Dear Editor,
Again, we should note the even more alarming frequency in which witnesses with criminal matters before our courts are not showing up to testify. Yes, this trend is getting even worse. This tends to happen mostly in high-profile cases; an example we now see in the case involving Adidjah Palmer. This occurrence undermines our justice system and measures should be put in place to stem this runaway trend.
This is a form of corruption, where interested parties are 'facilitated' seemingly by a missing witness.
It is the general belief that most of these reluctant witnesses suddenly have an 'assisted' change of heart to not cooperate in these court proceedings. It must be looked at to investigate the belief that some members of the security forces, legal profession and persons in the judiciary aid and abet this practice of witnesses not showing up in court to testify.
Transparent as it seems, this is one way of subverting the justice system, and ensuring that a matter will not go to trial. No witness, no trial.
They know that after a prosecution witness fails to appear in court a number of times the presiding judge, in every instance, will eventually dismiss the charge(s) against the accused person. Very soon after charge(s) against an accused are dismissed, witnesses who could not be found suddenly reappear.
In short order justice would be for those who can afford to pay off a witness, hide a witness, or by whatever means get them to not show up in court.
Our lawmakers on both sides of the political divide should move forthwith to stop this practice and put in place the following:
1. Cases should not be dismissed because a witness cannot be found.
2. Whenever witnesses are found they must be charged with contempt of court.
3. The complainants should have no say in whether the court proceeding should go forth or not -- this should be left to the presiding judge.
4. The prosecution should have the avenue to appeal the judge's decision to dismiss a charge.
5. The medical cost for treating a victim must be borne by the accused person.
Until the powers that be take a hard line, we will continue to have corruption in our court system, our judiciary and the police force.
Authnel Reid
authnelreid@optonline.net
No witness, not trial -- by-product of corruption
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Again, we should note the even more alarming frequency in which witnesses with criminal matters before our courts are not showing up to testify. Yes, this trend is getting even worse. This tends to happen mostly in high-profile cases; an example we now see in the case involving Adidjah Palmer. This occurrence undermines our justice system and measures should be put in place to stem this runaway trend.
This is a form of corruption, where interested parties are 'facilitated' seemingly by a missing witness.
It is the general belief that most of these reluctant witnesses suddenly have an 'assisted' change of heart to not cooperate in these court proceedings. It must be looked at to investigate the belief that some members of the security forces, legal profession and persons in the judiciary aid and abet this practice of witnesses not showing up in court to testify.
Transparent as it seems, this is one way of subverting the justice system, and ensuring that a matter will not go to trial. No witness, no trial.
They know that after a prosecution witness fails to appear in court a number of times the presiding judge, in every instance, will eventually dismiss the charge(s) against the accused person. Very soon after charge(s) against an accused are dismissed, witnesses who could not be found suddenly reappear.
In short order justice would be for those who can afford to pay off a witness, hide a witness, or by whatever means get them to not show up in court.
Our lawmakers on both sides of the political divide should move forthwith to stop this practice and put in place the following:
1. Cases should not be dismissed because a witness cannot be found.
2. Whenever witnesses are found they must be charged with contempt of court.
3. The complainants should have no say in whether the court proceeding should go forth or not -- this should be left to the presiding judge.
4. The prosecution should have the avenue to appeal the judge's decision to dismiss a charge.
5. The medical cost for treating a victim must be borne by the accused person.
Until the powers that be take a hard line, we will continue to have corruption in our court system, our judiciary and the police force.
Authnel Reid
authnelreid@optonline.net
No witness, not trial -- by-product of corruption
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