Defence attorneys to put forward proposed changes to Firearms Act amid mandatory sentencing concerns

Defence attorneys opposed to mandatory minimum sentencing for firearm offences are to work on joint proposals for amendments to the Firearms Act for submission to the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs early next week.

That was one of the outcomes of a meeting held today by Portfolio Minister Delroy Chuck, KC, with representatives of the Jamaican Bar Association (JAMBAR) and the Advocates’ Association of Jamaica amid growing concerns over mandatory sentencing for firearm offences.

Chuck called the meeting after lawyers on Wednesday staged a silent protest at the Supreme Court over provisions of Jamaica’s firearms legislation.