Functions of The Commission

The Regulations became effective January 31, 2003.

The functions of the Commission shall be:

1. (a) To receive and keep on record statutory declarations furnished by public servants pursuant to the Act;

2. (b) To examine such statutory declarations and to request from a public servant any information relevant to a statutory declaration made by him, which in its opinion would assist in its examination;

3. (c) To make such independent enquiries and investigations relating to a statutory declaration as it thinks necessary;

4. (d) To receive and investigate any complaint regarding an act of corruption;

5. (e) To conduct an investigation into an act of corruption on its own initiative, if it is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for such investigation.


CRIMINAL AND CIVIL JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION UNIT

The Unit’s mission is: To administer and co-ordinate with the relevant authorities to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of policies and operations affecting the Administration of Justice.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE

In almost every large community there is a Justice of the Peace (JP), who is available to offer his/her services to the community, yet, many of us do not quite understand what exactly it is that a JP does.

newClick here to view the Citizens Charter

Click Here to view the Victims Charter

Click here to view JP Listings


Expungement

Expungement is essentially having a conviction removed from one’s criminal/police record after a specific period of time has elapsed and after certain requirements have been met.The statute authorizing the expungement is the Criminal Records (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Act, 1988 (Act 18 of 1988).




The Criminal and Civil Justice Administration Unit: falls under the Strategic Planning Policy Research Evaluation Division.

Objectives of the Unit:

* To formulate, develop and implement policies and systems critical to the Administration of Justice in order to confirm public confidence in the justice system.

* To provide the essential linkages and liaison between the Ministry and the various judicial and legal departments.

* To ensure compliance with rules and regulations under a designated schedule of legislation for which the Minister has portfolio responsibility.

* To ensure the administration and maintenance of the legal framework and ultimate protection of the rights and privileges of the individual citizen through:


o Liaising with the public and specific interest groups
o Receiving and processing feedback to inform the policy decisions regarding changes in specific laws [more]



Justices of the Peace Offical Seals Act, 2002

Justice of the Peace Listing Posted 26/5/2006

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE

In almost every large community there is a Justice of the Peace (JP), who is available to offer his/her services to the community, yet, many of us do not quite understand what exactly it is that a JP does.

What are the functions of a JP?

A JP is a person of unquestionable integrity who seeks to promote and protect the rights of the individual and helps to give justice to those persons in a particular community. Additionally, the JP:-

* Serves as a Justice in Petty Sessions Court.

A JP hears and determines complaints brought by citizens and the police against other citizens where the cause of the complaint takes place in the parish in which the Court sits.

* Attends the Juvenile Courts.

The JP assists the judge in dealing with matters affecting juveniles.

* Issues summons

This is done to compel persons to attend court. At other times a JP may have to issue a warrant for the search of premises believed to contain illegal goods or persons. The JP may also issue a warrant for the arrest of any person who – on reasonable grounds – is believed to have committed a criminal offence.

* Considers applications for bail

A JP will do this in respect of persons who have been arrested and are in police custody.

* Attends at police stations

This is done in order to ensure that the proper procedures are followed where arrested persons, who are in police custody, make statements under caution. The JP will also see to it that proper procedures are followed with respect to those persons who are placed in identification parades.

* Explains and signs documents

Persons often seek the help of a JP with regards to wills, transfers, common law titles and other kinds of legal documents;

* Sits on licensing panels

These panels consider and grant applications for licenses at Spirit Licence sessions.

* Gives counsel and advice

A JP is often required to listen to and, where possible, help persons who experience various kinds of problems and seek the advice of a leader in the community.

In order to realize these objectives he/she seeks to demonstrate a commitment to promoting harmony in the community.

A JP must not charge or accept ‘reward’ for any service he/she performs in that office.