Sun | Oct 5, 2025

Mourning the loss of an exemplary jurist

Published:Saturday | October 4, 2025 | 12:06 AM

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am writing to express heartfelt condolences on the passing of Justice Ruth Lawrence. Her tragic and untimely death leaves behind a legal fraternity and a grateful nation in mourning. We have lost not only a judge but an extraordinary woman whose life was defined by fairness, dignity, and public service of the highest order.

Justice Lawrence was more than a figure in the courtroom. She was a pillar of justice whose distinguished career of nearly three decades exemplified the very best values of our judicial system. Her reputation for impeccable integrity, thoughtful reasoning, and compassionate judgement set her apart as a beacon of professionalism and excellence. She earned the admiration of colleagues, attorneys, litigants, and the public alike, not by grandstanding, but through quiet dedication and meticulous attention to justice.

Soft-spoken yet firm, empathetic yet resolute, Justice Lawrence handled every matter before her bench with a sense of balance and fairness that reflected a deep understanding of the law and of people. Her work inspired trust in the justice system and reminded us all that the law must not only be enforced, but interpreted with humanity. She stood as a guardian of rights and a protector of the vulnerable.

The circumstances surrounding her death are as heartbreaking as they are tragic. That such a respected and accomplished jurist may have suffered in silence speaks volumes about the unseen burdens carried by many in public life, particularly those entrusted with the weighty responsibility of dispensing justice. Her passing must serve as a national wake-up call to invest more meaningfully in mental health resources, wellness support, and institutional care for those who serve on the front lines of our justice system.

As we mourn her loss, we must also celebrate her legacy. Justice Ruth Lawrence’s life was one of purpose, professionalism, and profound impact.

May her soul rest in peace, and may her service never be forgotten. Jamaica has lost an outstanding, exceptional, and irreplaceable judge — one who never saw justice through political or social borders, but with clarity, fairness, and compassion. We are forever grateful.

ROBERT DALLEY

opinionwriter300@yahoo.com