House approves amendments to Jury Act

The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved amendments to the Jury (Amendment) (No. 2) Act, to strengthen measures to address jury tampering and safeguard the administration of justice.

Closing the debate, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Delroy Chuck said the legislation had undergone extensive consultation and was necessary to address situations in which jury tampering threatens the fairness and continuation of criminal trials. He urged members to support the bill, noting that delays in its passage could leave the justice system unable to respond effectively when such incidents arise during ongoing proceedings.

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Chuck announced that a joint select committee would be established to undertake a comprehensive review of the Jury Act. He said that, at the next sitting of the House, he would ask the leader of government business and the leader of opposition business to nominate members to serve on the committee, which would examine the legislation and identify areas for improvement.