Outdated courthouses undermine rule of law

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The recent remarks by the President of the Court of Appeal Marva McDonald-Bishop and the Chief Justice Bryan Sykes regarding the condition of Jamaica’s courthouses should serve as a national wake-up call. Their concerns are not merely administrative complaints; they strike at the heart of justice delivery and the credibility of our legal system.

It is both troubling and unacceptable that in 2026, members of the judiciary are forced to operate in environments that are structurally compromised, technologically outdated, and in some cases, unsafe.

Equally concerning is the lack of urgency in addressing damage caused by natural disasters. If a major hurricane cannot prompt swift and decisive action to repair critical judicial infrastructure, then it raises serious questions about national priorities. Justice delayed is justice denied, and when court facilities are unavailable or dysfunctional, delays become inevitable.

The Chief Justice’s call for greater autonomy over judicial resources is both reasonable and necessary. The current arrangement, where the judiciary must depend heavily on external ministries for essential infrastructure, appears inefficient and unresponsive. A more collaborative but clearly defined system – where buildings are constructed and handed over for judicial management – could significantly improve accountability and maintenance.

Additionally, the issues of security and public order around court premises cannot be ignored. Courts must be secure environments. The presence of unregulated activities in close proximity to these institutions poses risks not only to legal professionals but also to ordinary citizens seeking justice. Addressing these concerns requires coordinated urban planning and enforcement, not indifference. Modernizing Jamaica’s courthouses is not a luxury – it is a necessity. Investment in technology, improved facilities for jurors and witnesses, and resilient infrastructure must be prioritized. Virtual hearings, digital filing systems, and proper maintenance frameworks are no longer optional; they are essential components of a functional justice system in a rapidly evolving world.

Ultimately, the state of our courthouses reflects how seriously we take justice as a nation. If we expect respect for the law, we must first demonstrate respect for the institutions that uphold it. The voices of the Chief Justice and the President of the Court of Appeal should not go unheeded. Their message is clear: reform is overdue, and the time to act is now.

ROBERT DALLEY

robertdalley1r@proton.me