KINGSTON, Jamaica — Lay magistrates are encouraged to remain firm as custodians of fairness and guardians of community justice, as their progress is measured by the lived experiences of the people they serve.

Making the call, newly installed President of the Lay Magistrates’ Association of Jamaica (LMAJ), Paulette Kirkland, said the roles of justices of the peace (JPs) and lay magistrates are critical, and the effectiveness of their service is seen in the child who receives timely protection and the “family that finds resolution, instead of conflict”.

She was delivering the keynote address at the half-yearly meeting of the Manchester Chapter of the LMAJ, held on January 22 at the Golf View Hotel in Mandeville.

“As lay magistrates, you stand at the intersection of law and community. Your decision shapes lives, your presence strengthens institutions, and your integrity builds confidence,” the president told the meeting.

Stressing that “justice delayed is justice denied” is not merely a phrase, she said it is a lived reality for families, victims and communities waiting for closure, and it means acknowledging that the justice system cannot function at its best without the full engagement of every lay magistrate and every JP.

“It means committing to preparation and punctuality so that trial dates are honoured, and communities experience timely justice. And so, when we go to the district court or we go to a child diversion session where we are going to be looking at the cases before us, it is best that we prepare ourselves and be there in a timely manner. This is about efficiency and focus, ensuring that each sitting is productive and purposeful,” Kirkland said.

The president urged the lay magistrates to engage the clerk of courts to ensure that cases are properly brought up, and to also engage the police to ensure that when they go to court, the cases are signed up and the “investigating officer’s report is there”.

She also encouraged the lay magistrates to engage in continuous training and education about the justice system, and to always display “ethical leadership, upholding fairness, impartiality and integrity in every decision”.

“That will certainly lead to stronger community engagement, because they know that we are prepared, we are there on time, we are efficient and focused, we have continuous learning and we have this thing – ethical leadership,” the president continued.

The event was held under the theme ‘Measuring Progress, Renewing Commitment’.

Lay magistrates, who are also JPs, are trained volunteers who play a critical role in the judicial system by presiding over Petty Sessions Courts, helping to clear case backlogs at the parish level, and providing community services. They are non-partisan, unpaid, and work to uphold the law while serving their communities.

They are integral to the justice system, particularly in the lower-tier courts (Petty Sessions), where at least two JPs are required to constitute a court. They also sign documents and support community development.

The LMAJ is a non-profit organisation for JPs and lay magistrates, focused on promoting justice, community service, and social harmony in Jamaica through mediation, dispute resolution, and child diversion programmes, working to uphold ethical standards and support communities.

—    JIS