Rooting For Growth with Fiona DaCosta

One down, seven more to go! What am I talking about? Court Attendance of course. Students at the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica have their hands full. Besides working full- time/part-time as some do, they have to keep up with classes, readings, legal aid clinics, extra-curricular activities, simulations, in service training and certainly court attendance. Sounds hectic? While this adventure can be quiet tiresome, truth be told, there are crucial lessons and plenty perks along the way. Read on for insights of the Courtroom as told by a Law Student in Jamaica.

How Did We Get Here? Law Students in Jamaica are required to visit the Courts

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At this level, a lot of practical and procedural emphasis is placed on the students who are preparing to be called to the bar, and by extension, licensed to practice law. As a requirement for fulfilling the program, students are obligated to attend courts of varying levels across the island, observe matters and make written submissions by a stipulated date. Written report done incorrectly? Sorry, try again! A total of eight (8) attendances are necessary.

Law Students in Jamaica Should Be Familiar with the Court Hierarchy and System

A part of this mandatory stipulation is to get students familiar with the hierarchy of the court. As such, they are required to visit Parish Courts, the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. The forum of the Court may be Open Court or in Chambers. The types of matters are also stipulated: Criminal, Civil, Family Matters, Application for Court Orders etc.

With that background, and in order not to bore you any further, here’s how my very first court attendance went. Now serving: Tips and Insights.

The Day (s) Before: Preparing For Court Attendance as a law student in Jamaica

Notably, preparation is key for just about anything. As such, I called the Court Administrator for the parish court I intended to visit to confirm a few things. I confirmed the documents needed (proof that I am duly authorized to visit and hear matters), the time court starts and whether I could be accommodated on the day intended. I got the greenlights!

Choosing the Proper Court Attire as a Law Student in Jamaica

Without a doubt, the average person is expected to dress ‘well’ for court. A Law Student is held to a much higher degree. After all, this is the place where your craft is practiced and the various players of the court are ‘judging’ you right there. To make matters worse, you wouldn’t want the judge embarrassing you. You never know who you may come across when you are duly licensed to practice and certainly, you wouldn’t want those embarrassing moments to be the whispers in the hall.

A staple for court attendance is a black, navy blue or dark grey jacket. I wore a black one. It is expected that the sleeve of your jacket be long enough to touch your wrist. The under blouse/shirt should be a sober colour. I wore black pants after deciding to forego my black skirt… you know, just to be well, well, safe. A comfortable pair of black, closed-toe shoes and I was good to go.

Before leaving, I made sure to have two working black ink pens with me, a legal pad, required documents (memorandum for court attendance issued by the school, Court attendance certificate to be filled and signed etc.). I placed these in a crisp, black folder to secure them neatly and to add a flair of professionality and scholarly tact.

Being Punctual is Imperative for a Law Student in Jamaica

I arrived about one hour before the first sitting of the court. Having spoken to the Court Administrator, things were all clear. A few minutes before 10:00 A.M. I was escorted to the one of the Courtrooms and placed under the kind tutelage of the Deputy Clerk of Court.

All Rise: Learning From the Inside as a Law Student in Jamaica

At 10:00am, the judge walked in and like clock work, those inside stood. I followed suit. A few, quick seconds later, I heard my name. The Clerk introduced me to the judge and asked that I be permitted to sit at her bench to observe the proceedings. Permission granted. I nodded and smiled. That was a relief. Now, its all good.

A Wealth of Knowledge from Police Officers and Court Staff/Administrators can be garnered by a Law Student in Jamaica

From procedure to practice, there is so much that a student can learn if he/she applies his/herself and communicate with the people on the ground.

I saw how indispensable the role of Clerk of Court is and the function of police officers in the courtroom.

At one point though, I thought to myself, how mundane it must become overtime, for a police officer to be saying: “Please take this Bible in your right hand and repeat after me, I swear, by the Almighty God, that the evidence I shall give to this Court, shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth…” each time a witness enters the witness box. Ha Ha… it seemed to just roll off like ABC. I wish to remember my notes like that for exams!

Hearing Legal terms from My Studies and Feeling “Bright” as a Law Student in Jamaica

A lot of what I saw was procedural. It was an eye opening experience. Seeing the discipline and sensibilities at play in the room. Notwithstanding, there were insights from the judge on legal matters which brought me back to studies in the classroom.

For example, there was a particular matter involving a landlord and tenant (s). Seemingly the landlord has been seeking to evict the tenants for sometime now but they have not vacated the premises. They begged for more time, but it seemed so much had already been extended. Immediately my mind thought of a Notice to Quit. Clearly, the date stipulated on their notice had long expired.

Similarly, a matter in which the defendant chopped the plaintiff, reminded me of the Offences Against the Persons Act. This personal injury case happened about a year ago, but it seemed as though the defendant had not paid up the judgement debt. The judge seemed annoyed. Perhaps out of frustration that a 26 year old defendant, mother to three (3) children ages 9 years, 6 years and 7 months, not employed, relying on spouse overseas for funds, chopped a 50+ year old woman almost a year now, and haven’t paid up.

Some things we hear and see. As much as the situation of the defendant is one of pity and socio-cultural underpinnings, justice needed to be served. The plaintiff was injured. Chopped. Endured pain and suffering. The mother of three was ordered to be locked up for 30 days until payments made.

Courthouse. Quite an emotionally riddled place as well. Bwoi I tell you, never have I heard so much people business one time in my life. In just that one sitting. 10:00 A.m. to 11:00 A.M.

That went by Quickly…

Before long, Court was adjourned. Plenty matters were set for new dates, stood down and struck out. Several parties didn’t show up either. A large amount of what I heard in this particular sitting though, was people wanting what is owed to them from the previous judgement. Someone que: * better Have My Money (pay me What You Owe me) by Rihanna.

Now, I’ll Need to Review the Standards for Writing the Court Report

Of all the cases I heard, one stood out. I’ll base my report on that one. More on this journey through Law School next time… I have a class to attend soon and notes to revise.

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