Comprehensive Review of the Jamaican Justice System

Project Description

Background

Jamaica’s justice system has been challenged to keep up with the changing social and economic conditions in the country and to be responsive to the current needs of the public. There has been a great increase in the demands on the justice system of Jamaica as a result of a general growth in population, as well as the emergence of a variety of new social problems that have led to greater use of the courts.

Jamaica is not alone in facing challenges to its justice system. Most of the larger Commonwealth countries, including Britain, Canada, and Australia, have been compelled to conduct comprehensive reviews of their civil and criminal justice systems and to introduce major reforms. Jamaica has incorporated in its own justice system some of the recommended procedures and best practices that have resulted from these reviews. However, every country is unique and not all of the solutions to problems in one country are applicable to another. There is clearly a need for Jamaica to conduct its own comprehensive review of its justice system and to design its own reform and modernization program, tailored to the Jamaican context.

Project Objectives

The Project will inquire into the state of the justice system on a comprehensive basis and develop strategies and mechanisms to facilitate the modernization of the justice system so that it is better able to meet the current and future needs of Jamaicans. A modern justice system will be more efficient, accessible, accountable, fair and able to deliver timely results in a cost-effective manner. The Project will make practical achievable recommendations to achieve this objective.

The Project design is based on three pillars of systemic change processes: the sharing of expertise and experience, participatory processes, and capacity development.

Methodology

The following steps will be taken in the conduct of this Project:

• The creation of a review structure that actively engages all key stakeholders and the public;
  
  
• The implementation design of a research program that will include undertaking surveys and soliciting option papers from stakeholders;
  
  
• The implementation of a consultation program to obtain input from all key stakeholders and the public to include stakeholder roundtables, regional justice summits and a national conference; 
  
  
• The implementation of a communications program to share the information obtained through the consultation and research programs with key stakeholders and to ensure country-wide engagement in the review process;
  
  
• The implementation of a capacity development program to enhance the prospect for implementation and sustainability of any and all recommendations resulting from the review; and
  
  
• The development of a final report with comprehensive recommendations and strategies for the modernization of the administration, operation and structure of the justice system.

Structure

A Jamaican Justice Review Task Force (JJRTF) will be established to provide overall guidance and direction for the design and implementation of the comprehensive justice review and the preparation of the final report. The JJRTF will be responsible for ensuring active engagement of all of the justice sectors and the public in the review.  The JJRTF will establish Regional Working Groups and Working Groups on specific issues to assist it to carry out its mandate.  A Canadian Advisory Committee of justice reform experts will provide support to the review.  The review will be staffed by a five-person Management Group.  The Jamaican Ministry of Justice and the Canadian Bar Association will also provide assistance.

Terms and Reporting

The Project will begin operations in September 2006 and will submit a final report by June 30, 2007.