Sharing of details of death of parish court judge sparks concern from bar association

The Jamaican Bar Association has expressed concern about the circulation of sensitive details regarding the death of Trelawny Parish Court Judge Ruth Lawrence, arguing that it violates her dignity and data protection rights.

“While we mourn the tragic loss of a distinguished member of the judiciary, we are deeply troubled by the apparent non-observance of the Data Protection Act (DPA), which enshrines the right to privacy and the dignity of the individual, even in death,” said association president Tenneshia Watkins.

She stated that the law affirms that personal data must be handled with care, respect, and lawful purpose.

“The dissemination of intimate and distressing information without appropriate safeguards or justification undermines the solemnity of death, the humanity of the deceased, and those who are left to mourn her passing,” she said.

A police report into the death of Lawrence was widely circulated on social media, revealing her age, residence, husband’s name, age, and occupation, as well as how she is believed to have died.

The DPA protects the data of deceased individuals for up to 30 years after their death.

“We condemn this breach in the strongest terms and urge all relevant authorities to thoroughly review the circumstances surrounding the release of this information. We further urge media entities, public officials, and private citizens to exercise restraint and compassion when handling matters of such profound sensitivity,” Watkins said.

- Sashana Small

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.