Letting cameras into courtrooms overdue
Dear Editor,
I read Bert Samuels’ The Agenda column of July 22, 2018 in the Jamaica Observer and thought that it ties in with the current issue about lawyers speaking with the media about cases on trial.
The right to know in a democracy versus a fair trial for accused persons will depend to a large extent on the Director of Public Prosecutions’ feelings for the victim of crime and a judge’s concept of justice in the wider society.
Often the two are not far enough apart and create mistrust in the public not seeing the guilty convicted and the innocent acquitted.
Samuels’ thoughtful prodding for cameras in court should bear some fruit for reconciliation.
Attorneys and the media have work to do for better to come.
Frank Phipps, QC
frank.phipps@yahoo.com
