From the Courts
March 30, 2012
Know the role of the Judge: Williams

Crown counsel in the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Carl Williams, thinks it’s high time that persons know the role a judge plays in cases that come before the High Court.{{more}}

Addressing the court earlier this week at the close of the Criminal Assizes, Williams said he was approached by many spectators during the assizes, after the jury was sent to deliberate on a case.

“Persons would say, how you feel? you think the judge leaning towards the accused?… My Lord, this is something that needs to be addressed. A judge has a duty in summing up a case; it is not about leaning towards one person or the other…,” Williams pointed out.

The attorney noted that the judge’s role is to highlight the weaknesses in a case.

“This thing of prosecuting is not about winning or losing, it is about fairness in justice. We have to look at this more seriously, so when you get a decision you should not be surprised,” Williams added.(KW)