New president urges lay magistrates to hold the line on fairness

With a call for unity, reform and renewed community engagement, Paulette Kirkland has taken leadership of the Lay Magistrates’ Association of Jamaica (LMAJ), pledging to guide the body into what she calls its next phase of service.

Only the second woman to hold the post – following Dr Clover Thompson Gordon’s tenure from 1996 to 2000 – Kirkland was installed as president at the association’s annual general meeting on January 17. She now begins her 2025–2026 term at the helm of an organisation that has supported Jamaica’s justice system for more than four decades.

Describing the LMAJ as a “noble organisation”, she thanked members for entrusting her with the role and acknowledged past presidents whose work shaped its legacy. She reminded members that the role of JPs and lay magistrates is critical, their impact visible in the child who receives timely protection and the “family that finds resolution, instead of conflict”.

She delivered these remarks at the half-yearly meeting of the Manchester chapter on January 22, telling members: “As lay magistrates, you stand at the intersection of law and community. Your decision shapes lives, your presence strengthens institutions, and your integrity builds confidence.”

Stressing that “justice delayed is justice denied” is no empty slogan, she said it reflects the lived reality of families, victims and communities waiting for closure.

The justice system, she argued, cannot function at its best without the full engagement of every lay magistrate and every JP. That means “committing to preparation and punctuality, so that trial dates are honoured, and communities experience timely justice”. Whether in district court or a child diversion session, she said, “it is best that we prepare ourselves and be there in a timely manner. This is about efficiency and focus, ensuring that each sitting is productive and purposeful”.

She urged members to work closely with clerks of court to ensure cases are properly brought up, and to engage the police so that files are complete and the “investigating officer’s report is there”. Continuous training and education, she added, are essential, as is “ethical leadership, upholding fairness, impartiality and integrity in every decision”.

Strengthen public engagement

Kirkland also outlined measures to strengthen public engagement, including increased media outreach, better use of digital platforms, and quarterly educational fora. She reported that the LMAJ has been invited to continue its work on diversion programmes for children in conflict with the law – an area in which the association has previously played a supporting role.

Reaffirming the organisation’s mission, she said the LMAJ remains committed to high standards of professionalism and service. “We do not want to walk fast, but we intend to walk far by walking together,” she said.

Lay Magistrates, who are also JPs, are trained volunteers who play a critical role in the judicial system by presiding over Petty Sessions Courts, helping to clear case backlogs at the parish level, and providing community services.They are non-partisan, unpaid, and work to uphold the law while serving their communities.

They are integral to the justice system, particularly in the lower-tier courts, where at least two JPs are required to constitute a court.

They also sign documents and support community development.

The LMAJ is a non-profit organisation for JPs and lay magistrates, focused on promoting justice, community service, and social harmony in Jamaica through mediation, dispute resolution, and child diversion programmes, working to uphold ethical standards and support communities.