Renee Sewell        

October 12, 2023

New bail act protects witnesses


Witness intimidation has plagued the Jamaican legal system for quite some time. Last Friday, the Revised Bail Act was approved to protect witnesses.

 

 After a four-hour-long debate, the 23-year-old bail act was made redundant. This has come into effect with the approval of the Bail Act of 2023 which contained 20 amendments. The Bail Act of 2023 will permit a grant of bail at three stages pre-charge, post-charge, and in certain cases post-conviction.

 

 Furthermore, Johnson-Smith, the spear header of the joint select committee, stated that Jamaican Citizens want a system that truly protects them. Alleviating fears of retaliation by criminals who she described as “intimidatory, extortionate, and murderous” while out on bail for incriminating evidence they may have.

 

Additionally, Johnson-Smith stated that the new act represents the overhaul of the previous legislation. The Bail Act of 2023 was passed earlier this year in the Lower House on July 25.

 

 

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