Kamla: ‘Abuse’ with no trial by jury

She called for consultation before such a fundamental change is made in the Judiciary. Persad-Bissessar said removing jury trial had “potential for abuse.” On Friday in address at the opening of the 2016/2017 law term Chief Justice Ivor Archie said the jury system was not working calling it a “systematic failure.” She stated: “And I will I say at this point in time unless we get widespread consultation on that issue of trial without a jury, from my point of view and I think the opposition will support me on this, we will not support abolishing jury trial at this time, we will not support it.” Saying her People’s Partnership administration did consider abolishing the jury system but was forced to shelve it as “there was little consensus.” She said views expressed suggested that it whilst a jury could be intimidated it was “easier to bribe a judge.” “I am not saying it may happen,” she told the crowd as she went on to say that said such fundamental change should not be done without widespread consultation throughout the length and breath of the land. “Imagine if you only you had one stop before a judge.” She said many may not think it an important issue, but she believes it will become important especially if they find themselves “with trumped up charges” brought against them.

She said there are other measures available to improve the criminal justice system including plea bargaining, categorized murders and forensics.