Home affairs minister backs removal of unsworn statements from criminal trials

Home Affairs Minister Gregory Nicholls has defended legislation that would require accused people who choose to give evidence in criminal trials to do so under oath or affirmation, saying the change would make the justice system fairer.

The attorney-at-law told the House of Assembly on Tuesday that he wholeheartedly supported the Administration of Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which amends the Evidence Act and the Criminal Procedure Act.

“It is trying to equip our courts with a system that is fair, efficient and consistent with modern legal principles,” Nicholls said. “A just outcome based on reliable evidence. That is how this bill has to be measured.”