High Court Jury’s list quashed due to lack of persons from Sister Islands
Justice Smith said her decision was because of certain flaws she found in the list of jurors submitted to the court.
“The court at this stage will squash the array on this merit and in the interest of justice,” she said during the High Court sitting on Monday, October 7, 2019.
Justice Smith said the defects include inadequate persons from the Sister Islands and Outer Islands forming the list.
She bemoaned that only one person on the list was from Virgin Gorda and none were from Anegada and Jost Van Dyke, which could prejudice the accused persons on trial.
“Unfortunately the court finds that the registrar has continued the practice that was used by successive registrars prior, which was highlighted and frowned upon,” she said.
The high court judge, moreover, said: “There is no explanation that has been provided to this court that an effort was made to properly remedy the error and deficiencies that were raised in July of 2019 despite the opportunity that was given to do so.”
The jury list was compiled since December last year, she also indicated.
“The burden of the jury service needs to be distributed evenly and equally between all persons liable to serve,” Justice Smith remarked.
A new list must now be formed to exclude the flaws as mentioned earlier.
9 Responses to “High Court Jury’s list quashed due to lack of persons from Sister Islands”
Why wait now to get rid f the jury list now court should be starting.
E**** picks ALL the East End people dem. The WHOLE of East End!!! She needs to STOP!!!