Jury selections concerns

THE EDITOR: Jury selection and the formal constituting of jury panels have featured as very hot topics in the last few months especially as they relate to high profile cases currently in progress. The processes of selection and formation of these jury panels, however, beg at present, two very serious questions for all stakeholders if the Judiciary is to preserve its hallowed image as the ultimate albeit, only incontestable bastion of an individual’s right to freedom.

It is lamentable and quite embarrassing to a prospective juror, and others similarly affected, who upon selection are unable to read the simple oath taken before formal constituting of the jury panel. Pre-emptory challenges from either the prosecuting or defending attorney or the defendant himself are inevitable in such circumstances but there are no guarantees to suggest they are the norm. Illiteracy necessarily impinges on one’s ability to comprehend and to make plausible and critical judgments especially in matters as sacrosanct as justice — a fact often revealed at deliberations in the jury room when such unchallenged jurors are easily swayed one way or the other or are simply averse to reason. A second serious concern which currently obtains in the jury selection process is the absence of a process to verify personal identification.

I remain astonished that throughout the entire process of jury selection, a measure of such importance is not implemented. Who is to say what breaches there can be or have been as a result of this shortcoming? I suggest that this verification process become mandatory and be done in addition to the routine roll call taken. From my observations, the courts do have more than enough time to execute this simple but most important exercise. Measures must therefore be put in place to ensure that roll calls be taken on each given occasion awaiting jurors assemble and that the process of verifying personal identities complement the roll call exercise. Implementation of these measures will negate the possibility of breaches of any kind.

JAHMADAR CASSIE
Gasparillo