HIGH COURT Judge Lloyd Hibbert on Monday expressed disappointment that only 41 of the 273 cases listed for trial in the Home Circuit Court during the Michaelmas term were disposed of.
The judge, in closing the session which began on September 16, described the figure as being "low" and hoped that new plans will be put in place next year to reduce the backlog, both in the Circuit Courts and the Gun Court.
Although most of the witnesses in the Gun Court were policemen, the judge disclosed that they were not turning up for trials. Absent civilian witnesses and jurors have also been blamed for the state of the court list.
"The system can only work when we all co-operate," the judge said.
He made an urgent plea for citizens to play their part in ensuring that the justice system runs smoothly. He emphasised that if the citizens all played their part then the justice system would be much better.
He also called on the police to make a special effort to improve their relationship with citizens in the communities.
The judge called on all participants in the justice system to work together in order to achieve the ultimate goal, which was that justice was done not only when persons were acquitted or convicted, but to see to it that everyone was afforded a speedy trial as guaranteed by the Constitution of Jamaica.
.
