GOVERNMENT is introducing a “new regime” for the much maligned judicial system which a Cabinet minister says should include additional specialist judges with experience of practice at the Criminal Bar, early guilty pleas, and greater use of the plea and direction hearing to ease the backlog of cases.
The suggestions were made in the House of Assembly yesterday by Minister of Transport and Works, Michael Lashley, during debate on the Magistrate’s Courts (Amendment) Bill which includes better provision for committal proceedings under the act by requiring the general use of written statements rather than of oral evidence and depositions.
Lashley, who has on occasion acted as attorney general, said though he had initial misgivings as a former defence attorney when he heard of the proposals, on reflection, he realised the primary object was to speed up justice and to ensure that matters reached the High Court in a reasonable time. (AB)
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