Jury trials critical for fair justice

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am writing with reference to the article ‘ DPP not in favour of judge-alone-trials’, published in The Gleaner on January 23.

Like the DPP, we do not support ending jury trials. Jury challenges are not unique to Jamaica’s judicial system. The judicial systems of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and Canada all have jury challenges; and they do not support ending jury trials.

Jury trial is a constitutional right in all of the above countries. They are to protect the rights of individuals, ensure a fair and impartial justice system, and prevent tyranny. A strong judicial system requires a healthy jury trial.

Jury trials provide an opportunity for citizens to participate in the judicial process. Jury trials give citizens on the jury power to make a decision on the case.

People who serve on juries routinely have a greater respect for the system when they leave. Serving on a jury gives insight into the justice system and its communities. It is understandable that citizens may be apprehensive about being called for jury duty. They may fear that their time will be wasted or that the experience will be negative. Court officials are careful to treat jurors courteously and professionally. They know how important juries are to achieving fair and just results for those who come before the court. Most jurors find that the experience is positive.

Jurors listen to testimony, review evidence, and render decisions in civil and criminal trials. The jury decides the facts of a case, in accordance with the principles of the law as explained by the judge. Jury service is one of the highest duties for the citizens of all of the above countries. To assure this right is afforded to all individuals, it is necessary for people in the community to be summoned to serve as jurors. Serving on a jury is one of the most important things a citizen can do to guarantee that the justice system remains in the hands of the people.

Finally, it is impossible for a judge alone to provide all of the above services, as well as perform his or her judicial role fairly and impartially.

CARGILL KELLY