Horace Fisher, Star Writer

With the Dangerous Drugs Act legislation of 2015 now in effect, Justice Minister Senator Mark Golding, has underlined the significant roles justices of the peace (JPs) will be call upon to play, specifically in the petty sessions courts.

The justice minister, who was the keynote speaker at the induction of 32 JPs in Clarendon, says the Ministry of Justice priority policies are centred on a programme of reforms aimed at strengthening justice institutions, improving efficiencies of the court, and improving the physical facilities where justice is being dispensed.

Senator Golding noted that the area of most significant impact of the work of JPs will be the expansion of the jurisdiction of the court of petty sessions.

He pointed out that JPs are receiving specialised training to meet the growing demands in the evolution of the roles they play.

According to Golding, the jurisdiction of the petty sessions courts will be expanded to include matters under the Rent Restriction Act, small civil claims and minor cases of praedial larceny, whereas, the monetary amounts are applicable to the penalties in cases in the petty sessions courts.

He also pointed to what he called "The implementation of legislative reforms" to address gaps in criminal and civil law, that he says has adversely impacted the effectiveness of the justice system. The minister also reassuringly affirmed that, in an effort to reform the system, the ministry has sought to be inclusive through consultations with various stakeholders.