Shortage of jurors irks attorneys

Barbara Gayle, Justice Coordinator

The issue of the chronic shortage of jurors has again been put in the spotlight.

The defence attorney and prosecutor in a murder case in the Home Circuit court today complained that the issue is stalling cases and causing a backlog.

Attorney-at-law, Vincent Wellesley says his client’s case was adjourned to next year because there weren’t enough jurors.

Wellesley represents Stacy Ann Forsythe who is charged with the murder of her child’s father, Leon Lemount, who was killed on April 28, 2010.

Lemount was fatally stabbed during a fight with the woman.

Wellesley says the issue of the shortage of jurors is a political one that must be addressed.

And prosecutor, Sahai Maxwell says the crown, the defence and the judge are ready, but the case had to be put off to a later date because of the issue though it could have been completed in a week.

She says it’s time for policymakers to recognise that jurors are part of the justice system.

barbara.gayle@gleanerjm.com