Another Kraal verdict theory
published: Tuesday | December 27, 2005

THE EDITOR, Sir:

Reading the various articles after the Kraal decision, I dare to suggest another theory for the verdict - jury nullification. Jury nullification is a jury's refusal to render a verdict according to the law, as instructed by the court, regardless of the weight of evidence presented. Instead, a jury bases its judgment on other grounds. Historically, examples include the unjustness of the law, injustice of its application, the race of a party, or the jury's own common sense.

CONVICTING POLICE

I believe that with the current state of crime in Jamaica, juries are unwilling to convict police officers. While the JCF leaves a lot to be desired, they are all we have at the moment. Until the government takes the necessary steps to fight crime - proper training and equipment and pay for the police force - not much is going to change.

Justice is a process, not a result. It appears that the process was followed in this case.

I am, etc.,

GAIRY DAVIS

gairy_davis@hotmail.com

Kingston 6

Via Go-Jamaica