The failings of the justice system

EDITOR, The Tribune.

When a Commissioner of Police goes on National TV News and pleads for an immediate change to legislation governing the arrest and charging of people and the granting of Bail and the Government does not seemingly react then we are in serious “do-do”.

Yes, there has to be a process of Human Rights, no one is suggesting to deny this to anyone, but there must be some sense to and the upholding of the primary purpose we elect a government as they are required at all times to ensure the peace and security of all.

Today, this government has failed on both counts and does not seem interested to correcting that position. Why?

Clearly the Bail Act needs urgent reform – if a person is charged with the illegal possession or using a firearm in a crime there should be no bail, period. Anyone charged with rape, incest or abuse of a young person, that being under 18 years, should further not be able to qualify for bail.

Now, without a working justice/court system, I agree we cannot impose these credible and logical conditions so, Madam Attorney General, My Lord Chief Justice, do what you have to do and stop talking and making excuses.

The police are doing their responsibilities – the courts, from magistrates up, are failing every single resident of the Bahamas.

Swift Justice? A joke - the AG can’t even get the past court reports available on time for appeal cases.

W THOMPSON

Nassau,

December 14, 2014.

Comments

UserOne says...

Judges, prosecutors and lawyers need a reality check before the criminals start entering their homes committing the mayhem we are seeing daily in our country. I applaud the commissioner for speaking up. The reaction from the judiciary that he should be held in contempt makes me feel they are more concerned about respect for their system than what is going on in their country. Respect is earned; make sure the people in the system are honourable. That is how you earn respect.

Posted 17 December 2014, 9:18 a.m. Suggest removal

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