AGENCIES
DEPARTMENTS
DIVISION & SERVICES
CRIMINAL AND CIVIL JUSTICE UNIT

The Criminal and Civil Justice Administration Unit falls under the Strategic Planning Policy Research Evaluation Division.

The Unit’s Mission is:

To administer and co-ordinate with the relevant authorities to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of policies and operations affecting the Administration of Justice.

Objectives of the Unit:

Ø To formulate, develop and implement policies and systems critical to the Administration of Justice in order to confirm public confidence in the justice system.

Ø To provide the essential linkages and liaison between the Ministry and the various judicial and legal departments.

Ø To ensure compliance with rules and regulations under a designated schedule of legislation for which the Minister has portfolio responsibility.

Ø To ensure the administration and maintenance of the legal framework and ultimate protection of the rights and privileges of the individual citizen through:

·        Liaising with the public and specific interest groups

·        Receiving and processing feedback to inform the policy decisions regarding changes in specific laws

Ø To develop a budgetary framework for the operation of specific departments that falls under the Ministry.

The Unit administers the followings Acts:

  • Bail Act
  • Judicature (Supreme Court) Act
  • Betting Gaming and Lotteries Act
  • Justices of the Peace Jurisdiction Act
  • Commissions of Enquiry Act
  • Jury Act
  • Coroners Act
  • Juveniles Act
  • Criminal Records (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Act
  • Legal Aid Act
  • Criminal Justice (Administration) Act
  • Legal Profession Act
  • Criminal Justice (Reform) Act
  • Maintenance and Affiliation Act
  • Drug Court (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act
  • Marriage Act
  • Estates’ Intestates and Property Charges Act
  • Matrimonial Causes Act
  • Extradition Act
  • Money Laundering Act
  • Fugitive of Offenders Act

  • Mutual Legal Assistance Act

  • Gun Court Act  
  • Notaries Public Act
  • Judiciary Act
  • Spirit Licence Act
  • Judicature (Resident Magistrates) Act
  • Witnesses’ Expenses Act

The Unit also provides administrative support to the following boards:

·        Criminal Records (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Board

·        Justice Training Institute Advisory Board

·        Legal Aid Board

·        Criminal Justice (Administration) Advisory Committee

·        Independent Commission for Judiciary

Contact Information:

Mutual Life Building

2 Oxford Road, Kingston

5, Jamaica

North Tower, 7th Floor

(876) 906 – 4904-24