New Bills to give JPs more power
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Maximum fines which can be imposed by Justices of the Peace (JPs) are to be increased from $2,000 to $50,000.
This is one of several changes to legislation covering the jurisdiction, appointment and conduct of JPs, as per the Justices of the Peace Act, 2017, which the House of Representatives is expected to complete debating when it meets at Gordon House today, starting at 2:00 pm.
The provisions of the Bill aim to increase the terms of imprisonment which can be imposed by the JPs, and widen their jurisdiction outside a single parish.
The amendments are among decisions taken to incorporate the provisions of the Justices of the Peace (Official Seals) Act in the same legislation, and repeal that Act, so as to provide for a consolidated regime with respect to the administrative affairs of the office of Justice of the Peace.
According to Minister of Justice, Delroy Chuck, who is piloting the Bill through the House of Representatives, the changes have become necessary as the functions of JPs have expanded as a result of the changing demands within communities, as well as due to justice reform initiatives such as restorative justice and child diversion programmes.
The Minister will also be ploting a Bill to amend the Judicature (Parish Courts) Act with the Re-naming of the Courts of Petty Sessions (Miscellaneous Act), 2017, which will effect the name change to Lay Magistrate’s Courts.
– Balford Henry
