Magistrates and Criminal Bar express ‘dismay’

By Onika James Thursday, May 28 2009

The Trinidad and Tobago Association of Magistrates, yesterday registered its “dismay” at what it called “the intemperate assertions ascribed to Justice of Appeal Stanley John.”

The statement was in reply to Justice Stanley John’s strong criticisms of Tunapuna Magistrates Anna Ryan, and Jo-Anne Connor.

In a release yesterday, President of the Magistrates Association, Avason Quinlan, said, “ It is especially unfortunate that Court of Appeal Judge Stanley John would make these assertions at all, and more particularly at a time when integrity in public life is under great scrutiny.

“Justice John, by virtue of his experience, and seniority in the judiciary is well aware of the role, and function of the Court of Appeal, which include deliberating, and making fair comment on issues arising out of matters on appeal.

“The Privy Council exercises the similar role, and function over the Court of Appeal. At no time has the Privy Council, the country’s highest appellate court, in overturning decisions given by judges of the Court of Appeal, including Justice of Appeal Stanley John, called for their resignations, or stated that they do not know law, or do not read.

“The statements made by Justice John do not advance the jurisprudence of Trinidad and Tobago or the Commonwealth. In fact, the Association views these statements as an indictment on all magistrates and as tantamount to bringing the Administration of Justice into disrepute.”

Newsday understands that Chief Magistrate Sherman Mc Nicolls has called an emergency meeting for Friday afternoon to discuss the issue. Meanwhile, the Head of the Criminal Bar Association, Desmond Allum, yesterday said he was “dismayed” by the statements of Appeal judge, Justice Stanley John.

In his release Allum said, “the Criminal Bar Association viewed the reported statements of Justice of Appeal John with dismay.

Many criminal practitioners have appeared regularly before Her Worship Ms Connor. She operates her court professionally, efficiently, fairly, and with integrity.

Even if the learned Justice found that she had erred in this particular case, his comment that she should resign was entirely out of order.”

Why the fuck all these fuckin commentators doh talk about the magistrates from Ejenny go right back to asshole Sherman Mc Nicholls suckin Manning cock in every matter.

Some of them are real conts and that is a fact..