Juryless trials can raise justice system

This is clearly the case with murder trials as the statistics show the number of guilty verdicts is about one in ten or ten percent of cases.

This also means that nine in ten accused are found not guilty and are out on the streets again.

This does not mean they are innocent but simply that their wellpaid lawyers were able to beat the system, either by way of a technicality or a compassionate juror.

I have been called to jury service twice and was part of a jury once where I was able to witness first-hand the shortcomings of the system and personal biases of fellow jurors, resulting in hung juries and acquittals.

In my opinion, the present approach to jurisprudence in TT is in serious need of a major overhaul and replacing the jury system with judges can only help to improve the system of justice for all the people in this country.

Having said that, I would like to temper my support for the abolition of juries conditional on judges working hard to reduce the perception that they are too refined and pretentious and not in touch with the man-in-thestreet issues. They can start by abolishing those ridiculous wigs they sometimes wear.

C Rodriguez Petit Valley