KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Court Administration Division (CAD) is appealing to Jamaicans to play their part in the administration of justice by showing up for jury duty.

Reports from the CAD indicate low juror turnout, specifically in the parishes of Kingston & St Andrew, St James, Clarendon and St Catherine, which have resumed jury trials.

According to a release, jurors are selected from all parishes and the number selected will vary depending on the number of matters before that Circuit.

Director of Client Services, Communications and Information, at the CAD, Kadiesh Fletcher, said while the turnout has been low, the courts have been able to empanel and proceed with matters set for jury trials.

“While this is the case, we continue to encourage persons who have been selected to go to the respective courts to which they were summoned,” Fletcher said.

Jury duty remains an important part of the system of justice in Jamaica and Fletcher said this means that accused individuals, where the legislation does not prescribe otherwise, have their matters determined by a jury of their peers.

“A jury is comprised of ordinary Jamaicans who hear the evidence in court and determine the person’s guilt or innocence. A matter that is to be heard by a jury cannot proceed without jurors and this is why jury duty is important,” she said.

In Jamaica, the Jury Duty Act stipulates who qualifies to serve.

Any Jamaican, living in the country, between the ages of 18 and 69, who has a Tax Registration Number (TRN) or is registered to vote, can be selected for jury duty.

“Jury duty presents the opportunity for persons to learn about the court systems and help their fellow citizens get justice,” she said.

The CAD is responsible for issuing summons to people for jury duty. Summons are issued to the police for distribution to selected citizens who are expected to report to the court specified in the summons on the date stipulated.

The CAD serves to restructure the institutional framework through which administrative services are provided to the Courts and further strengthen judicial independence.