Should Mag. Tamia Richards be present? – asks Attorney Hugh Wildman
According the Mr Wildman he has been at the Bar for many years, coming from the Jamaican background and experience and has never seen another magistrate sitting in the court room while another was sitting over the case.
The trial that was in process was that of the five men implicated in the August 10, 2012 major drug bust. Ms Richards had started the re-trial of the five men but the matter was switched to the hands of Magistrates Dr. Velon L. John after Ms Richards had proceeded on maternity leave.
Wildman questioned whether that was a breach of protocol given the nature and history of the case before the court at the time.
The proceedings were about to come to a close for the day when Mr Wildman rose to his feet making the observation seeking the guidance of John. Richards’ presence was drawn to Wildman’s attention by one of his colleagues at the Bar.
Dr. John laid the concerns to rest noting that there was not a breach of protocol with Ms Richards’ presence and her being there does not pose any harm to the proceeding. “It is not improper,” he said noting that on several occasions he as a magistrate has sat in court as an observer while another magistrate presided.
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18 Responses to “Should Mag. Tamia Richards be present? – asks Attorney Hugh Wildman”
How much time is the first time??