Page 2 - Magistrates Conference 2019

AIMS OF COURSE AND TIMETABLE

General Course Objectives

a. Engender better understanding and experience of the gaps in
trust and fairness that currently exist in the administration of
justice in the Caribbean based on deficiencies in this area

actually identified by socio-legal research
b. Strengthen understanding of the legal concepts of equality
and non-discrimination and related concepts and be able to

identify their relevance to their work as judicial officers
c. Create greater awareness of the impediments in accessing

justice commonly faced by groups at higher risk of
discrimination, vulnerability and social exclusion in society
d. Identify specific steps and actions that judicial officers can take

to improve access to justice and secure equality before the law
for vulnerable groups through 'creative' but legitimate legal
interpretation and application of the law.

f. To introduce magistrates to the tools available by use of the
Bench Book.
g. To sensitise magistrates on how to use the Bench Book.

h. To assist magistrates in handling certain difficult areas.
i. To assist magistrates in managing criminal trials in a more

efficient manner.

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