Sykes: Current system simply cannot continue
Chief justice warns urgent reform key to handling 3,000-case backlog
Published:Wednesday | January 7, 2026 | 12:09 AMTanesha Mundle/Staff Reporter
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes has warned that Jamaica cannot “try its way out” of its growing court backlog and that reform of the jury trial system must now be seriously considered.
Speaking at King’s House on Monday during a swearing-in ceremony for judicial officers, Justice Sykes said the criminal justice system is under severe strain, with roughly 3,000 cases currently in backlog across the island.
“We cannot try our way out of the backlog that we have,” Justice Sykes said, noting that more than 1,000 of those cases are lodged at the Home Circuit Court in downtown Kingston, with the remainder scattered across other courts.
He pointed to the volume and increasing complexity of cases as evidence that the current system is no longer sustainable. He reiterated his long-held view that the circuit court system, while once effective, has “outlived its usefulness” and cannot cope with modern demands.
According to Justice Sykes, there is “no such thing as a simple case anymore” in the circuit courts as most matters now involve complex evidentiary issues that consume extensive judicial time. Even with the most efficient judges, he said, the traditional four-week trial period is no longer sufficient.
“The current system simply cannot continue,” he cautioned.
He noted that he previously raised the issue of reform with Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck, who committed to examining the matter, but acknowledged that no concrete changes had yet been implemented. Nonetheless, the chief justice stressed that reform of the jury trial system is now unavoidable if timely justice is to be delivered.
Justice Sykes pointed to developments in England and Wales, where the government appointed retired senior judge Sir Brian Leveson to address a backlog of about 78,000 cases, a figure projected to reach 100,000 by the end of the decade if left unchecked. Among the controversial proposals being discussed there, he noted, is the curtailment of jury trials.
“The home of the jury system is now saying maybe we need to rethink the jury system,” he said, underscoring that Jamaica is not alone in grappling with the challenge of timely justice.
He also referenced the United States, where recognition that not every case can proceed to trial has led to the widespread use of plea bargaining. In the US federal system, he said, more than 97 per cent of cases are resolved without trial. Against that background, Justice Sykes urged the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to ensure that prosecutors attend court prepared with clear, fair positions on how cases may be disposed of.
Despite the challenges, the chief justice praised the performance of several courts, particularly the parish courts, which he said continue to provide “outstanding service”. He noted that even with a reduced time standard of 20 months, the net backlog in those courts remained under three per cent despite inadequate courtrooms and the impact of Hurricane Melissa.
He also commended the Court of Appeal, which he said is delivering 56 judgments for every 10 reserved, placing it among the better-performing appellate courts in the region.
At the Supreme Court, Justice Sykes said reforms are under way to the registry system, especially the civil registry, including the introduction of a docket system that assigns judges and staff to cases from start to finish.
Looking ahead, he announced that within 12 weeks, the Court of Appeal, the High Court Division of the Gun Court in Kingston, the St Thomas Parish Court, and the Court Administration Division are expected to achieve ISO certification.
While stressing that certification does not mean perfection, he said it reflects a commitment to minimum service standards and accountability.
“That is really what is required of a modern judicial system,” he said, expressing confidence that 2026 would see a more efficient and responsive justice system.