KINGSTON, Jamaica — Human rights advocates, Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), has urged the Government to have consultations with the public before it implements its decision to amend the Gun Court Act, which will allow for all non-capital murder cases, involving the use of the gun, to be tried by a judge.

In a statement today, the JFJ said the move will strip all persons of the time-honoured right to trial by a jury in cases where the police accuse someone of murder using a gun.

The organisation expressed concern that by a simple parliamentary majority, and without any meaningful consultation, a profoundly important right will be taken away from everyone.

“The JFJ does not support the abolition of these jury trials without a detailed public examination of its potential impact on the justice system and on accused persons (especially the poor), or without appropriate consultations that pay the respect to the Jamaican people that they are due”, the release stated.

“Juries provide an opportunity for citizens to participate in court system. They provide the voice of common sense, and allow citizens with varying perspectives and social backgrounds to impact the country’s body of law. Jurors are not case-hardened by years in the justice system, and view each case with fresh eyes,” the JFJ argued.

The JFJ maintained that their stance is not about the defence of criminals but rather, “ensuring that the protections we ALL have, if the police simply accuse us of a serious crime, are not removed without proper examination. This most affects those who are poor, and cannot afford an attorney.”

“We call on the government to respect its people, and consult them before changing their time-honoured rights, even if they mean well,” JFJ said.