Wolfe said judges had a responsibility to do their jobs well so citizens can have confidence in the justice system.

“We have to, as judges of Jamaica, ensure that people feel safe within the boundaries of Jamaica,” Wolfe said.

– mccattyk@jamaicaobserver.com