Mr Brown’s ordeal a mirror held up to the cracks in justice system

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Perhaps times have changed, and most police stations today are equipped with cameras so that ordeals like this no longer occur. This incident cannot simply be described as “unfortunate”; it reflects a deep failure of accountability and proper investigation. How could a mere apology repair the psychological and emotional damage done? Not everyone possesses the mental strength to recover from such an encounter, and clearly, Mr Brown has not.

The $1.5 million compensation awarded to him is woefully insufficient. This exposes a troubling flaw within our legal framework and signals the urgent need for amendments to the Crown Proceedings Act and the Criminal Justice (Reform) Act. While historical laws form the foundation of justice, they must never hinder the full measure of compensation and fairness owed to those who have been wronged. Our laws should evolve with the times, reflecting the realities and challenges of the modern era to ensure that justice is not merely symbolic but substantial.

Another disturbing factor is the timeline. The incident occurred in 2016, yet the ruling came nearly nine years later. How is this even possible? This delay raises pressing questions for the minister of justice: Is Jamaica facing a shortage of judges, courtrooms, jurors, or court staff? These may appear to be minor administrative issues, but they have massive consequences for people’s lives. Perhaps the justice system, much like many of our laws, remains trapped in the past, outdated, underfunded, and inefficient.

All arms of government must act not only effectively but efficiently. Digitising the justice system and accelerating legislative reform through the Ministry of Justice should be national priorities. This includes empowering legal reform departments to establish specialised committees responsible for reviewing outdated acts, developing modern policies, and conducting public workshops and awareness campaigns. After all, justice delayed is justice denied.

Equally alarming is the lack of accountability within the Jamaica Constabulary Force. It is unacceptable that officers who are sworn to serve and protect can violate citizens’ rights without meaningful consequences. Was counselling or any form of psychological support ever offered to Mr Brown by the court? Emotional trauma and growing distrust in a system meant to protect the vulnerable are serious and long-lasting wounds.

At no point in our history should such injustices repeat themselves. If all three arms of government – the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary – function as they are intended to, Jamaica can move closer to a justice system that is not just operational, but truly just.

DANIEL BARNES