CCJ announces revised arrangements for assignment of judicial panels

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has introduced revised arrangements for assigning judicial panels, aiming to enhance consistency, transparency, and flexibility in judicial work. Effective immediately, all judges of the court will be required to sit on all panels, provided they are not formally excused for a legitimate reason. The CCJ stated these measures support the efficient administration of justice.

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Under the new arrangements, all judges of the court will sit on all panels, subject to a judge being formally excused from sitting for a legitimate reason.

This decision comes amid controversy sparked by a newspaper report alleging "authoritarian" and "dictatorial" leadership by CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson. The report cited accusations of unilaterally imposing a dress code, "panel fixing," and attempts to influence case outcomes. The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission announced it would conduct an independent review of these allegations.

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The arrangements are intended to promote consistency, transparency and flexibility in the allocation of judicial work and to support the efficient administration of justice.

Justice Anderson has vehemently denied the claims, describing them as "wholly untrue." He asserted that the constitution of panels has always been an administrative responsibility of the CCJ president, exercised according to established practice to ensure impartial justice. He rejected any suggestion that panels were altered to secure predetermined outcomes, stating such allegations are unsupported by facts and contrary to the court's principles.

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a transparent and independent review

To resolve the matter, Justice Anderson stated that going forward, every judge will sit on every panel unless they opt out for a legitimate reason and are excused. He emphasized that this practice has always been aimed at ensuring the orderly, efficient, and impartial administration of justice, not influencing proceedings.

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as wholly untrue