Dear Editor,

Any verdict other than guilty in the recently concluded case with Adidja “Vybz Kartel” Palmer and other accused would have made the justice system the laughing stock of even the people who were chanting “Free Worl’ Boss” and embolden those with criminal minds to continue with their heinous activities.

The jury, in large part, reflected the general sentiment among the populace. And, with all its flaws, the duty of jurors to justice remains an essential part of maintaining a vibrant democracy.

Big up to both the defence and the prosecution, and I hope a lot has been learned by you all as well as the police. This case is a landmark one and we should all learn from it. The application of aspects of new technology in the justice system must be making criminals shake in their boots and reconsider what they do and how they do things.

Now people are looking to see how other persons in the upper echelons of society will be treated by the same system.

This case brought out quite a bit of sloppiness and carelessness by the police investigators and may — if this case goes all the way on appeal to the privy council — cause those judges to “cuss badwud” for the first time in dismay.

When the prosecution loses cases it has a lot to do with the quality of the police investigation and evidence gathered. We have seen many a sad result based on the quality of evidence given to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Like at Coronation Market, or any other market, if the goods are soiled, damaged, or of poor quality it will not sell. So, too, in the courtroom. If the quality of investigation and evidence ‘farmed’ is of poor quality, the judges and/or jurors will not buy it. So that area needs constant improvement.

The allegation of an attempted bribe by one of the jurors is an absolute disgrace. It borders on treason. And, if those implicated are found guilty they should get a greater punishment than the accused men for attempting to pervert the course of justice. This is a crime without bounds. It has implications for all Jamaicans, even those yet born.

The greatest deterrent for crime is the certainty of being caught and convicted. I hope the trend develops for the good of Jamaica and the message sent that crime does not pay, the guilty must pay. You do the crime, expect to do the time, whether you are Mr Big Man, famous man, celebrity, or a little tear-up shorts man or woman.

Michael Spence

Kingston 6

micspen2@Hotmail.com